The Fitting Process

Testing for Club Length
The method for fitting clubs for length is pretty standard. Most fitters have a set of drivers and five or six irons made up on ½ " intervals. The fitter will apply impact labels to the face of the club and ask you to hit test shots. The drill is to see what club gives the tightest impact pattern. That is the length that the fitter will recommend building a set around.

We think this test is important, but not gospel. It is important to hit the ball consistently on the center of the clubface. It is also important to swing the club in the right plane. Occasionally, a slightly longer club will be the proper fit, even if the impact pattern is slightly less dense.

You will notice that graphite-shafted clubs are generally built longer than steel shafted clubs, usually by 1". This is recognition of two arguments we have been making. It's easier to handle graphite because it's lighter, therefore you can hit a longer club. A more sinister interpretation of why graphite shafted clubs are longer than extra length is that is the only way manufacturers can get their swingweights high enough to provide feel.