Text Box: Following a fitting session on the driving range the data is now analysed. First to consider is your swing speed, the measurement in miles per hour is compared to a chart of shafts from all manufactures. These charts show the eigen frequency (or natural frequency) of the shaft. The lower the frequency the softer the shaft, thus this would be suited to the slower swing speed. Conversely the higher the frequency the stiffer the shaft and thus more suited to the faster swing speed. Using this method is much more accurate than relying on the manufacturers general specification of shafts. Those being, Lady (L), Amateur (A), Regular (R ), Stiff (S) or Extra Stiff (X). Especially as each manufacturer have their own ratings for these categories. Also now to be considered is the type of ball flight you are looking for. The majority of graphite shafts now have a ‘flex’ point built into the shaft. This point is where the shaft will bend the most and this all takes place in the lower third of the shaft. If the point is nearer the head it will assist in the ball flying in a higher trajectory than if the point was further up the shaft. Other shaft characteristics such as torque and weight are also taken into consideration, for example a golfer with a very fast swing would be looking for a shaft with a low torque and conversely a golfer with a slow swing speed would be better with a light shaft which will help to increase their swing speed. Having this information we can now select a selection of shafts from different manufactures that meet your requirements. Compared with shafts, heads are relatively easy, as they conform to a broader specification. The main types of heads for irons are either forged or cast. Forged heads are more expensive and harder to hit. However they have the ability for the good golfer to shape their shot. The drawback of this type of head is that they are soft and require regular adjustment to maintain their loft and lie. Cast heads are made with a variety of different features, these are mainly ‘cavity back’ design with options such as wide sole or fat top line or different colours in the cavity to make the club head attractive. What each head manufacturer is trying to do is to get the ‘Centre of Gravity’ as far back as possible from the face of the club, to increase the ‘Moment of Inertia’ (MOI), however they are limited in what they can do as the head weights and overall size must conform to R&A and USGA standards. Despite all of this following your session on the driving range we can recommend a head best suited to your needs and budget. The next step is to select the grip, having determined the size we now pay attention to the huge variety of grips now available on the market, we can discuss the merits of factors such as responsiveness, moisture management and surface texture. The remaining factor to consider is the swing weight or the balance point of the club. This is how the club feels when you swing it and it is a matter of preference. The nominal swing weight for men is D4 whilst for women its C6. These readings are taken from a special 14” fulcrum scale. Having decided on the components to suit your game and your budget we now build a prototype club, this is normally a 7 iron as this is a mid range iron and the characteristics for this club will suit the remaining clubs of your set. The lie is adjusted to your fitting and the swing weight is set to the nominal for men or women. You can now test this club on the range or out on the course, after using it several times we can meet again at the driving range, then on your feedback any adjustments can be made, this can be from lie angle or swing weight to a completely different head or shaft. I am only happy when you are happy. The following pages show a selection of Shafts, Heads and Grips available. The final cost of any Custom Built Clubs will depend upon the components selected. For an approximate guide please go to Costs Page.

Your Specialist in Professional Custom Club Fitting & Custom Club Building

Member of the Golf Clubmakers Association since 2005
Text Box: Custom Club Building