6 ways to get the most from a custom fitting, according to a PGA Tour winner

Getting custom fit for golf clubs is one of the easiest ways to lower your scores.

Having equipment that is built to match your swing and your tendencies can be a huge benefit, particularly if it’s done by an expert.

There are ways, however, that you can get the most out of your fitting, to ensure that you get clubs that are going to help you the most on the golf course.

Michael Kim is a PGA Tour winner, and also happens to be one of the best follows on social media.

• Do this the next time you play with a scratch golfer

This week, he took to X to give us six tips custom fitting tips to ensure you get the most benefit from your session.

1. Get your swing in shape before you get fit

The first pointer is an easy one, but it’s something that might be often overlooked. As Kim explains, you don’t want to go to a club fitting when your swing is at sixes and sevens, as your clubs are just going to fit that bad swing. If anything, your clubs will encourage you to swing worse. Not what you want.

2. You don’t need to break the bank on shafts

It’s not just the club head that is important when you go for a fitting, but the shaft too. Getting something with the right weight and flex is going to benefit you a lot when you’re out on the course.

However, don’t feel the need to splash out on something incredibly expensive. As Kim says, you’ll be able to get something that works for you at a more suitable price.

• Why you should (probably) opt for a hybrid over a long iron

3. Immediate feedback is important

As golfers, we’re good at making adjustments in our swing to suit the clubs in our hands. Therefore, you should take real notice of the first few swings you make with a new club.

If you make a good swing with the club but the ball isn’t doing what you want, then it’s probably not for you. If you need to work your swing around the kit, it defeats the point of a club fitting.

Things to consider when getting a fitting:
1. Try to go when you feel good with ur swing. You don’t want clubs to fit when you’re swinging bad. The clubs will essentially push you to make worse swings.
2. Get fitted but don’t feel the need to get the most expensive shafts that…

— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) January 16, 2024

4. Get your most important club fitted first

A full bag fitting can be tiring work. You’re hitting a lot of balls and trying to remember a lot of things. If you’re someone who doesn’t usually get the bigger bucket at the driving range, you can get pretty tired pretty quickly.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to get the most important club, probably your driver, done first. You don’t want to be hitting the big stick when you’re exhausted.

• Steve Johnston’s keys to better ball striking

5. Communication is key

Like anything in life, communication is key, so don’t be afraid to speak up to your club fitter. They’re there to help you and bring their expertise, so make sure you make the most of it. The better they can understand your game, the better suited the clubs will be for you.

6. Keep the clubs clean

This seems an obvious one and might not be a consideration if you’re hitting indoors, but testing clubs that aren’t clean is going to throw you off.

If you’re on the grass when getting fitted, make sure you clean the grooves between each strike.

It’s New Gear Season! If you’re in the market for some new clubs, it would be wise to check out our YouTube Channel to see what you should be hitting. Subscribe here.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor