Handicap # or goal before getting fitted?

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By BBriley

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  • 10 Replies
  1. BBriley

    BBriley
    Palm Coast, FL

    First Post: I am curious, have you been fitted for clubs? If so what was your handicap when you got fitted for irons, driver, etc.? Did you have a target or goal you wanted to reach before you got fitted?

    I have been playing for a little over a year and have been hitting a used set of clubs (All Titleist - SM6 wedges, 714 AP1 Irons 5-PW, 913 Hybrids, fairway wood and Driver. I have one new club in the bag a Scotty Cameron 5.5. My current handicap is 18 and improving every round. I hit a friends T-series irons for a round last weekend (mixed bag - T200s and T400s) with great results and loved the feel! This has prompted the question…am I ready to start upgrading?

    Thanks, BB

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  2. Barry M

    Barry M
    Reno, NV

    If you're posting on this site, and asking us if you're ready to upgrade, then yes you are ready. Handicap should not be a determining factor on getting fit. It's whether you are dedicated to the game. A fitting will ensure that the clubs are best suited for the game you are capable of, and it can be an eye opener on how much the right clubs for your ability will improve your game. If you make the decision to get fit, see if you can find a true Titleist fitter with a full selection of options, and preferably an outdoor fitting. Go into it with your normal swing and let the fitter do his thing, and you will be pleasantly surprised.
  3. I've been playing for 30 years, started at age 13. I've owned 3 sets of clubs all fitted. It's not about handicap, it's about being able to better enjoy the game and improve consistency. In the long run it is actually cheaper to buy better fitted clubs. They will last you longer, and you'll play more because of your enjoyment and successes.
  4. Craig D

    Craig D
    Canton, OH

    Yes, I have been fitted every time I consider new clubs or upgrade. My first fitting dates back to high school and at that point, had been playing since I was 6, and am now 54. Fitting properly will do nothing but help you.
  5. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    I would say you are ready. Even if you continue to improve, you have been at it long enough to make sure you are playing with clubs that suit you. In a few years you might transition into something else but by then, new stuff will be out that will make you want to upgrade anyway. Welcome to the forum and hope you continue to enjoy this great game for years to come.
  6. Cowger3

    Cowger3
    Lake tapps, WA

    Yes you are ready. Your game will improve with you fitting and then you handicap will also improve. You will continue to improve you game and your fitting will change over time as your swing will. It's a awesome experience getting a fitting and enjoy it. Don't worry too much about the numbers and trying to change your swing. Try going into the fitting swinging like you do on the course and they will get you the combination that fits best with your swing. Enjoy!!
  7. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    A higher handicap is a reason to get fit. I’m 72 and LH, so nothing in my bag is stock, other than a Scotty 7.5. If a club forces you to adjust to it, then that could cost you some strokes.
    With all the options for club heads and shafts, the chances of getting the right combination in the used bin are not great.
  8. Military
    Fitting can help golfers at all levels. Not sure I’d recommend it to someone who’s never played simply on the grounds the game may not stick for them. However, if you’ve been playing for a year and are here asking for advice you’re absolutely in a spot to be fit, regardless of handicap.

    If nothing else it’s a great golf experience. Far beyond getting clubs that better suit your swing/game, it’s fun. Seeing how different sole widths give you different turf interaction. Loft and lie adjustments changing ball flight and strike pattern. Shaft length, weight, flex, etc changing launch characteristics, spin and dispersion. It’s an experience that let’s you geek out as much or little as you’d like to dial in your clubs.

    A few tips I’d give to someone going in for their first fitting are;

    1. Do some homework. Have an idea of the clubs you’d like to test. From your preferred look (top line, offset, heel-toe length, etc) to price point, have an idea of where you’d at least like to start. With the immense amount of options out there now there’s simply not enough swings in the tank to go in completely blind.

    2. Have an open mind. Even though you’ve done your homework and have an idea of where you’d like to go in the process, the fitter is the expert. If you go to a good qualified fitter they’ll hear things in the “interview” process and see things in your swing and numbers that will steer them in a specific direction that will likely be outside of the things you’ve said you’d like to test. Remember, they’re the expert here, but also don’t let them sell you something that doesn’t fit your eye/wants/needs.

    3. Use ‘your’ ball in the fitting. If you’ve never been for a ball fitting that’s probably the best place to start the fitting process. If you know you’re a Pro V1x guy, use that in the fitting. There’s not a fitter in the world who won’t be willing to throw a few of whatever ball you play down for the fitting process. Doesn’t do much good to get the flight window and spin rates you want using a Velocity if that’s not what you’ll have on course.

    4. Ask questions, a lot of them. Fire away with any and every question that comes to mind. If you’ve never been fit you’ll probably have dozens and dozens questions you might not want to ask for a variety of reasons, but ask them, all of them. A good fitter will love the interaction and interest you’re showing, and it will help them in the process as much as it helps you.

    5. Lastly, have fun. At the end of the day most golfers play for recreation. Don’t forget that in the fitting process. Enjoy the experience and play around a bit. It’s not often we can say things like, “Oh yeah, going a degree flat really helps, but what happens if we go 2 degrees upright?” Hit things outside of your comfort zone. If T200s are the clear winner, why not take a few swings with 620 MBs? If a 7w gives you what fits best for the wind/green conditions and play style needs over a hybrid where you play most, why not hammer away on a utility iron for a couple shots? Fittings are a great time to enjoy the wide range of golf equipment and experiment with your own comfort zone.
  9. Gwood

    Gwood
    Santa Barbara

    I was an off the rack guy forever until I finally got fit, at a Titleist Thursday at my course. It was eye opening. I started with the driver and was stoked on the consistency is gave me. My handicap at the time was an 8. A few years later I got fit for irons. I was playing miz for about 10 years and went in with open eyes to any mfg. came out with the Titleist 718 AP2. So glad I got fit. Handicap got down to a 6 and now hovering right at 7.

    Personal opinion, get fit for the longevity of your game and the clubs. They will feel like yours and you won’t want to upgrade so soon to the next shiny object.
  10. Steve

    Steve
    Carlsbad, CA

    Fitting is an important part of club selection. I suggest going when your game/swing is fairly settled and you are not in the middle of some swing changes. For me the key issues are getting the right shaft flex, grip size, and club weighting where it feels right. Getting those items right while watching the track man numbers and making sure the ball flight and spin is good for each club. I'm getting older and the ego can get in my way so I think I need a stiffer shaft than what the fitter/numbers tell me so even though its a humbling experience its important to keep an open mind and let the fitter and the data help drive your decision. Good luck!
  11. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    I'm a huge proponent of getting fit. The key is to get a proper fitting and the truth is some places are better than others. I'm fortunate that there is a reputable golf shop in my area that is knowledgeable and well known. There are many brands out there and I would recommend helping your fitter by selecting a brand(s) that looks good to your eye; you want a club that will give you confidence when you set it up at address. If you present your fitter with a more narrow selection, this should make your time with the fitter more productive and efficient, IMO.

    Good luck and welcome to the group!

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