Who Is That "Average" Golfer?

I am beginning to wonder what that average golfer out there is, particularly in terms of the right lengths of clubs for him/her to play.

If I look over the fittings I have done in the past few months, I would say that “average” length clubs do not fit at least 50% of the people I am working with. Right now I am working with three people all who I expect will not fit into standard length irons and in fact will need irons that are a lot shorter than standard.

A large majority of my iron fitting clubs are built to do testing with people who fit into standard length clubs. And I can adapt these to be able to fit folks who need clubs just a bit longer or shorter than standard.

However, when people need clubs that are more than 1/2 inch shorter than standard, it is important to have some fitting equipment particularly devoted to these players. Today for example I rebuilt some driver fitting shafts so that I could do testing for players who might need 42-1/2, 43, or 43-1/2 inch long drivers…………………………this is compared to the 45 inch plus drivers they would most likely buy in golf stores.

Shorter clubs can mean significantly lower swingweights/MOIs, and it becomes very important to test for swingweight/MOI for shorter sets – and add clubhead or shaft weight if necessary – and be sure players can “feel” the clubhead when they swing it. Often players who have shorter clubs have never been able to truly feel the weight of the head, and when they actually can get the right swingweight/MOI in their clubs their ball striking immediately improves.

Working with players who need shorter clubs is another gratifying experience – because often they have never felt what a golf club that is the right length and swingweight/MOI for them feels like and performs like.

Tony