Club Fitting

Club fitting seems like an awfully complicated process--how are mere mortals supposed to know how to put the different parts of a club together to make it perform well? Do it yourself club construction can lead to some nightmarish results if you don't know what you're doing. Luckily, getting a handle on the factors that lead to well-made clubs is not very difficult at all, leaving anyone with an interest free to pursue their dreams of a custom-made set.

The first piece of equipment to take into account is the shaft, specifically its flex and length. The flex of a shaft will determine in large part where the ball goes. If the shaft is too flexible you're more likely to hook or slice the ball due to reduced control; too stiff and you'll have a hard time getting the ball to go far enough, which can lead to a lot of balls going right. Control is the name of the game in golf, and getting a shaft of the right flex can accentuate your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses on the course.

Club Fitting: Length and Head

The length of the shaft also plays an important role in club fitting, as the length of the club will affect your swing. You'll want to find a length that works well with your natural swing path to avoid having to compensate too much. Once you've found a suitable shaft for your game, it's on to the club head.

The loft and lie angle of the club head dictate, at least in part, the distance, height and spin your swing will impart on a ball. While all of this might seem like a lot of information to digest at once, there are lots of online resources that provide detailed instructions, facts and figures to speed you on your way. Once you have the basics of club fitting down, you'll be ready to pick out the club components that, when assembled, will be great for your unique game!