A frequent question from golfers who are just beginning to play golf is whether it makes sense for them to get club fitting now or wait until they get better at playing the game. Can club fitting help them? The answer is an unqualified yes, and here's why.
Almost everyone who takes up the sport of golf starts with clubs that do not match their physical traits and abilities. Typical clubs we see are "beginner sets" from big box discounters, online auctions, used hand-me-downs from friends or family, etc. Unfortunately these clubs are often too stiff, too heavy, too long, too soft, all of which lead to performance results that are inconsistent or worse.
Learning and practicing with clubs that don't match well with your body and swing characteristics means you are grooving your game to equipment that will limit your ability to play consistently and effectively. Distance and accuracy suffer. You make subtle and not so subtle compensations in your swing to achieve your goals. It leads to more problems and more corrections.
A professional club fitter will schedule an appointment to help you get what's needed to learn and play the game as you envisioned it. A partial set with clubs that have the right length, weight, balance, stiffness feel, and effective performance designs is the goal. You get just the clubs you need with the right mix of lofts and function -- a good set makeup saves you money that can be spent on top quality components.
With an effective set makeup in your golf bag, lessons and practice become more effective. Playing becomes more enjoyable. You develop a swing that allows you to progress faster and further than otherwise possible. You will get more enjoyment from the game at every level of experience.