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how to get fit for a golf driver

by Elmira Smitham Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Briand’s recommendation is to use your current driver shaft as a baseline. If your shots tend to be low and with little spin, try a slightly softer flex. If your shots are ballooning, try a stiffer flex. If you’re caught between two flexes, you can “tip” a softer flex to make it stiffer in the tip section.

Part of a video titled Why You Should Get Fitted for a Driver - YouTube
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Having the correct length will help you achieve consistent. Contact which will lead to more distanceMoreHaving the correct length will help you achieve consistent. Contact which will lead to more distance. To get the best directional control. And weight to optimize the balance of your driver.

Full Answer

How do you find the best fit for Your Driver?

This precise data is then used to find the best fit for your driver. Length is fit to optimize the best combination of consistency and distance. The best loft choice is determined to maximize launch angle and spin – key ingredients to optimizing distance. Shaft flex and type are determined to optimize trajectory, distance and feel.

How important are driver fittings in golf?

More times than not, a fitting focuses too much on comparing the BEST shot with one driver to the BEST shot with another. This is incomplete, at best, and in many cases will add strokes to your game rather than eliminate them. The table below compares two of the best single drives during a fitting for two different drivers.

Can you fit a golfer into the right shafts online?

Fitting a golfer into the exact right shaft for them over the internet is a tall, if not impossible, task. All driver swings are different, and there are so many options on the current market.

How do you fit a driver to your game?

Weight and aerodynamics also play an important role in optimizing a driver to your game. Our certified fitters take these factors into account when fitting you for your driver, turning you into a fairway-finding machine. Clubhead speed is a product of good swing tempo, balance, shaft weight, flex, aerodynamics and weight distribution.

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How do I fit myself for a golf driver?

1:415:22Custom Fit Correct Length For Your Driver To Improve Strike - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown the grip that's all essentially making the club a little bit shorter.MoreDown the grip that's all essentially making the club a little bit shorter.

Do you need to get fit for a driver?

A proper driver fitting should lead to a noticeable change in the playability, feel and overall performance of the club. And, to dispel one common misconception, a golf club fitting isn't just for advanced players.

Should a beginner get fitted for a driver?

Getting fitted as a beginner can help build positive swing habits on the golf course. Having the correctly customized clubs can prevent problems like hooking the ball, slicing the ball, or hitting it thin or fat.

How much does it cost to get fitted for a driver?

On average it costs between $250 and $600 to get a full bag of golf clubs fitted. Driver only fittings typically cost from $50 to $175 as do 'irons' fittings. Wood/Hybrid and wedge custom fittings can be cheaper at $40 to $150 but golf club fitters will often 'refund' fitting costs if you buy clubs afterwards.

Is it worth being fitted for a golf driver?

And the answer is absolutely yes, it's worth getting fit for clubs you already have. Especially if you're 5-foot-5, since a stock set of clubs isn't likely to have the proper lie angle for you.

What are the most forgiving drivers?

Ping G425 Max (Most Forgiving Top Choice) ... Callaway Rogue ST Max (Close Second Most Forgiving Top Choice) ... Cleveland Launcher XL (Best for High Handicappers and Beginner Players & Budget-Friendly) ... Mizuno ST-Z 220 (For Better Players Seeking Some Forgiveness) ... Titleist TSi1 (Best for Seniors / Slower Swing Speed)More items...•

How should my golf clubs fit my height?

Using the ratio of every 6" of height there should be a 1" change in length then there should be a 1 ½" difference between their 5-irons. For example, recommend 36.5" for the lady and 38" for the man (or 36.75" / 38.25").

How long should I play golf before getting fitted?

When should you be looking at a new driver, especially if you were fit by an expert for your current one? “I believe you get fit when you feel like you are not getting the most out of your equipment,” Sherburne said. “If that's a year, then yes, get fit, but more likely it's going to be every three or five years.

Should a high handicapper get fitted?

Whether you're a high handicapper looking to hit more consistent shots, or whether you're a tour player looking to refine and build confidence, fitting is measurably beneficial.

How far does average golfer hit driver?

219 yardsThe average driving distance across all ages of golfers is 219 yards. Golfers under the age of 30 typically hit the ball the longest (238 yards) and distance declines by around 10 yards every ten years.

How long do golf drivers last?

3 to 5 yearsKeep in mind that 3 to 5 years of use is a general guideline and differs for all golfers. If you play 30 to 40 rounds per year then based on normal wear and tear you should consider getting a new driver every 5 years. If you play less than that, then you could wait for 5 to 7 years.

How far should you hit a 7 iron?

Average 7 Iron Distances are following: Beginning golfers- 100 yards (men) or 60 yards (women) Intermediate golfers- 135 yards (men) and 75 yards (women) Advanced golfers- 165 yards (men) or 140 yards (women) PGA Tour Players- 185 yards (men) or 160 yards (women)

What does it mean to be physically fit to drive?

Being fit to drive is a legal requirement It is your responsibility to drive in a manner that does not endanger human life. This includes making sure that you yourself are physically and mentally well enough to operate a vehicle safely and abstaining from driving if this is not the case.

When should I get fitted?

Regular golfers should get fitted for clubs every 5 years. Wedges & forged irons need checked every 2 years due to extra wear & tear but fitted putters last a lifetime. Drivers are worth checking with fitters every 5 years for better options but gains vs. costs need to be assessed at each fitting.

How do you fit a driver shaft?

9:5610:59Golf Club Fitting: Picking The Correct Shaft Flex - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor some players they need something a little stiffer. In order to controlling. Their downswing. AndMoreFor some players they need something a little stiffer. In order to controlling. Their downswing. And make consistent. Contact so it's really finding a shaft. Once you find that perfect head.

What loft should my driver be?

The ideal driver loft depends on your swing speed and the attack angle. Average players that swing the club less than 95 MPH will likely find that a 10.5-degree driver performs the best. Better players who can control their drives and want the most distance will lean more towards a 9-degree driver.

What shafts do you use for a swing?

In general, people with faster swings prefer stiff shafts on their woods and iron shafts on the irons. People with slower swings are more likely to prefer flex shafts on the woods and graphite shafts on the irons.

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How fast can you swing at home?

It'll be difficult to do at home. In general, though, most amateurs fall somewhere in the neighborhood of 80–85 mile (129–137 km)-per-hour swings.

How to measure for golf clubs?

To find the right size clubs for your body, use recent height measurement to determine the proper angle for your clubs. It usually helps to have another person measure, so you get the most accurate measurements possible.#N#Measure your basic height from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Stand up as straight as possible to get the measurement. You don't need to be in your swing stance.

What to do if you have a handicap?

If you're not sure of your handicap, a basic description of your skill level can go a long way in helping the fitter match you with the right kinds of clubs that will help improve your game.

What does low torque mean on a shaft?

5. Torque. A low torque measurement means that a shaft has greater resistance to twisting, while a high torque measurement means it will twist more easily.

Why do golfers buy shafts?

The problem is that buying a shaft because someone else uses it is like buying a size 44-long jacket because that’s what Tiger wears. It can be counterproductive to your game to purchase a shaft that isn’t right for you.

What shafts do you need for a slow swing?

Slow swing speeds will generally require softer-flex shafts, while high swing speeds need stiffer shafts; due to variations in swing patterns, however, swing speed is only one portion of finding the right shaft. Briand’s recommendation is to use your current driver shaft as a baseline.

What happens if you have a longer shaft?

As Briand says, a longer shaft will cause a less consistent strike on the face, and the golfer will tend to hit the ball closer to the heel. A shorter shaft, on the other hand, will cause a more consistent strike pattern, but impact location will tend to be on the toe. A golfer’s physical size, arm length, swing speed, consistency, ...

What happens if your driver shaft is too stiff?

Generally speaking, a driver shaft that’s too stiff will cause shots to launch too low, with too little spin and low peak heights. A shaft that’s too weak, on the other hand, may cause shots to spin too much, fly too high, and widen dispersion patterns.

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How many inches is Rickie Fowler's shaft?

A look at Rickie Fowler's fairway wood shaft, which measures 42 inches with 0.5 inches of tipping.

What is loft in golf?

Loft is the angle of the clubface relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the ground. Loft has considerable influence on the launch angle and spin rate of a golf ball, although other factors such as shaft type and model also influence launch conditions. PING drivers are offered with different lofts to fit players of varying swing speeds, swing tendencies and ball-flight preferences.

How does length affect golf?

Altering the length of a driver can have a significant effect on performance. As length is evaluated, keep in mind the trade-offs in performance that can govern changes in driver length. Table 2 displays how altering length while maintaining a constant swingweight can affect performance. For example, for a 1-inch increase in length, the carry distance increases an average of 4 yards. As a general rule, an increase in length can increase distance, but will usually lead to a significant decrease in accuracy. There is also a point with most players where increasing length will lead to shorter distances due to poorer contact, though this point is highly dependent on the player.

What is the average driver length for a ping pro?

For PING pros on the PGA and European tours, driver lengths range from 44.25″ to 46″, with an average of 45.25″. On the LPGA Tour, lengths range from 44.5″ to 48″, with an average of 45.25″.

How does swingweight affect performance?

As with irons, overall swingweight can affect performance by influencing the way a club is delivered. In general, heavier swingweights and total weights tend to fight a miss to the left, while lighter clubs tend to fight a miss to the right. Most equipment manufacturers have dialed in swingweights for their drivers that provide the best performance for the overall population, but weight and balance should be part of the fitting discussion.

How does shaft fitting affect golf?

Players have a vast array of choices when it comes to shaft fitting. Various combinations of weight, flex, and torque can affect the way a shaft feels and performs. Ultimately these shaft properties can not only have a big effect on how a driver feels as it is swung and as it impacts the ball, but also can influence the trajectory that can be achieved with a given model.

Why is tee height important?

Tee height is important to optimizing trajectory and distance with the driver. When teed too low, the ball typically launches lower with excessive spin. When teed too high, the ball may impact high on the face, leading to a higher launch angle than desired with insufficient spin. Hitting too high or low can also significantly affect ball speed. Typically, an average tee height that places the equator of the ball even with the top edge of the driver face works best for most. Particularly in an indoor environment, it is important to ensure that one can adjust tee height and achieve a sufficient tee height during a fitting. If you are not comfortable with the tee height during the fitting, be sure to discuss this with your fitter.

What is a driver golf club?

The driver is typically one of the most fitted and often replaced clubs, and is usually the most-expensive club in one’s bag. A properly fit driver can have a dramatic effect on distance, accuracy, consistency and confidence; maximizing the opportunity for optimal results. When looking at driver fitting many principles from an iron fitting carry over, but there are some unique aspects to the driver (e.g. some elements of adjustability).

What is clubhead speed?

Clubhead speed is a product of good swing tempo, balance, shaft weight, flex, aerodynamics and weight distribution. More clubhead speed means higher ball speeds, and that means longer drives. We match the driver to your swing and find extra ticks of clubhead speed for those coveted extra few yards.

Why do you need a higher spin rate?

Spin Rate. Spin rate can help maximize your distance, ensuring the ball flies far. Players with a lower clubhead speed need a higher spin rate to keep the ball in the air, while those with a higher clubhead speed need a lower spin rate to launch the ball properly and send it screaming through the air.

What is driver fitting?

It involves the customization of all the major aspects of a driver that can affect the playability, feel and overall performance of the club. Our trusted advisors use industry-leading TrackMan* technology to elevate your game. TrackMan utilizes groundbreaking dual radar systems to analyze every aspect of your swing. This precise data is then used to find the best fit for your driver.

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How does dispersion affect golf?

Dispersion tells us how tight the groupings are. If a player hits the ball on average 15 yds left of the target line, but does it consistently and repeatedly, then that player will have a smaller dispersion pattern. The smaller the dispersion pattern, the easier it is to play and correct for tendencies. So the player who misses the target line 15yds to the left consistently can compensate by aiming 15 yds to the right and still be a very good driver of the golf ball. We also wanted to see what kind of impact length had on the dispersion pattern.

What are the three variables that determine driver performance?

Driver performance is based on three main variables: (1) Distance, (2) Accuracy/ Dispersion from the intended target , and (3) Face Impact . The goal of a driver is to consistently hit the ball as far as possible and at the intended target. This is how we determined the effectiveness of the two different length drivers.

What is the Smash Factor rating?

To go a little further into detail, this is an efficiency rating that divides ball speed by club head speed. The ball cannot leave the face faster than 1.5 times the speed that the club head is traveling. Therefore a perfect Smash Factor rating is 1.50. The closer this number is to 1.50, the more efficient the ball is rebounding off of the face. The Smash Factor helps us determine how closely the ball is hit to the sweet spot, and how efficient a player’s swing is. For reference, the PGA tour averages between a 1.48 and 1.49 Smash Factor reading. So how did the longer driver with an average club head speed increase of 1mph translate to ball speed? For the entire group of testers, we only saw an increase of .9mph ball speed.

Why fit a 43" driver?

One example is from a guy I fit not too long ago. The player was a strong guy, about a 15 handicap with some consistency issues. Anything longer than 43” resulted in erratic impact all over the face, with erratic ball flight to match. As soon as he had a 43” heavy, stiff driver in his hands, the contact on the face became much more consistent so did his ball flight. His launch conditions (speed, launch angle, spin rate, spin axis, etc…) improved dramatically as well. His club head speed (which is the reason that a person would go to a longer driver) was exactly the same as a 45.5” driver. Despite losing 2.5” of length, the speed was identical. This is a common occurrence during fittings on the TrackMan machine.

How fast did Ken Johns drop?

On the other end of the spectrum we had Ken Johns who actually recorded a decrease in club head speed with the longer driver, dropping from 106mph to 105.4mph for a .6mph reduction.

What is the role of the launch angle in golf?

Launch angle plays a primary role in how much spin we need on a golf ball. Across all swing speeds, the lower a ball is launched, a higher spin rate is needed to help keep the ball in the air. The higher a ball is launched, a lower spin rate is needed to maintain optimal trajectory. In a perfect world, we like to see a high launch angle with a spin rate that’s just high enough to maintain that trajectory.

Why is the 44.5 driver longer than the 45.5?

Those two reasons happen to be the same reasons why the 45.5” driver carried longer. The lower launch and lower spin rate from the 44.5” driver created a more penetrating (flatter) ball flight.

Do swing changes have an effect?

Many golfers who are investing in fitting also will be investing in instruction in search of a better golf game. Can swing changes that players make influence the way their equipment fits?

How long does it take to fit a golf club?

In terms of what to expect, Grabowy said that fitting a player for a full set of clubs will take about two and a half hours and include "educating" a player about his or her needs. The fitting process also remains pretty much the same for woods, irons and wedges.

Why is club fitting so difficult?

Challenges often arise with club fitting because of preconceived notions that customers have. Those who pursue professional club fitting need to approach the process with an open mind and not let their expectations -- or egos in some cases -- interfere.

Who is Ed Grabowy?

Grabowy is certified as an Advanced Professional "Class A" Clubmaker by the Professional Clubmaker's Society and a Professional Clubmaker by the Golf Clubmaker's Association.

Does swing change affect lie angle?

Swing changes can affect lie angles, Grabowy acknowledged, but he added that "lie angle is most important to the better player, and overall there's usually not going to be much change."

Where does Chris Wallace live?

He lives with his wife in Pinehurst, N.C.

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