Question about getting fitted

[tws1098]

I am not sure if it is my age or what, but I always feel like I am being brushed off when I go into a pro shop wanting to demo clubs. I realize there are people out there that just like to play with the clubs, but I would be very serious about buying a set of irons if someone would give me a few minutes of their time.

Would it be a good idea to go for a lesson and have my instructor go through a fitting with me (since they typically work somewhere that sells clubs)? Or do I need to just find the right shop to buy from? It is a little frustrating because I know enough about what I want and what I need, but i could use a little help bringing them together.

[KDub]

I would sure express your concerns to the manager of the golf shop; if he wants your business surely they will help you. If not, shop around because clubs aren’t cheap so spend your money where the service is, only my opinion.

[tws1098]

I would sure express your concerns to the manager of the golf shop;

This was my thought as well. It has just amazed me at this one particular place. In fact I just called to find out what they had in used and the guy told me he was busy and I should just come in...which isn't a ridiculous request, except that he hung up right after saying that haha. I would go elsewhere, but there are not a lot of options around me for used clubs that you can demo on the range.

[James_Black]

This was my thought as well. It has just amazed me at this one particular place. In fact I just called to find out what they had in used and the guy told me he was busy and I should just come in...which isn't a ridiculous request, except that he hung up right after saying that haha. I would go elsewhere, but there are not a lot of options around me for used clubs that you can demo on the range.

did you talk to him at the store?

Maybe he really was busy and there was a line of people waiting to talk to him and that's why he put the phone down so fast. Ring him another time or just go into the store and have a chat with him, No need to take things personal until you're sure they are.

[KDub]

tws1908.

I would agree with James_Black on this one, they could have been short handed at the time you called. Now if your there in person and they treat you in the matter as you talked about I would definitely be looking for another golf shop.

did you talk to him at the store?

[montru]

I had very similar issues trying to get a "propper" golf fitting, someone that was not totally sales driven etc. Every time I went into somewhere like Golf USA or even the PGA Superstore in AZ, I was met with someone just trying to make a sale, and not interested in what clubs I was hitting at the moment or anything.
I eventually found a guy who was local to me (about 20 miles) who was willing to look at the numbers I was getting with my old Cobra's and then suggested a different shaft, he put together a 6i using his quick fit shaft system and wow what difference, I was given several options, either buy a complete set of clubs from him all custom made, have the Cobra heads put on the new shafts and the final option I went with was that I had some Taylormade r7's laying in the garage that I just could not hit, he put one of his shafts on the r7 6 iron to try it out and that was it, I was amazed at the difference, so I got my r7's re shafted and now I have the Cobra's laying in the garage lol, so if anyone wants to make me an offer PM me.

My handiacap has dropped 3.5 since getting the new clubs, about three months ago.

[TourSpoon]

I can remember when golf was booming about 15 years ago when people in golf shops had a bit of an attitude. I have been in several lately and can see the difference as they are realizing that they need you more than you need them. It's all about customer service and the shops with the guys that let you come in, demo, bs a little, know that you might back to them if they treat you right and give you a good deal, and they know that you will never buy something if they treat you like dirt.

I have a guy who fit me who has an independent club repair shop with a lot of used equipment. I have known him for about 18 years as he took over his dad's business and he is close to scratch. He happens to do a lot of work for the local green grass shops and always has a chair for you to come in and sit down. More often than not he has someone in his cage hitting from the lie board. I just went in yesterday to check my lofts and he insisted that we do the lies as well. It was all on the money and I paid him for his time (less than you think as I am a frequent flier). When it comes to shafts, bending clubs, etc there is no one else that I trust except myself, but I haven't had access to a loft machine for about 12 years. Now you know when I need something who I am going to go to and who I tell my friends to go to.

Anyway, keep looking until you find someone who is genuine in helping you become the best golfer you can be and then reward them with your loyalty.

[tws1098]

tws1908.

I know what you are saying, but they act like that every time you call or go into the pro shop. Like I said, I would just go elsewhere, but there is not much around here. So I believe I am going to call and eventually drive up to the Poconos and buy from the great guy I spoke with while I went to school up there. It is more expensive than buying online for sure, but at least I will know I am getting what I should and giving business to a well run shop. In the end it may just cost me a tank or two of gas.

[Shindig]

I know what you are saying, but they act like that every time you call or go into the pro shop. Like I said, I would just go elsewhere, but there is not much around here. So I believe I am going to call and eventually drive up to the Poconos and buy from the great guy I spoke with while I went to school up there. It is more expensive than buying online for sure, but at least I will know I am getting what I should and giving business to a well run shop. In the end it may just cost me a tank or two of gas.

Another thing: most companies will fit you for free at demo days, if you're interested in getting their clubs. I know the three you mentioned in your other thread (Mizuno, Titleist, and Nike) all do this. Once that happens, you can tell the guy you want to buy from what your specs are; he can place the order and then it's just a matter of going there and picking them up once they're in.

[tws1098]

Another thing: most companies will fit you for free at demo days, if you're interested in getting their clubs. I know the three you mentioned in your other thread (Mizuno, Titleist, and Nike) all do this. Once that happens, you can tell the guy you want to buy from what your specs are; he can place the order and then it's just a matter of going there and picking them up once they're in.

Yeah, what stinks is that most of our demo days were in May before I was home from finishing up student teaching. I figure I will give him a call, set-up a lesson and then get fitted. This way he has seen my swing and can help advise me on what would benefit my game.

[Cornbread]

I would sure express your concerns to the manager of the golf shop; if he wants your business surely they will help you. .

He stated visiting PRO Shops, not Golf SHops. There is a great deal of difference in the level of customers service between the two.

[trickymicky69]

My last experience with Taylormade -

"Your swing speed is 109 mph so I would recommend a stiff shaft"

Then he gave me another club.

"thats much better look at the figures"

I then looked at the club, he had given me the same regular club back as they all look the same.

I will never buy anything from them again.

Mizuno on the other hand were very good.

I would much prefer hitting off grass though, not a mat or lie board