There is a lot of modern equipment available to aid club fitters in the fitting process, but often this technology is either not used or used incorrectly. The most common trend is to employ a monitor to determine the launch parameters of a ball when hit with a driver. But this alone, without observing and assessing the golfers swing action, can result in selecting the wrong driver for the client.

Fitting a client for the correct club is not only a science - it is an art. Facts and figures are irrelevant if the fitter does not have a deep understanding of a golfer’s swing. When assessing launch conditions the golfer’s swing action must be observed and guided in the right direction by the fitter, and their swing must be encouraged by their new club. A club fitted to a faulty swing is of no benefit.

Launch conditions that are normally observed on monitors are: ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side spin, side angle and overall distance. All of these are caused by the golfer’s swing. Launch angle is of little relevance if the angle of attack is not correct, and is easily observed with a camera positioned behind the golfer looking towards the target. The dreaded out-to-in downswing is normally the cause of a steep angle of attack. This increases the launch angle and distorts the monitor readings. The longer the club the more the tendency to swing on this path. From this camera position the length and lie angle of the club can be determined. All modern off-the-shelf drivers are 45 inches or more in length, which does not aid a golfer with a short wrist to floor measurement, or a golfer not maintaining their posture and shaft angle through impact. When the length and lie is confirmed the fitting can progress to the launch conditions.

With the camera positioned to the side of the golfer I can gather data which acts as a starting point in building a driver with optimal launch characteristics. This normally means striking a balance between distance and accuracy. It is a common misconception that high launch angles and low spin rates always increase distance. If you do not have a particularly high swing speed, you actually need more backspin to keep the ball from dropping out the air too quickly.

With the correct club in hand, swing angles are easily changed. Clubhead speed is a bit more challenging, as a lot depends on the moment of release. The flex of the shaft should never hinder clubhead acceleration (not too stiff), and always be fitted to help the average golfer.

Now with the correct club length, lie angle and shaft helping the golfer, the loft is easily chosen. A recent test was carried out with professional golfers hitting a 2˚ driver and then a 9.5˚ driver. Within 3 shots they were reacting incorrectly to try and elevate the ball, creating swing faults. All golfers have the ability to react to either the ball flight or the club in their hands. Make sure you are making a good reaction - not one that impairs your swing.