Custom fit, off the shelf?

alowe

Hi, i'm looking to get my father a new set of clubs (well, he's paying, but i'm
guiding him in the right direction )

He's been playing golf for probably about 30 years and is now in his mid 70's. His current set are getting a bit dangerous as the heads are starting to come off, so its time to get him a new set! He's an ok golfer, but has a strong tendancy to hook, but when he hits it straight it can go a mile (not literally!).

Anyway ... he's never had custom fit for clubs, as he's never taken the game that seriously, so all his clubs have been bought 2nd hand from various places. He doesn't use a driver, as he can never hit it straight, but does use a 5 wood I got him regularly as he can hit it 'sweet'.

So, my question is where is the best place to go to get him a new/2nd hand set? Is it really worth going to fore golf in Naas to get custom fitted? (if he goes there, can he buy elsewhere, or are you talking about have to pay near 1k for the set they'll custom make for you?) Is McGuirks worth a look? Can you try before you buy? (2nd hand or new). Should he go to a pro for an idea of what shaft he should go for?

He's not going to want to spend a fortune - but I don't want him to get something that he's not going to enjoy playing with.

Any advice ... guidance ... etc.

thanks,

PeterJamesDoyle

If he's in his 70's, it wouldn't be worth his while getting custom fit. At this stage in his life, he might consider using graphite shafts to help him generate the extra speed his body is beginning to lack. If you went to get him custom fit with graphite shafts in mind, the cost can be high due to high volume of preparation involved with graphite shafts.

McGuirks are grand, I've been to American Golf Discount in Tallaght before and they seem to be much more competitive.

AGD also have a second hand section of clubs so you might find a bargain there. There is always ebay as well. Sterling is weak as is the dollar, you might be able to source a seller with 100% feedback, they tend to be the more reliable ones to buy from.

Main thing is he continues to enjoy the game.

kagni

PeterJamesDoyle wrote: »

If he's in his 70's, it wouldn't be worth his while getting custom fit.

Not having a go, just wondering why you think it wouldn't be worth it?

I'd like to get custom fit myself for my next set but the prices charged are ridiculous IMO.
In most places in the US if you pay for a custom fitting you get full details of your requirements. This is then usually discounted against the clubs you buy from the clubfitter. If you don't like what he has, you can take your fitting details and buy them elsewhere. Anyone operate like this here in Ireland?

PeterJamesDoyle

If ur buying rack clubs, then graphite is fine. The reason I mentioned custom fitting for graphite in Ireland will be a little more expensive, is that unlike steel shafts that you cut with a pipe cutter, you need to take the paint of graphite shafts in order to prep the tip for insertion into the club head.
It means the clubmaker has to take the shaft in his hand, and run the edge of a stanley down towards the tip end while rotating the shaft a couple of degrees each time. Its tedious. Time consuming = costly
But as you mentioned, in America they are less unlikely to charge you as much.

kagni

PeterJamesDoyle wrote: »

If ur buying rack clubs, then graphite is fine. The reason I mentioned custom fitting for graphite in Ireland will be a little more expensive, is that unlike steel shafts that you cut with a pipe cutter, you need to take the paint of graphite shafts in order to prep the tip for insertion into the club head.
It means the clubmaker has to take the shaft in his hand, and run the edge of a stanley down towards the tip end while rotating the shaft a couple of degrees each time. Its tedious. Time consuming = costly
But as you mentioned, in America they are less unlikely to charge you as much.

I know what's entailed in preparing the tip of a graphite shaft and it takes no longer than sanding the tip of a steel shaft so I don't agree with you there. Graphite iron shafts would be more expensive than steel ones so there would be a difference in price there. Anyway we're getting a bit off topic.

I'm just wondering why you say custom fitting wouldn't be worth it for a 70 year old.

PeterJamesDoyle

In the original post, he mentioned he's not a serious golfer. And that he doesn't want to spend a lot of money. Therefore what is the point in paying for the set of clubs and the additional cost of having them made?

There are plenty of bargains out there with quality graphite shafts in them already. I know about shaft preparation myself, but having made sets of graphite clubs for the older generation of player, I always take into consideration that pensioners can't always afford to pay top dollar.

I think custom fitting is for the younger player/accomplished player who wishes to shave a few more shots off their game. Thanks for your comments

gorfield

Custom fit for sure!! Put simply, if he gets fitted he will be able to order say 6 iron to sw and get fitted for a few rescues to make up the set due to his age, and plus from the sounds of it hes stronger than a normal 70yr old so a set off the rack would be pot luck!!! Hes a nice few years golf left to play so help him make it enjoyable!!

alowe

Thanks for the replies.

He is probably a much fitter than normal 70+, and unfortuently with him, speed is his problem with his game! However, I agree that a graphite shaft would/should be better for him, and as he gets older, I think would suit better.

Money isn't a massive issue luckily - but he (nor I), would see the point in him paying a grand for a set of clubs. He's never going to get down to single figures, and is only playing the game for enjoyment, not been too competitive.

If you were to get custom fit graphite, roughly what would you be talking? For him, would it be as good to go in and buy off the shelf ping graphites, for example? I took a look in my pro shop yesterday, and they've some great reductions on new clubs. Should he try graphite before we buy? And what about a 3 wood or driver? I found that when I was custom fit for the shaft and head angle that I hit my drives must more consistent. Can he get fit for this on its own, so as he knows what stiffness of shaft suits best, etc.

Thanks again for the advice

PeterJamesDoyle

Gorfield is spot on about the hybrid comment. Driver, 3 wood and 3, 4 and 5 hybrids to replace the 3 4 and 5 irons in the set.
I know a number of people who use Ping Stock shafts in their ping clubs and have great success with them.
You might even be able to buy only a 6 to SW in the irons in graphite which would take some of the cost off the hybrids (Ping G10 hybrids are currently about 160 euro a pop).
Ping were one of the leaders in loft and lie options in their clubs, so I don't think you could go far wrong in selecting them.
The new Ping Rapture 2 is out, so you might be able to get the G10 driver and fairways at a cheaper price. In fact the hybrids might even be cheaper now with the introduction of the Rapture 2.
Remember, you are the customer and we are in a recession. I've heard a lot of staff in golf shops now are on 3 day week, and are only too happy to be selling equipment, so be cheeky and look for a deal.
Hope you make the right selection, we have to look after our auld fellas in their later years, as they've made enough sacrifices for us. Good luck.

kagni

I'm not an expert so this opinion is probably worth exactly what you paid for it...:)

A flatter lie angle and a slightly stiffer shaft can in a lot of cases reduce the effect of a hook. Also clubs with less offset might help.
It might be worth looking at a site like Golfbidder.co.uk for a used set of Pings with reg flex graphite shafts, with a lie angle 2 or 3 degrees flat (purple or orange dot I think). If you buy from Golfbidder you can try them out for 7 days and if you don't like them send them back for a refund (you will have to cover the postage yourself). Or you could look for a used set in a local shop -most will loan out a used set if you want to try them.