A new study reveals a golfer’s natural ability and swing are not the only things holding them back; 90 % of US golfers may be playing with clubs that do not fit them properly. This study is a wake-up call for every golfer who wants to get better. We spoke to thousands of golfers coast to coast and the majority had no idea of what true custom fitting is all about and how it can shave strokes off of score cards, said Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, which conducted the research. The magnitude of the differences in perceptions between those fit and not fit was among the most significant.
YOU HAVE IT WRONG! A new study reveals a golfer’s natural ability and swing are not the only things holding them back; 90 % of US golfers may be playing with clubs that do not fit them properly. This study is a wake-up call for every golfer who wants to get better. We spoke to thousands of golfers coast to coast and the majority had no idea of what true custom fitting is all about and how it can shave strokes off of score cards, said Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, which conducted the research. The magnitude of the differences in perceptions between those fit and not fit was among the most significant.
I’ve observed between two test populations in my 20+ years of researching American golfers.
Nearly 6,000 avid golfers across the country took part in the survey. The findings show players who were custom fit using advanced technology such as launch monitors, saw scores improve, hit the ball more accurately and had more fun playing golf than golfers who were not custom fit.
Currently there isn’t any industry standard for custom fitting and the study found much confusion exists around the subject. Custom fitting used in this survey is defined as the process of measuring a golfer’s physical attributes and then uses high tech equipment such as a launch monitor to capture important information on swing speed, ball flight and spin rates all designed to build the right custom-fit golf clubs for each golfer.
“This study clearly demonstrates the advantages custom fitting brings to a player’s game—providing for greater comfort, fit, better scores and making golf more enjoyable,” said Allen Wronowski, president, The PGA of America. “The experience reported by PGA members and their customers at facilities nationwide mirrors this research, he added.
Our industry retailers, manufacturers and teaching pros—can all leverage these findings to educate golfers on the benefits of custom fitting and help them enjoy the game of golf more than ever before, said Matt Corey, Golfsmith Chief Marketing Officer. Custom fitting is one of our fastest growing categories and this study will certainly provide our industry with the opportunity to drive more sales and inspire golfers to play better through custom fitting.
The Sports Illustrated Golf Group and Golfsmith commissioned Sports & Leisure Research Group for the study. For an in depth look at research results visit: www.customfityourgame.com