MEDICINE HAT, AB — We’ve heard it all before.
Whether it’s a new driver that promises to go 10 yards further, or a golf ball’s dimple design sure to fix your slice, it seems the only way to get the most out of your golf game is by upgrading to the latest and greatest in technology.
Not so fast, according to one local golfer.
“If it was me and I was interested in the game, there’s no question I would go and get fitted right away,” said Justin Dyck, who’s been golfing for 13 years.
Dyck, a member at the Connaught Golf Course, has gone through three separate club fittings over the last decade. He says getting the proper fit has benefited his game far more than any “off the rack” technological wonderment.
“The first time I went through it, it was a huge change,” he said, noting his first set of golf clubs were purchased at Sears. “Because of the technology and how technology changes every three to four years, there’s enough change to make somewhat of a difference in your golf swing (when paired with the proper fit).”
Local club fitter Bob Sailer, who helped Dyck get tuned up in previous fittings, preaches a similar message.
“If we were buying spandex, that would be fine,” said Sailer, who’s worked in club fitting for 23 years. “But we’re not buying spandex, we’re buying golf clubs. It’s not one size fits all.”
Club adjustments are seemingly endless. From change-ups in the face angle, to lie degree, adding or subtracting weight from different parts of the club head, and matching the ideal shaft for your swing speed. Grip replacement is also common.
“When all these companies are saying ‘oh ya these drivers go way farther’, it’s probably not true,” added Sailer. “But if a golfer does buy a driver that they’re getting an extra 15 yards, it just so happens that driver is a better fit for them, probably by accident, than the one they’re using.”
It’s common to hear of professionals or lower handicappers seeking custom fitted clubs to help tune their game more specifically, but Sailer adds it’s arguably more important for a beginner or high handicap golfer to do the same.
“A professional golfer could probably go across the street, buy a set of irons from a garage sale, go out and hit a few balls, and probably shoot 74,” he said. “Unfortunately a lot of high handicappers get hand-me-down clubs, a driver that’s too long, not enough loft, long irons that are hard to hit.
“If you go to the range, and there’s 20 golfers hitting balls, you’ll see 20 guys and ladies who are different sizes, different shapes, different swing temps. It’s just not the same for anyone. Everyone is different.”
That includes Dyck, who’s not about to replace his custom fit clubs for a new set that promises to shave strokes off his game.
“You eliminate all the mistakes that you wouldn’t have to get rid of right from the start,” Dyck said. “You can start from the get go with something that actually fits you and belongs to you. It definitely puts a positive spin on what you’re trying to do out there.”
