Why are some regular golfers still not being fitted for the right irons?

Why is it that the most prolific golfers are often slow to put time aside for an iron fitting? We found 6 hardcore golfers who bought their irons off the shelf rather than use up valuable playing time.

Mizuno’s European Tour fitter Simon Keeling thought 15 minutes with each of our cynics might be enough to change their ways. Mizuno’s Shaft Optimizer can match a golfer’s swing to the right model and flex of iron shaft in just 3 swings. It’s quick, simple, and its recommended shafts regularly adds around 10 yards per iron – as well as tightening dispersion. “The difference between fiitting professionals and amateurs isn’t as big as you might think”, commented Simon. “Nearly all regular golfers move the club in a consistent way – it’s just a case of finding the equipment that gets the most from that movement. Amateurs tend to think they have a lot of different swings – but in my experience they just use a lot more of the clubface. The great thing about the Shaft Optimizer is that it only measures what happens to the shaft – so it works even if you’re having a bad ball striking day.”

Battle of the flexes

David Smillie is 48 years old, and plays off five. Already a Mizuno player and a reasonably powerful ballstriker, he has Project X 5.5 shafts in his MP63s. “I’ve changed my swing a fair bit since I bought the MP-63’s,” said David. “To try and get a little more consistency, I need to feel like I’m swinging at about 80%….not killing it the way I used to.” David’s swings with the Optimizer reveal his personal swing DNA. “He has a clubhead speed of 81mph, a Tempo reading of 4, Toe down 2, Kick Factor 2 and Release Factor of 4 (all out of 9),” says Simon. “It’s important to realise these readings are not inherently good, or bad; they simply represent a blueprint of your swing. For example Luke Donald has a very smooth change of direction, giving a Tempo reading of 4; Charles Howell’s is much snappier at 8. Neither is right or wrong, but knowing the figure allows us to mate the shaft to the golf swing.” The software throws up three shaft recommendations in order of suitability – topping the list is the True Temper Dynalite Gold XP S300, with a softened tip section.”

“David’s choice of Project X 5.5 shafts was not far out, but our software suggests he would benefit more from a slightly softer- tipped shaft. By factoring in a softer- tipped XP, we should be able to add a bit more height and carry to his shots.”

I thought every swing I made was different, and so customising wouldn’t make any difference.

Ten seconds later, the recommended head and shaft are clicked together. After just a handful of shots with both old and new clubs, lauch monitor TrackMan reveals the difference – a 200rpm rise in spin rate, an eight-yard gain in carry, and a six-yard gain overall – plus a clear improvement in accuracy. Seriously impressive results – achieved simply though a shaft switch, and gained in 10 minutes, and barely a dozen swings.

“The new club felt smoother, a little lighter, easier to hit,” said an amazed David, “and the results speak for themselves. Everyone has a different swing, and this is what this process brings out. If you want to progress, get the right equipment fitted for you.”

Each of the other five golfers goes through the same, simple process… and in each case, results are clear. One-handicapper Gary Walters sees the heat taken out of his right-to-left shape, thanks to a slightly heavier shaft that calms a pacy change of direction – “To find I could hit it straighter using the same swing I’ve used for years was fascinating.” 20 year-old Dan Campling is given a more penetrating ballflight, thanks to a switch to the lower- launching Dynamic Gold S300; and Ed Banks gains carry and improved accuracy from switching to a softer higher- launching shaft in the form of a Dynalite Gold XP.

Standard gear can give you problems you don’t know about, and even put you off the game. If you want to progress, get the right equipment fitted for you.

Meanwhile, 14-handicap Andy Sanders’ fitting debunks a popular fitting myth – that the average golfer is too inconsistent to warrant this sophisticated level clubfitting. His three swings with the Shaft Optimizer produce three almost identical sets of figures.

“I was surprised and fascinated to see how consistent I was,” he remarks. “I thought every swing I made was different, and so customising wouldn’t make any difference. I can see now that I am consistent, and that changing the clubs to fit me makes sense.”

“In fact golfers of all standards swing the club consistently,” adds Simon. “The problem is that three similar swings can produce three very different strikes and results, which make you feel you’ve swung at it differently each time.

6ft 3in Andy’s fitting also revealed a serious flaw in buying off the shelf – his irons were far too short for a man of his height. The simple addition of half-an- inch to the shaft length had an immediate effect. “That instantly felt a lot better,” he informs. “Before, the toe was off the ground at address – now the sole sits flusher to the ground.” From Andy’s figures, the software recommends a regular-to-soft flex and mid-to-light weight shaft. “This shaft is about 55 grams,” explains Simon. The lightest steel is about 90. It is also a fraction softer in the flex than the shaft Andy had been using. All together, it should help him generate a bit more spin, height, carry and distance.” Andy hits three TrackMan-monitored shots with his old Cobras and new JPX EZs. Despite his averaging a drop in clubhead speed with the Mizunos (swinging a longer shaft takes some getting used to) he nevertheless managed an average carry gain of three yards. Even more impressive was the improved accuracy, his characteristic drift to the right evaporated. “The difference was amazing really,” Andy purrs. “In just 5 or 6 shots it went from low and right to straight and high. Up until now I was reluctant to use my 5 and 6-irons – I’ve tended to work a utility club – but with this new set-up I’d be confident to use them.”

Optimised

There are more than 400 Mizuno Fitters spread across the UK, each one armed with the fitting carts, Shaft Optimizer and the software to find your perfect shafts. Having been through the process, all six of our swing DNA testers agreed that if you are in the market for a new set of irons, a session with the Swing Optimizer first is a must.

“Today was a real eye-opener,” says Carl Tushingham. “Like most people, time is tight for me. But in 30 minutes you can learn a lot that can improve your game. It’s time well invested.” “I’d say the process is a must,” echoes David Smillie. “Standard gear can give you problems you don’t know about, and even put you off the game. If you want to progress, get the right equipment fitted for you.”

“I found it amazing how easy the process was,” Gary Walters sums up. “Not only are the recommendations almost instant, but you turn around and the exact club is there, ready for you to try it. “I’m probably like most people: I could have continued with the clubs I was using. But this process might have tipped me over the edge in terms of getting some new ones.

“After all, getting close with your equipment is fine: but if you can nail it for a small outlay, why wouldn’t you?”

The Panel