It’s no secret that age and injury can drastically affect a golfer’s game, making for less enjoyable rounds. The good news – with a professional club fitting, most golfers can hit farther and more accurately so they can once again enjoy the game.
A Golf Magazine study found that 90% of US golfers may be playing with improperly fit clubs. Many players buy off the rack or think a grip change constitutes a customization when in reality, the entire club should be adjusted to fit an individual’s swing. World-renowned instructor David Leadbetter says, “It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they’re right for them. Whether you’re a great golfer or a casual one, getting a custom club fitting is one of the quickest ways to improve your game.”
The discrepancy between potential and actual performance is much greater for older golfers. Similarly, those recovering from injuries may have movement restrictions hindering their swing. Both groups can uniquely benefit from a fitting. By working with their exact swing mechanics, a master club fitter can maximize what’s working without putting pressure on injuries or areas of the swing that may be declining. One fitter, Club Champion, has a proven history of success.
After recovering from a stroke and two major surgeries, 84-year-old former Navy pilot and Olympic athlete Sherwood Schoch (Topton, PA) shot 74 with his custom clubs. “It’s been a game-saving experience,” Sherwood shared. “Between health and age, I was on the brink of throwing in the towel, but no more. Now it’s a rare round if I don’t shoot my age. The fitting changed my world!”
Sherwood’s fitter Brett Castleberry said, “We went with a lighter shaft, but needed a heavier swing weight to create more lag. It increased his clubhead speed by 3 mph and helped him make more consistent contact. As a result, he gained 15 yards on his irons.” As for overcoming Sherwood’s physical problems, Brett continued, “We went with graphite shafts for two reasons – they are lighter and they can dampen vibrations which helped us address the problems with his hands.”
Anyone will benefit from premium club fitting, especially golfers who want to optimize performance. Bill Rees (68) from Poland, OH was playing poorly. Age was robbing him of distance, and he thought his equipment might be partially to blame. After playing his custom-fit clubs, Bill stated, “My investment in equipment paid off. I’m playing far better and much more consistent. My average drive went from around 225 yards to 240 yards, which was the distance I hit it when I was younger. For someone who is serious about golf, this is the way to go.”
Sherwood and Rees’s experiences weren’t anomalies. A Golf Digest study found that eight out of nine Club Champion custom fit golfers lowered their scores by as much as six strokes per round and added an average of 21 yards off the tee. Legendary instructor Hank Haney believes, “There isn’t anyone who can’t benefit from club fitting. At Club Champion, you get a truly professional fitting. For somebody not to take advantage of Club Champion’s expertise, they’re wasting a tremendous opportunity.”
Club Champion delivers a Tour-quality fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate. Their approach is unbiased; no specific vendor is promoted. The only goal is to find the best combination of components to lower your scores. Leadbetter adds, “Club Champion is the #1 premium club fitter, builder and retailer of the best brands in golf. Their master fitters and builders are unrivaled experts. With over 35,000 combinations, Club Champion will build the perfect clubs for you.”
Ranked by Golf Digest among the 100 best club fitters nine years in a row, Club Champion’s unique coupling system allows them to combine any head and shaft together. Golfers hit the precise combination to be custom-built for them. Club Champion stands out because they build clubs in-house, to exacting, unrivaled tolerances. Variables such as swing weight, length, lie and flex DO alter performance. Experience and in-depth understanding of golf equipment is what separates Club Champion from its competition.
There are more than 50 Club Champion studios across the country including six locations in Texas. The Austin studio is located at 3801 N. capital of Texas Highway. At Club Champion, you don’t just buy clubs, you buy guaranteed improvement! More information at clubchampiongolf.com or 888-842-1370.
by Leonard Finkel