The goal is to ensure that the clubs are optimised for each golfer’s individual strengths and weaknesses, which can improve performance and overall enjoyment of the game.

What Is Custom Fitting?

Custom fitting is the process of adjusting golf clubs to suit an individual golfer’s unique characteristics, such as swing mechanics, height, grip, and strength.

A professional fitter uses specialised tools like launch monitors, motion-capture systems, and high-speed cameras to analyse a golfer’s swing.

Based on the data, adjustments are made to the club’s:

• Length: Ensures proper posture and swing mechanics.
• Lie Angle: Helps maintain accuracy by addressing clubface alignment.
• Shaft Flex: Matches swing speed for optimal power transfer.
• Grip Size and Weight: Provides comfort and control during play.

By creating clubs that are an extension of your body and playing style, custom fitting aims to unlock your full potential on the course.

Why Is Custom Fitting Important?

Imagine wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose—playing golf with improperly fitted clubs feels the same.

Poorly matched clubs can lead to inconsistent shots, loss of distance, and even injuries due to excessive strain.

Custom fitting resolves these issues by optimising your equipment for:

• Improved Accuracy: Properly fitted clubs align with your swing, minimising mishits.
• Enhanced Consistency: Tailored clubs ensure predictable performance shot after shot.
• Injury Prevention: Clubs that match your strength and swing reduce the risk of strain.
• Confidence Boost: Knowing your clubs are fine-tuned for you adds confidence to every shot.

For beginners and regular players alike, custom fitting transforms the golfing experience into one of precision and comfort.

Why do custom fitted clubs cost more than standard?

Custom fittings are more expensive than pre-built clubs because they involve a more detailed and personalised process to optimise the fit of the clubs, which directly impacts the golf club fitting cost.

Here’s why they cost more than standard, off-the-shelf clubs:

1. Technology: Launch monitors, motion capture systems, and other precision tools measure swing speed, ball flight, and impact data.
2. Expertise: Professional fitters analyse your results and recommend adjustments, leveraging their in-depth knowledge of golf mechanics.
3. Personaliaation: Every club is fine-tuned to your unique needs, from shaft flex to grip size.

Costs Involved in Custom Fitting:

The cost of custom golf club fitting varies depending on the level of detail and accuracy desired, as well as the equipment used.

Basic custom fittings can start at around £100, while more advanced fittings that include advanced technologies such as motion capture and launch monitor technology can cost several hundred dollars.

Additionally, there may be costs associated with purchasing the new clubs themselves, which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and quality of the clubs.

Some golf retailers offer custom fitting services for free, or as part of a package deal with the purchase of new clubs.

Factors that Determine the Cost of Custom Fitting:

• Equipment used: The cost of custom fitting can vary depending on the type and quality of equipment used during the fitting process, such as launch monitors, motion capture systems, and other technology.
• Level of detail: The cost of custom fitting can also vary depending on the level of detail and accuracy desired. A basic fitting that only involves adjusting length and grip size may be less expensive than a more detailed fitting that includes multiple measurements and adjustments.
• Location: Custom fitting costs can vary depending on the location of the fitting, with fittings performed at high-end golf shops or fitting centres typically costing more than fittings performed at a local golf retailer.

Different types of Club Fitting:

Driver Fitting:

A driver fitting focuses specifically on optimising the fit of the golfer’s driver.

This can include adjustments to the loft, length, shaft flex, and grip size to match the player’s unique swing characteristics.

Irons Fitting:

An iron fitting focuses specifically on optimising the fit of the golfer’s irons.

This can include adjustments to the length, lie angle, loft, shaft flex, and grip size to match the player’s swing and physical characteristics.

Putter Fitting:

A putter fitting focuses specifically on optimising the fit of the golfer’s putter.

This can include adjustments to the length, weight,

Full Bag Fitting:

A full bag fitting involves optimising the fit of all the clubs in a golfer’s bag, including drivers, irons, wedges, hybrids, and putters.

This comprehensive fitting can help ensure that all the clubs are tailored to the player’s unique swing and physical characteristics for improved performance and consistency.

Hybrid Fitting:

A hybrid fitting focuses specifically on optimising the fit of the golfer’s hybrids.

This can include adjustments to the length, lie angle, loft, shaft flex, and grip size to match the player’s swing and physical characteristics.

Wedge Fitting:

A wedge fitting focuses specifically on optimising the fit of the golfer’s wedges.

This can include adjustments to the length, lie angle, loft, shaft flex, and grip size to match the player’s swing and physical characteristics, as well as the type of shots the player typically hits with wedges.

Junior Fitting:

A junior fitting is a custom fitting specifically designed for younger golfers.

This can involve adjustments to the length, lie angle, loft, and grip size of the clubs to match the player’s height, strength, and swing characteristics.

Junior fittings can help ensure that young golfers have clubs that are properly sized and tailored to their unique needs, which can improve performance and overall enjoyment of the game.

What type of custom fitting services are available?

Pro Shop Fitter:

Pro shop fitters are typically located within golf retail stores or at golf courses.

These fitters work with golfers to adjust the length, lie angle, loft, shaft flex, grip size, and weight of their clubs to match the player’s unique swing and physical characteristics.

Pro shop fitters typically offer a range of services, including driver fittings, irons fittings, putter fittings, full bag fittings, and hybrid fittings.

Some pro shop fitters may also offer golf lessons and club repair services.

Manufacturer Fitter:

Manufacturer fitters work directly with specific golf club manufacturers to offer custom fittings for their clubs.

These fitters are typically trained and certified by the manufacturer and use specialised equipment to optimise the fit of the clubs.

Manufacturer fitters can offer a range of services, including driver fittings, irons fittings, putter fittings, full bag fittings, and hybrid fittings.

Some manufacturer fitters may also offer club repair services and access to special promotions and discounts on the manufacturer’s products.

Independent Fitter:

Independent fitters are not affiliated with any specific golf club manufacturer and offer custom fittings for a variety of club brands.

These fitters use specialised equipment to optimise the fit of golf clubs and typically offer a range of services, including driver fittings, irons fittings, putter fittings, full bag fittings, and hybrid fittings.

Independent fitters may also offer club repair services, golf lessons, and access to a wider selection of club brands and models.

Average cost of custom fitting in England:

The cost of custom fitting in England can vary depending on the type and quality of equipment used, the level of detail desired, and the location of the fitting.

On average, custom fittings in England can cost anywhere from £50 to £200 or more if you’re getting the full bag done.

Some high-end fitting centres may charge more for their services, while local golf shops may offer fittings at a lower cost, however just because you’re paying more for one over the other doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be getting a better service and ending up with better clubs.

Comparison of the costs of custom fitting with pre-built clubs:

Custom fittings are generally more expensive than pre-built clubs, which can be purchased off-the-shelf at golf retailers or online.

However, custom fittings offer several benefits that can make them a worthwhile investment for golfers.

Custom fittings help ensure that clubs are properly sized and tailored to a golfer’s unique swing and physical characteristics, which can improve performance and consistency.

Custom fittings can also reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that clubs are not too heavy, too long, or too flexible for the golfer’s swing.

Summary

If you’re serious about improving your game and enjoying golf to the fullest, custom fitting is worth the investment.

It’s not just about buying clubs—it’s about optimising your performance, building confidence, and getting the most out of every round.

For those on the fence, consider starting with a fitting for a single club (e.g., a driver or putter) to see the difference it makes before committing to a full set.