Darien Golf Center

IRONS

When custom fitting a set of irons, the most important first step is to pick a club that is most appropriate for your handicap level. Most manufacturers are now doing a good job of offering irons for three distinct levels of golfer: low, mid, and high handicaps. Low Handicappers' irons are built for precision; the sweet spot is small, the trajectory is lower, and they are more receptive to shaping and distance control. High Handicappers' irons are built for forgiveness; the sweet spot is large, the trajectory is higher, and they are easier, than more precision-oriented clubs, to hit straight and solid. Mid Handicappers clubs are a nice balance between forgiveness and precision.

Once you've found handicap-appropriate clubs, there are several variables that should be determined for each player. Length, lie angle, loft, shaft flex and composition, and grip size are the key factors involved. Length and lie are determined by height, a static wirst-to-ground measurement, and a dynamic swing test using a lie board and sole tape. Lofts can be adjusted on most clubs to give a player optimum trajectory and even gap distances between each iron. Shaft flex is determined by clubhead speed and handicap level. Shaft composition, i.e. graphite or steel, is a factor of age, strength, and handicap level. Grip size is easily determined by a simple chart. Larger grips reduce hand action, so if you fade the ball, don't play grips that are too big.

DRIVERS

Driver selection requires a slightly different approach than iron selection. The fitting process is much different as well. Similar to iron selection, driver selection is a factor of handicap level. Low-handicappers' drivers have a higher center of gravity (CG) to promote lower ball flight, are easier to shape (curve), and have a smaller sweet spot and are thus less forgiving. High-handicappers' drivers have a lower CG for higher ball flight, are built to fly straighter, and have a large, hot sweet spot for more long solid hits. With almost all driver head volumes being the maximum 460cc, most if not all are very forgiving regardless of their intended handicap appeal.

The most important factor in driver fitting is creating optimum launch conditions for a given player. First we need to pick the correct head. Then we need to determine the correct loft, shaft, and bias. Shaft variables include frequency (flex), weight, torque, and tip stiffness. Bias is the heads tendency to curve. Most drivers are neutral to draw bias. Neutral bias drivers tend to be more appropriate for stronger, more advanced players who hit a draw with ease. Draw bias clubs tend to be more appropiate for higher handicap players who need an anti-slice club.

We use an Accusport Vector Pro Launch Monitor to perform a comparative analysis between clubs you might be considering. When we find a driver that optimizes launch conditions for your swing, the process is complete and hopefully you will leave the store with a beautiful new club and some new found confidence in your long game.