| Custom Fitting! |
| Home Questions? Email to : info@westlakegolfshop.com |
| Custom fitting is a specialty at Westlake Golf. All iron sets purchased here are custom-fitted to the player (with the exception of a beginners first set; that's because the beginner has not yet developed a repeatable swing, and a repeatable swing is necessary for a true custom fit. Of course, we'll make sure that the length is appropriate for the height of the golfer, but that in itself is not a "custom-fit.") We use a scientific, multi-step process to custom fit your irons. Although the time and number of steps can vary with each person fitted, the process remains the same. Here's what we do: We start by interviewing you to learn the status of your game and what improvements you are looking to make. We will also need to learn your shot tendencies (hook, slice, draw, fade, high, low, etc.). Your age and playing frequency are important factors, too. An often missed aspect of club-fitting is the subject of set make-up. Most men (and many women, too) are accustomed to the "standard set" of clubs: 1, 3, and 5 woods, plus 3-PW, maybe a sand wedge, plus a putter. For many people, that's fine. But is it for you? Early in the fitting process, we will discuss the clubs that you currently play, and your "success rate" with each. Do you avoid hitting driver off the tee, preferring instead to hit 3-wood? Do you have trouble hitting a 3-wood from the fairway? Do you have trouble hitting your 3, 4, or 5 irons? Do you have trouble with any other clubs? Today's options including more lofted drivers, club-offset, hybrid iron-woods, lofted fairway woods, over-sized and offset irons, and lighter-weight shafts of either steel or graphite can make a huge difference in how well you play your clubs and ultimately, how well you score. We take all of this into consideration as we work with you, designing a set of clubs that fit you, and,fit your game. We will measure your swingspeed via radar. Your swingspeed is critical in selecting the proper shaft flex. After determining what flex you require, we will then discuss the advantages and features offered by both graphite and steel, let you feel the difference, and then let you decide which fits your game and sense of feel better. And for the advanced golfer, we can use our launch monitor! With it, we can accurately measure your clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, back and side spin on the ball, carry distance, total distance, and your distance left or right of the target line. This is the same information, measured on the same instrument, that the touring pros get and use when fitted for a driver or other new clubs. Find out how we can help you lower your scores with the proper fitting and proper set make-up. Using impact markers on the face of an iron, you will hit a series of irons of differing lengths. After each set of hits with a club, your impact marks will be reviewed until we find the iron length that gives consistent center hits on the club. Note: If someone offers to "custom-fit" you for clubs using just a yardstick or tape measure, RUN! A "static" measurement like that might be okay if all you did was pose with the clubs. But since the golf swing is a dynamic motion, we need to evaluate what happens at the moment of impact. And a yardstick cannot do that. Using impact tape on the sole of the iron of the correct length, we will have you hit balls off a "lie board". The purpose of the lie board is to determine where on the sole of the club are you striking the ground. A too "upright" club will send all of your shots to the left (for a right-handed player), and a too "flat" club will send all of your shots to the right of the target line. We will then measure your hands to determine grip size. You can choose the type of grip you prefer, as well. Once completed, we will review your choices, and then your "spec sheet" data is entered with the manufacturer to be made for you in their custom department. Turnaround time varies by company, but is usually between five and fifteen business days. While it may seem to take a long time, consider how often you buy new irons and the amount of the investment you are making. You've decided to get new irons, so why not get ones that fit properly?
they may look like the original, genuine product on the surface, they will in no way perform like the authentic club. They do not have access to the same metal alloys, they do not have the same (or sometimes any) quality control standards, and they often vary greatly from their published specs. That is, a driver that claims to have 9* of loft could be anywhere from 8.0* to 11.0*. Even more commonly, we find them to be way off in lie specifications;and that kills their left/right accuracy.
they are made at night or on weekends or holidays. Get real. Then there is the issue of warranty. The knockoffs may carry a name on them, but try to contact them. They don't exist. There is no warranty. Maybe you get lucky and never break or lose a club. But if you do, who will replace it? You are on your own. Finally, think about resale value. Knockoff clubs have virtually zero. Nada. Now, I understand quite clearly that not everyone needs or can afford pro-line clubs. That's fine. That is why we carry a wide variety of clubs in all price ranges. All of our new clubs come with a warranty, some with as much as a lifetime warranty. All for about the same price as a set of knockoffs. Why risk your money and your golf game on anything less? |
