I have always played with standard length clubs - off the shelf so to speak. At times I messed with the grip size to add control. Always played stiff shafts. Never messed with lofts, etc. After not playing much over the past 10 years (since moving to Florida) - I am now 57 - I might want to begin again. I currently play 2-3 times a year...maybe. Before moving here I was a steady 6-8 handicap. When I play now - at pretty nice courses - I will shoot anywhere from 82-92. I am still athletically active and in decent shape for golf. Running in another story. Is it a benefit to get "fitted" for clubs? At 6 feet tall should I look at longer shafts? A sales guy at Dick's said I need to add an inch to all my clubs. If I am going to commit to playing I want to do it right this time...!!!

Definitely get fitted. Just make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing. An inch long for a 6' person seems excessive, but who knows. There should be lots of good options in Orlando. If you get over to Brevard County Mike Warobik at US 1 driving range in Rockledge really knows what he is doing. He's been fitting since at least the very early 90's, back when fittings almost didn't exist.

This is probably heresy but I think fittings are overrated. Especially if you are relatively average height.

I am not saying they cannot help certain people, but I know several people who spent a lot of money getting fitted and they are just as bad as they ever were.

I'd be interested to see a study of average-sized people who have been fitted vs. those who haven't. My guess is the difference in their average scores is negligible.

I'm actually not too surprised you may need longer. I got checked out by a good fitter and needed 3/4", and I'm 5'11" with medium-length arms.

The problem is if you have clubs that don't fit you, then you will end up making all kinds of compensations for it without even realizing it. It will be really difficult to ever play well.

1" seems like a lot for 6'. I am 6' 1 1/2" and have 1/2 over standard. Lie angle is more important than length imo.

[QUOTE=revots33;50652641]This is probably heresy but I think fittings are overrated. Especially if you are relatively average height.

I am not saying they cannot help certain people, but I know several people who spent a lot of money getting fitted and they are just as bad as they ever were.

I'd be interested to see a study of average-sized people who have been fitted vs. those who haven't. My guess is the difference in their average scores is negligible.[/QUOT My issueE]


I don't think my need to be fitted properly will greatly better my scores. The only way to do that is to practice, practice, practice. For most people the clubs they use - as long as they are current - will do just fine. I have played the same irons for over 20 year and have no intention of changing them. Spending $1300 for a new full set is money better spent on $1300 in lessons.

My issue is probably one of length, angle and loft - not type and new/best/most popular.... As I have aged I think my ability to adequately torque a stiff shaft has lessened. Because of early signs of arthritis I might need to be fitted for different size grips, or simply a couple extra tape wraps. All that just might make it more comfortable, and that will make playing more fun...

I played hand me downs and then standard. I'm 6'1" and found myself missing with some tops. Finally got fit and am not playing +1/2 and 1* upright. I've never hit the ball better. Worth every penny.

Stay away from anyone who has the answer to you club lengths prior to a fitting.

The guy at my local Dicks did my fitting about 10 years back and 'fitted me' for +1.5" on each club because I was hitting my test shots off the toe with my crappy swing. I'm 6'0' and swinging those telephone poles around messed me up for years.

Just wanted to reiterate to get a fitting from someone who knows what they're doing if you're going to go that route.

Totally agree - though Dicks in our area actually has club fitters.

The poker LEGEND and HOF'er Dewey Tomko has a sports and golf tavern in Orlando. As part of the indoor golf offering there is a top line custom club fitting pro there. Also next to it is a PGA Store and they do fittings as well. I will go to either one of these this fall.