Get Your Equipment to Suit You

The next time you purchase equipment, there are a few important things to remember: spending a little extra time customizing your clubs is going to make a difference; a lesson or two before and after a club fitting will ensure the best result; even a small change to your existing clubs can have a major impact; and lastly, the technology is there for you - take advantage of it!

7 CUSTOM FITTING CHECKS - "a little extra time customising your clubs will make a massive difference to your performance and enjoyment, no matter your handicap!"

1. Shaft length - determines where on the clubface the ball is consistently struck.
2. Lie angle - the angle between the ground and the sole of the clubhead. This influences your shot shape.
3. Shaft flex - determines trajectory, accuracy, distance, and consistency.
4. Shaft type - Graphite shafts help you to get distance and height. Steel shafts are more controllable.
5. Grip size - The thickness of the grip determines how quickly you release the clubhead.
6. Clubhead design - determines the amount of workability and forgiveness.
7. Set make up - do you use hybrids instead of long irons and how many wedges do you carry?

THE VALUE OF A LESSON WITH YOUR PRO

"Before having a custom fitting session with me, I suggest booking a few lessons so that I can rid you of any bad habits in your golf swing which could be detrimental to your game.

It is also essential to have all of your clubs custom fitted from your woods down to your putter. Depending on your swing, you might require extra 'tweaks' to some of your clubs in order for you to get the best performance out of them."

A SMALL CHANGES MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE - "better your accuracy starting with your grip."

1. Grip the club in your left hand as you would at address.
2. Without gripping too hard, check whether your finger tips lightly touch your palm on the other side. The grip size is correct only when your finger tips barely touch your palm.
3. If your fingers overlap onto your palm, the grip is too thin, and if your fingers don't touch your palm at all, the grip is too big.

If your grip is too thin, you will tend to release the club too quickly and hook the ball, and vice versa, if your grip is too thick, you will not release the club properly and will tend to slice the ball.

For the very best in Golf Equipment advice visit your local Foremost PGA golf professional.