Custom Fitting

Question
When I go to a golf store, Pro Shop or the Internet to buy clubs, how are they built? I require and extra 1+" of shaft length. Do they just add "extensions" to a regular set or do they use a new longer shaft. Are the extensions subject to breaking? Are they added to the head or butt end of the shaft? Do they affect the "balance" of the club? I am considering a new set of custom fit clubs, so any tips or advice would be helpful. Especially at the chain stores, I sometimes feel that I am being steered to the most expensive clubs rather than what is the best for my game. Thanks.
George  

Answer
George,


To start with, yes, some club dealers will recommend selling a set of clubs out of their inventory by adding extensions to the butt end of the shafts.  Years ago they were made out of wood, now they're made out of plastics or steel.  Steel would always be less likely to break, but I'm not a big fan of extending shafts this way. Extending a set of stock clubs can alter the swing weight, flex, kick point, torque, and lie angle.  If you're looking at getting fit and spending the money on custom fit clubs, then you should order the clubs to your specifications and let them use longer shafts.  A few years ago I was a certified fitter for Ping.  Their system takes a number of measurements, has you hit balls off of a lie board, and can probably get you the closest thing to an exact "custom made" set of clubs for you.  This "custom fit" system has been their bread and butter for years.  They've been custom fitting clubs for decades now.  I'm out of the golf business entirely now and have been for nearly 10 years, so I have no reason to recommend one brand over the other, other than I feel like I personally had a lot of satisfied customers that I fit for Ping products.

If you're not sure where to buy, start with a chain that only sells golf equipment.  You don't go to a Chinese restaurant for a world class cheeseburger, do you?

Good Luck,

John