FOREGOLF KILLEEN CASTLE 2018 FITTING & PRICING!

liammcdevitt · 26-03-2018 8:38pm #1

I have been reading a lot of posts about fitting here and especially about foregolf's pricing. Well I'm just back from a fitting there and said id post about it. I had read a post on boards about FG being almost double etc
Well that's bull...I just bought taylormade p790s for 1225€ with tour stiff upgraded shafts. Mcguirks sell them for 1199€ with stock shafts! Theres your difference. They were also 25€ dearer on another set I looked at. Considering you are fitted by a company who fitted wedges for seve back in the day id say you are doing ok. They regularly fit for European tour players also.

50€ for a 30min session with no obligation to buy and they do not give you their findings so you can go buy elsewhere as some idiots think they should!

Ok so i went in and hit a few with my own irons and immediately could see they were too long and always had been. (Sticker on the face showed I hit them well but all out of the heel). These were a set of custom fit irons from a major shop in Dublin. I had success with them but never again. The shaft was all wrong. I hit m3s p790s and few others to good success but it was broken down in great great detail what was best for me. You will be left in no doubt as to who where what why etc

This was my second fitting with FG. The previous time i witnessed them put my irons on the machine to test loft lie etc - they were a custom fit halpenny golf set and were all over the shop. Nothing was correct with them. I was guaranteed this before FG even looked at them and they were correct. Just another set of irons churned off the production line with no care. For this reason (at that time) don the club maker only accepts clubs made by ONE person in every company. If a certain person doesn't sign off on them in titlesit for eg they don't accept them. Since I witnessed this I never bough a club off the shelf again in my life.

Hitting a ball into a screen in mcguirks or halpenny is not custom fitting. That's why it's free and you can literally walk in off the street to do it! Have a look now on the FG website and see how long you'll have to wait! Its also only 50€ a session. An is a great experience.

I have had drivers and woods fit on the taylormade tour truck when it rolls into dublin with some great success. Look for Garth or the Liverpool guy. They are excellent!

As I was leaving I asked them to look at my putter which i was convinced had a grip fitted crooked in mcguirks! If they had known anything in the first place they would never had fit this particular grip to this particular putter (long story) It was indeed crooked. Grip replaced and a FREE weight change in the head I never even asked for. It felt like it was on rails.

I will repost when i get and try my new clubs as in theory this is a great story but in reality it could be very different but i doubt it. The putter worked INSTANTLY!

I play off 3 now and that's largely down to lessons (tadgh harrington there's none better trust me especially if you struggle with the short game like i used) and custom fitting.

Hope this review helps a few people - ✌ðŸ‘Š

dan_ep82 · 26-03-2018 10:34pm

Bit of a mental first post :pac:

I got the full bag check for Christmas at the end of last year as a present.This was my first fitting outside of Halpenny.
You fill out a questionnaire after you book it on what you want or don't want to look at. (certain clubs,new clubs or adjustment of old)

You go in and warm up ( after a cup of Tea which was actually nice, I take my tea seriously) then hit a few with your own clubs to kick it off.
David asked a few questions, what do you want from the session, what's your miss and so on. I done woods and irons only on the day as per the questionnaire.
Then you start hitting clubs. Lie,shaft,weight and club head are changed through out until it narrows down. Then its revisited to be sure of the results.Then its onto the next type of club and so on. Took about 1hr and 30minutes.

They give you a sheet with the prices and basic spec.

They don't give you the full specs unless you purchase. I was asking questions through out the session but I didn't know all the specs.

You get your Trackman data sent over after the session via email so you can review it and I sent a few detailed emails before I ordered getting some questions answered.

After I purchased the irons I got sent the specs for all the clubs.

I got a free Gap wedge (fitted to spec) and free round at Killeen Castle ( up to 3 visitors for €50). From placing the order it took 7 days until I could pick up in December.

Prices Vs Halpenny Custom fit section.
Irons 4-PW w/Gap they were €26 cheaper.
Utility 3 Iron they are €14 cheaper.
Driver €249 cheaper. ( 330 shaft up charge from Halpenny)
Fairway €47 dearer. ( Using an M4 as the M2 is no longer available but I presume the same cost.)

David recommended I don't purchase the Driver or FW Wood as the benefit wasn't enough to justify and get some lessons on technique instead.He also advised replacing the hybrids with utility irons as I hit them better and drop the 3&5W for a 4W. I actually picked up the fairway with a similar weight shaft for €85 from Adverts and cut it to length, I hit it much better than other FW woods I've owned, Break80 seen a few hits in Carton.

I currently own an 815 Alpha 9° which is adjustable, he adjusted this down to 8° and changed the face angle, from this alone I'm seeing better results/flight when struck.

In the end the full irons changes over standard
.5" Longer
.5° Flat ( 1.5° difference to old clubs)
Lightweight B Club-head
6-PW 1° Weaker Lofts
2 Wraps under Grips

3 Utility Iron currently being built.
.5" Longer
.5° Flat
Lightweight B Club-head
1° Stronger Loft
2 Wraps under Grips

So, the real question, has it made me a better golfer? Yes and No

I decided to put more effort in and make a real push to get better.
I practice more/better. I pick a 4i off the tee if there is trouble. I use less loft chipping unless it calls for high loft. All this and more changes in how I approach the game will help even if I used my old clubs.

What the clubs have done is instantly I could see my miss was almost non existent. I used to start the ball left and pull it more off target on my miss. My miss now is either a slight over draw that can catch green or a small push.

I feel more confident over the ball, they honestly feel amazing to me. As a result I've hit some of my best shots ever.

I'm still not a good golfer but one way or another they are helping me shoot lower scores so I'm happy with how it went.

ShivasIrons · 26-03-2018 11:45pm

On a recent you tube video Derek said they’ve done over 250,000 fittings in their twenty years of Fore Golf. Just think about that, how many fittings are required every day to make up that number?

You really have to take everything he says with a pinch of salt, even with regards to how well their clubs are built. Some of the manufacturers are better then them at building, despite what he says.

dan_ep82 · 27-03-2018 12:02am

ShivasIrons wrote: »

On a recent you tube video Derek said they’ve done over 250,000 fittings in their twenty years of Fore Golf. Just think about that, how many fittings are required every day to make up that number?

You really have to take everything he says with a pinch of salt, even with regards to how well their clubs are built. Some of the manufacturers are better then them at building, despite what he says.

Have you got a timestamp for it? Seems like an outrageous statement, that would surely be nearly all the golfers in Ireland.

I honestly wouldn't know there, this is my first set of new clubs.

Benicetomonty · 27-03-2018 12:03am

Im curious as to the point of paying for a fitting session at 50 or 100e when youre not told what the specs are. What exactly are you paying for then?

If above post is to be believed and you get your 'basic specs' which seems to include correct clubs, lofts and shafts, what else is needed in order to confidently wander off and buy cheaper elsewhere? Length and lie maybe? Which would surely be mentioned and picked up upon during the session.

Id be interested to get fitted. Im sure theyre v good at what they do but with a few quid on credit with my own pro (prizes won and returned and the odd 2!), I couldnt justify committing to spending upwards of a grand on clubs just so I can get a better inkling into my numbers.

ShivasIrons · 27-03-2018 1:14am

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Have you got a timestamp for it? Seems like an outrageous statement, that would surely be nearly all the golfers in Ireland.

I honestly wouldn't know there, this is my first set of new clubs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUxTRjAh9vY&t=313s

Just after the 5:00 mark

dan_ep82 · 27-03-2018 8:36am

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Im curious as to the point of paying for a fitting session at 50 or 100e when youre not told what the specs are. What exactly are you paying for then?

If above post is to be believed and you get your 'basic specs' which seems to include correct clubs, lofts and shafts, what else is needed in order to confidently wander off and buy cheaper elsewhere? Length and lie maybe? Which would surely be mentioned and picked up upon during the session.

Id be interested to get fitted. Im sure theyre v good at what they do but with a few quid on credit with my own pro (prizes won and returned and the odd 2!), I couldnt justify committing to spending upwards of a grand on clubs just so I can get a better inkling into my numbers.

From their FAQ

Because no one will build them matched to your custom fitting analysis like us. Why would you get custom fitted at ForeGolf and then assume you will get the same club built elsewhere? If your new clubs are not built EXACTLY the way that we spec them to be, you won’t get the same result. We are custom fitters but our real craft and expertise is the in the way our clubs are hand-built. Because we focus on less volume and more quality we can build clubs better than the big golf companies.

Not sure how much more believable my post could be to be honest.

I'm sure they just don't want you buying the clubs elsewhere,I don't exactly agree with it but I can see why from a business point of view.They will tell you the lie and length during the fitting, add that to the clubhead and shaft you can buy from Halpenny if you want. If I done that,not only would it be more expensive but I wouldn't be buying the same club to be fair.

I've been fit by Halpenny and McGuirks where I paid for the fitting because I didn't buy anything. I got my numbers from them afterwards. Standard length,lie,heavy stiff shaft.

If your not willing to spend upwards of €1,000 you probably won't be getting new season clubs. Most 4-pw+Gap will come in about 1k.

ShivasIrons wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUxTRjAh9vY&t=313s

Just after the 5:00 mark

This is from their About page on the Foregolf website

Derek and Dave are trained to Tour level and have overseen 10,000+ fittings for golfers of all abilities.

Seems much more realistic. If they worked every day for 8hrs a day for the last 20 years that's just shy of 50,000 fittings.

Benicetomonty · 27-03-2018 8:53am

Dont buy the 'club building' spiel. Once you have the correct club head, shaft and grip, its really only a matter of sticking the shaft into the head. Then adjust loft, length and lie as necessary. Job done.

They get their heads and shafts from the same manufacturers as Halpenny / McGuirks etc so how can they claim to produce a better product? Maybe they feel that lie angles and lengths are sometimes adjusted carelessly by others? But thats easily checked if you have a pro who has some idea what theyre doing.

Just sounds as if youre paying for the cosseting and the tea to be honest. If theyre confident in the quality of their fitting, that should really be their selling point and they should release full specs to customers afterwards.

ShriekingSheet · 27-03-2018 9:11am

I think ForeGolf is a completely valid business - even if it's only a marginal gain, what's 50 quid when you're spending over a grand? ...if only for the peace of mind.

However, the crap they seem to talk about shoddy builds in manufacturers, their prowess among tour players and how only they have the detailed knowledge to precisely fit you puts me off.

On the one hand, every business needs to market itself, which is fair enough. But the cult-like fervor with which the likes of the OP come away from sessions with them is quite gas.

Here's an ever more hilarious example from an "article" in Pundit Arena which pops up at the top of their Google Search (make sure you're sitting down):

"I have now played 10 rounds with my new driver. In the last 3 rounds I have not shot worse than level par. A few weeks ago, I was shooting around 80 every round. I directly attribute this improvement to my session at FG."

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 9:24am

ShivasIrons wrote: »

On a recent you tube video Derek said they’ve done over 250,000 fittings in their twenty years of Fore Golf. Just think about that, how many fittings are required every day to make up that number?

You really have to take everything he says with a pinch of salt, even with regards to how well their clubs are built. Some of the manufacturers are better then them at building, despite what he says.

I'm regularly speaking to a man who worked for years in the titleist TPI institute in USA and he would disagree strongly with you. What do you base your statement on???? I have seen first hand 2 sets of my custom build clubs on a machine. Length , lie & loft all wrong!!

Russman · 27-03-2018 10:23am

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

I think ForeGolf is a completely valid business - even if it's only a marginal gain, what's 50 quid when you're spending over a grand? ...if only for the peace of mind.

However, the crap they seem to talk about shoddy builds in manufacturers, their prowess among tour players and how only they have the detailed knowledge to precisely fit you puts me off.

On the one hand, every business needs to market itself, which is fair enough. But the cult-like fervor with which the likes of the OP come away from sessions with them is quite gas.

I tend to agree with this ^^

I've no particular axe to grind with FG whatsoever, I've been twice (for a driver and for the full bag check) and the experience has been fine both times. Yes, the price was a little higher than a McGuirks etc., but not exorbitantly so.

That said, I got rid of the driver after about 6 months (to be fair I've never liked Callaway drivers and should have known better than to agree to one !), and subsequently changed the irons that I got reshafted, so make of that what you will. Indian or arrow ? Who knows.
To their credit some of my clubs didn't need changing and they were decent enough to say there was no need to change my fairway woods, hybrid & wedges.

On the flip side however, I'm not at all convinced the build specs & tolerances come out any different to what a good club pro would do tbh.

What I don't like, as mentioned above, is the subtle knocking of everyone else's build quality. Of course they have to market themselves and promote themselves as every business does, but to me, its just a bit, I dunno, condescending or something.

I also don't like them not giving the specs out (or indeed the Op's referring to people who might want their specs as idiots). If you're paying for the fitting then that's the info you should get IMO, otherwise advertise yourself as "providing fittings to be used only in conjunction with purchasing clubs we build for you".

golfguy1 · 27-03-2018 10:25am

liammcdevitt wrote: »

I'm regularly speaking to a man who worked for years in the titleist TPI institute in USA and he would disagree strongly with you. What do you base your statement on???? I have seen first hand 2 sets of my custom build clubs on a machine. Length , lie & loft all wrong!!

Loft and lie are often wrong when custom built by manufacturers.
Always get them checked straight away.
Regarding ur sets if they have been used for a lenght of time the loft/lie can change from use.
Never seen a custom set built to wrong lenght specs that would be almost impossible

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 10:59am

golfguy1 wrote: »

Loft and lie are often wrong when custom built by manufacturers.
Always get them checked straight away.
Regarding ur sets if they have been used for a lenght of time the loft/lie can change from use.
Never seen a custom set built to wrong lenght specs that would be almost impossible

The first time I had a set of mizunos built from halpenny. When I got them they were an inch too long. I'm not joking 1"! I took them to FG and they sorted them and that's when i discovered the club's were off in every aspect.
The taylormade I had checked yesterday were the correct length but we're fitted wrong for me. I could see that clear as day from the ball striking pattern on the face. That's what I meant.
I'm just the type of fella who wants to give myself the best chance out there so that's what i do proper fittings. FG won WORLD club maker of the year in 2010 and some people still think it's a gimmick. People are entitled to their opinions for sure but anything I've put up here was based on my fact and findings...I could end up wrapping my new irons around a tree too ðŸ€£ðŸ€£

golfguy1 · 27-03-2018 11:07am

liammcdevitt wrote: »

The first time I had a set of mizunos built from halpenny. When I got them they were an inch too long. I'm not joking 1"! I took them to FG and they sorted them and that's when i discovered the club's were off in every aspect.
The taylormade I had checked yesterday were the correct length but we're fitted wrong for me. I could see that clear as day from the ball striking pattern on the face. That's what I meant.
I'm just the type of fella who wants to give myself the best chance out there so that's what i do proper fittings. FG won WORLD club maker of the year in 2010 and some people still think it's a gimmick. People are entitled to their opinions for sure but anything I've put up here was based on my fact and findings...I could end up wrapping my new irons around a tree too ðŸ€£ðŸ€£

clubs built 1" longer than fitted would in all likelihood be an order error from halpenny than mizuno building them wrong.
Obviously lie angle would then be wrong for u.
Clubs should have been returned to halpenny and mizuno would have sorted them for u FOC.
Too many people seen fitted for lightweight x flex clubs by foregolf

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 11:34am

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Dont buy the 'club building' spiel. Once you have the correct club head, shaft and grip, its really only a matter of sticking the shaft into the head. Then adjust loft, length and lie as necessary. Job done.

They get their heads and shafts from the same manufacturers as Halpenny / McGuirks etc so how can they claim to produce a better product? Maybe they feel that lie angles and lengths are sometimes adjusted carelessly by others? But thats easily checked if you have a pro who has some idea what theyre doing.

Just sounds as if youre paying for the cosseting and the tea to be honest. If theyre confident in the quality of their fitting, that should really be their selling point and they should release full specs to customers afterwards.

World yes WORLD club maker of the year 2010! And the company has only gone from strength to strength since then. That's some 'spiel' pal and if you think the same lads are building clubs in taylormade or mizuno for the pros, pro shops mcguirks etc you are badly mistaken.
If you read my first post you would haves read ONE person builds clubs for FG in each company. One! That's the worldwide clout these guys hold!

The two fitters Derek and Dave are just back from fitting on the pga tour for God sake & if they don't know their stuff I don't know who does! A young lad in halpenny getting you to hit 10 balls into a screen??

Woods have far less than can go wrong in the build and my m2 driver from the taylormade guys that visit mcguirks is top drawer- I love it!
But they bring a far more extensive range of shafts with them then halpenny would ever stock. That's good custom fitting.
A lot of people are sceptical on the building of clubs but if you read into it a bit more it's very Interesting

TitianGerm · 27-03-2018 12:02pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

World yes WORLD club maker of the year 2010! And the company has only gone from strength to strength since then. That's some 'spiel' pal and if you think the same lads are building clubs in taylormade or mizuno for the pros, pro shops mcguirks etc you are badly mistaken.
If you read my first post you would haves read ONE person builds clubs for FG in each company. One! That's the worldwide clout these guys hold!

The two fitters Derek and Dave are just back from fitting on the pga tour for God sake & if they don't know their stuff I don't know who does! A young lad in halpenny getting you to hit 10 balls into a screen??

Woods have far less than can go wrong in the build and my m2 driver from the taylormade guys that visit mcguirks is top drawer- I love it!
But they bring a far more extensive range of shafts with them then halpenny would ever stock. That's good custom fitting.
A lot of people are sceptical on the building of clubs but if you read into it a bit more it's very Interesting

Lots can happen in 8 years, just because they won an award in 2010 does not mean they still that good.

If they are so good why haven't they won the award again?

And before you jump down my throat to defend them again I am planning on using them in the not to distant future.

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 12:08pm

TitianGerm wrote: »

Lots can happen in 8 years, just because they won an award in 2010 does not mean they still that good.

If they are so good why haven't they won the award again?

And before you jump down my throat to defend them again I am planning on using them in the not to distant future.

No idea tbh why they haven't won it but is a fair accolade to have. I'm not going to jump down your throat at all here its only discussion. As I said I only opened the thread cause id heard so much about their prices being expensive which wasn't true. Time will tell whether my ne fitting will work this time as it has and hasn't worked before. I will be honest and repost about it. I hope you get on well with FG pal. What are you buying?

TitianGerm · 27-03-2018 12:22pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

No idea tbh why they haven't won it but is a fair accolade to have. I'm not going to jump down your throat at all here its only discussion. As I said I only opened the thread cause id heard so much about their prices being expensive which wasn't true. Time will tell whether my ne fitting will work this time as it has and hasn't worked before. I will be honest and repost about it. I hope you get on well with FG pal. What are you buying?

Going to get a new Driver as I'm still playing with a Taylormade R11 but I'm tempted to change my Taylormade CBs as well.

My dad is changing his Ping irons shortly so I've suggested he try FG out as well. He was looking at the new Ping G700 but I have a feeling he will go with something with a smaller head seeing as he is still talking about his Taylormade RACs that he used years ago and how he loved the look of the club at address.

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 12:42pm

TitianGerm wrote: »

Going to get a new Driver as I'm still playing with a Taylormade R11 but I'm tempted to change my Taylormade CBs as well.

My dad is changing his Ping irons shortly so I've suggested he try FG out as well. He was looking at the new Ping G700 but I have a feeling he will go with something with a smaller head seeing as he is still talking about his Taylormade RACs that he used years ago and how he loved the look of the club at address.

I'm a taylormade man always have been. I had the r11 and when you upgrade you'll notice some difference its been so long. Mainly In forgiveness. I was pushed into (on the day i got fitted i never missed which is typical) an m1 430cc (the smaller head) one time In a fitting on the tour truck and i hated the club. It was so hard to hit. I'm now fitted from the same guys into an m2 and you will probably go m3 / m4 which is the new version. So easy hit. Id love to try the new rouges from callaway sometime too.

As for irons I was sceptical about the p790s but it was the ball flight did it for me. I play in wind and although the m3 iron goes a bit further it was the way they penetrate was amazing. Love the look too. Time will tell I suppose. Best of luck in the fitting and post as to what you got ðŸ‘
Just a heads up there is nearly a month wait for FG if your in a hurry so get booking. ✌

TitianGerm · 27-03-2018 12:49pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

I'm a taylormade man always have been. I had the r11 and when you upgrade you'll notice some difference its been so long. Mainly In forgiveness. I was pushed into (on the day i got fitted i never missed which is typical) an m1 430cc (the smaller head) one time In a fitting on the tour truck and i hated the club. It was so hard to hit. I'm now fitted from the same guys into an m2 and you will probably go m3 / m4 which is the new version. So easy hit. Id love to try the new rouges from callaway sometime too.

As for irons I was sceptical about the p790s but it was the ball flight did it for me. I play in wind and although the m3 iron goes a bit further it was the way they penetrate was amazing. Love the look too. Time will tell I suppose. Best of luck in the fitting and post as to what you got ðŸ‘
Just a heads up there is nearly a month wait for FG if your in a hurry so get booking. ✌

I'm actually leaning towards the 917 (have been hitting my dad's 915 the last few evenings) or the Ping G400 to be honest.

I'm not in a hurry. I'm only back after three years out with a shoulder injury so it'll be the end of the June at least before I go as I'm still not playing the full 18 regularly and want to build everything back up.

slingerz · 27-03-2018 1:53pm

Fitting is one thing i dont really understand. I have stock clubs and seem to get on fine with them. would they go through what you currently have and advise as to what needs to be changed etc? I would be interested in this kind of thing

Benicetomonty · 27-03-2018 2:52pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

World yes WORLD club maker of the year 2010! And the company has only gone from strength to strength since then. That's some 'spiel' pal and if you think the same lads are building clubs in taylormade or mizuno for the pros, pro shops mcguirks etc you are badly mistaken.
If you read my first post you would haves read ONE person builds clubs for FG in each company. One! That's the worldwide clout these guys hold!

The two fitters Derek and Dave are just back from fitting on the pga tour for God sake & if they don't know their stuff I don't know who does! A young lad in halpenny getting you to hit 10 balls into a screen??

Woods have far less than can go wrong in the build and my m2 driver from the taylormade guys that visit mcguirks is top drawer- I love it!
But they bring a far more extensive range of shafts with them then halpenny would ever stock. That's good custom fitting.
A lot of people are sceptical on the building of clubs but if you read into it a bit more it's very Interesting

Not doubting the lads are good at what they do. Youre not explaining what makes them so much better than anyone else though. Exactly how do they make better 'builds' when the shafts and heads they work with come from the same manufacturers as Halpenny and McGuirks? Am I missing some technique beyond inserting the head into the shaft?

Its interesting that you believe nobody in Ireland outside of 4golf is a competent fitter. Where do think the lads out fitting the tour pros come from? I got custom fitted in Carton by Henry Bryne, who is now on the European Tour working for Titleist fitting their pros. Did he only become competent once he got out there? I also got fitted by a lad in Halpenny recently, fully qualified PGA pro who knew exactly what he was doing, to the point where I couldnt see what he did differently to Henry. Im curious to see what 4golf would do differently but not if theyre going to fit me then not release my specs unless I commit to buying!

And even if they are fitting out on tour, does that really make them fitting Gods? Tiger Woods is lining up his 4th different set of specs in his driver in as many tournements. Does that not indicate his fitter is hopeless?

Sultan_of_Ping · 27-03-2018 4:32pm

Personally, I prefer my local pro......he's not only competent but he's seen me play in my "natural" environment on my home course and in the conditions that prevail there.......and his interests are well aligned with mine in that he wants me to succeed as a golfer because then I'll tell others in the club about the equipment he sold or the lessons (or in my case, both).

Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt the FG lads know their stuff and are uber-competent to assess and fit players, but unlike your local pro you're not going to see them from one end of the year to the next so there's no ongoing relationship as it were.

Of course, you may not like your local pro or hold them in much regard (or they may, in fact, be sh1te) which would be a good reason for going elsewhere.

First Up · 27-03-2018 4:36pm

slingerz wrote: »

Fitting is one thing i dont really understand. I have stock clubs and seem to get on fine with them. would they go through what you currently have and advise as to what needs to be changed etc? I would be interested in this kind of thing

What does "fine" mean? Are you off scratch?

Yes, they will assess your current clubs. I did that with them a while back with the set of clubs I'd had custom fitted (elsewhere) previously. Their conclusion was that what I have is close enough to being right not to justify changing anything. No attempt to sell me something I didn't need.

benny79 · 27-03-2018 4:37pm

Is there really that much of a difference between the TM R11 and the new drivers M1, M2 or even the newer models M3, M4. I think its just a sales pitch to be honest as drivers are restricted aren't they?

TitianGerm · 27-03-2018 4:51pm

benny79 wrote: »

Is there really that much of a difference between the TM R11 and the new drivers M1, M2 or even the newer models M3, M4. I think its just a sales pitch to be honest as drivers are restricted aren't they?

I don't know if there's much difference but my R11 isn't in the best condition anymore and the face is badly marked from range balls.

When hitting my dad's 915 I was between 5 to 10 yards further but I really liked the feel off the face more than anything.

benny79 · 27-03-2018 5:00pm

Yeah have the R11 myself but mine is still in good nick a bit of a love hate relationship got fitted in FG 4 yrs ago got new irons and rescue they told me my driver was my best club in the bag at the time so kept it and I was really struggling with it at the time but he told me that was my swing and to get a few lessons. loved the experience all the same..

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 6:07pm

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Not doubting the lads are good at what they do. Youre not explaining what makes them so much better than anyone else though. Exactly how do they make better 'builds' when the shafts and heads they work with come from the same manufacturers as Halpenny and McGuirks? Am I missing some technique beyond inserting the head into the shaft?

Its interesting that you believe nobody in Ireland outside of 4golf is a competent fitter. Where do think the lads out fitting the tour pros come from? I got custom fitted in Carton by Henry Bryne, who is now on the European Tour working for Titleist fitting their pros. Did he only become competent once he got out there? I also got fitted by a lad in Halpenny recently, fully qualified PGA pro who knew exactly what he was doing, to the point where I couldnt see what he did differently to Henry. Im curious to see what 4golf would do differently but not if theyre going to fit me then not release my specs unless I commit to buying!

And even if they are fitting out on tour, does that really make them fitting Gods? Tiger Woods is lining up his 4th different set of specs in his driver in as many tournements. Does that not indicate his fitter is hopeless?

Never claimed any such thing. If you read the posts I have got happily fitted with taylormade before and still use the driver & 3 wood and have no intention of changing. I love them. I opened a thread on price etc because i wanted people to get an accurate idea of the experience and the prices. I searched boards and found nothing useful to me so i threw a few details of fact and of my experience and people go ape! I can only give my opinion and if people prefer their local pro let them off. Of course there are many fine fitters in Ireland.
The one surprising thing I have found popping up in the thread is that people actually expect FG to just hands oot their fitting specs! I'm bemused by this...Why on earth would a world class fitting company give out specs so you could go buy elsewhere...I wouldn't ðŸ˜

Benicetomonty · 27-03-2018 6:23pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

Never claimed any such thing. If you read the posts I have got happily fitted with taylormade before and still use the driver & 3 wood and have no intention of changing. I love them. I opened a thread on price etc because i wanted people to get an accurate idea of the experience and the prices. I searched boards and found nothing useful to me so i threw a few details of fact and of my experience and people go ape! I can only give my opinion and if people prefer their local pro let them off. Of course there are many fine fitters in Ireland.
The one surprising thing I have found popping up in the thread is that people actually expect FG to just hands oot their fitting specs! I'm bemused by this...Why on earth would a world class fitting company give out specs so you could go buy elsewhere...I wouldn't ðŸ˜

You did say that nobody in McGuirks or Halpenny is out building clubs for the tour pros. But that doesnt mean that they couldnt. Every tour fitter has to start somewhere and Id be astonished if there were any branches of either store that didnt have a fully qualified fitter on staff.

I think that the outdoor area, range of options and proper golf balls in real weather conditions is to 4golf's favour; Id value all 3 of these for a fitting and as Ive said repeatedly, Im sure the lads are excellent at what they do.

But advertising a custom fitting for 50e or 100e without being prepared to share the results with the client seems bizzare to me. It is as if they want to get you in, then bedazzle you with options and optimism and numbers until you feel like not ordering something would be the biggest mistake you'll ever make.

Having said all that, once I win the lotto, theyl be the first port of call ðŸ˜€

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 6:26pm

Benicetomonty wrote: »

You did say that nobody in McGuirks or Halpenny is out building clubs for the tour pros. But that doesnt mean that they couldnt. Every tour fitter has to start somewhere and Id be astonished if there were any branches of either store that didnt have a fully qualified fitter on staff.

I think that the outdoor area, range of options and proper golf balls in real weather conditions is to 4golf's favour; Id value all 3 of these for a fitting and as Ive said repeatedly, Im sure the lads are excellent at what they do.

But advertising a custom fitting for 50e or 100e without being prepared to share the results with the client seems bizzare to me. It is as if they want to get you in, then bedazzle you with options and optimism and numbers until you feel like not ordering something would be the biggest mistake you'll ever make.

Having said all that, once I win the lotto, theyl be the first port of call ðŸ˜€

Ha ha i had the pxg irons in my hands yesterday. 'only' 3500€ for the irons...a bargain sure ðŸ˜ðŸ˜

BigChap1759 · 27-03-2018 8:22pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

World yes WORLD club maker of the year 2010! And the company has only gone from strength to strength since then. That's some 'spiel' pal and if you think the same lads are building clubs in taylormade or mizuno for the pros, pro shops mcguirks etc you are badly mistaken.
If you read my first post you would haves read ONE person builds clubs for FG in each company. One! That's the worldwide clout these guys hold!

The two fitters Derek and Dave are just back from fitting on the pga tour for God sake & if they don't know their stuff I don't know who does! A young lad in halpenny getting you to hit 10 balls into a screen??

Woods have far less than can go wrong in the build and my m2 driver from the taylormade guys that visit mcguirks is top drawer- I love it!
But they bring a far more extensive range of shafts with them then halpenny would ever stock. That's good custom fitting.
A lot of people are sceptical on the building of clubs but if you read into it a bit more it's very Interesting

You’re starting to sound like an advert......

Barnaboy · 27-03-2018 8:46pm

BigChap1759 wrote: »

You’re starting to sound like an advert......

Starting? More like the entire thread. Have my suspicions he is connected to the company in some way.

BigChap1759 · 27-03-2018 8:57pm

Barnaboy wrote: »

Starting? More like the entire thread. Have my suspicions he is connected to the company in some way.

New account, 8 posts all in this thread.......doesn’t exactly need Hercule Poirot!!

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 9:00pm

BigChap1759 wrote: »

New account, 8 posts all in this thread.......doesn’t exactly need Hercule Poirot!!

New account? On here since 7th july 2011
Really makes you look very clever that last statement ha ha

Sultan_of_Ping · 27-03-2018 9:07pm

Benicetomonty wrote: »

You did say that nobody in McGuirks or Halpenny is out building clubs for the tour pros. But that doesnt mean that they couldnt. Every tour fitter has to start somewhere and Id be astonished if there were any branches of either store that didnt have a fully qualified fitter on staff.

......

Also, an experienced and talented fitter with tour experience may opt to set down roots somewhere - not everyone enjoys the itinerant lifestyle that comes with being part of one of the tours.

I wouldn't assume that non-tour fitters are not as good as the boys and girls on tour.

Maybe some fitters want an easy life selling stuff to players less informed and way less demanding than tour pros

Barnaboy · 27-03-2018 9:07pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

And i forced you to read the whole lot of it? Exactly! Clown...

Based my opinion on what you have posted. And no I didn't read the entire thread, got bored fairly quickly. No need to personalise it.

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 9:16pm

Sultan_of_Ping wrote: »

Also, an experienced and talented fitter with tour experience may opt to set down roots somewhere - not everyone enjoys the itinerant lifestyle that comes with being part of one of the tours.

I wouldn't assume that non-tour fitters are not as good as the boys and girls on tour.

Maybe some fitters want an easy life selling stuff to players less informed and way less demanding than tour pros

Yes 100%..i agree with you. I know a couple who did. This was obviously a very divided topic and that's fine but now there's a couple of people saying I work for them ðŸ˜Š
I could think of better ways to promote a company than open a thread on boards ha ha

liammcdevitt · 27-03-2018 9:22pm

Barnaboy wrote: »

Based my opinion on what you have posted. And no I didn't read the entire thread, got bored fairly quickly. No need to personalise it.

Apologies. And i don't work for foregolf, taylormade or the harrington golf academy..or anyone else i mentioned that I liked ..

ShivasIrons · 27-03-2018 10:45pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

I'm regularly speaking to a man who worked for years in the titleist TPI institute in USA and he would disagree strongly with you. What do you base your statement on???? I have seen first hand 2 sets of my custom build clubs on a machine. Length , lie & loft all wrong!!

The guy who worked for 'years' at TPI is also known to embellish stories too. One is that he worked for years at TPI, he didn't.

Let's look at the claims being made by Fore Golf and how much truth is there to them.

One is they are the only company in the world to get components heads from Callaway and build them outside the factory. Head only Callaway accounts are common. They have made other claims about component heads that are not true either such as 'We are the only Clubmakers in Ireland and UK to have exclusive shaft options to suit every level of player.' This is also not true. There are many.

They build clubs with exact specifications, a golfer came to me with a wedge built by them, the loft on the wedge was out by 6 degrees, the rest of his set wasn't to specification either, lofts and lengths were out.

They talk about hand building clubs, this confuses me, does someone use a machine to build them?

There's mention of a special fitting ball. I've never heard of such a thing, they just look like range balls, why not use a Pro V1 or a TP5?

Way too many golfers come out with the same fit, longer then standard irons, too upright and lightweight extra stiff shafts. Same with drivers, very common to see lightweight extra stiff driver shafts.

They're very good at marketing, just not very good at fitting.

ShriekingSheet · 28-03-2018 8:26am

ShivasIrons wrote: »

The guy who worked for 'years' at TPI is also known to embellish stories too. One is that he worked for years at TPI, he didn't.

Let's look at the claims being made by Fore Golf and how much truth is there to them.

One is they are the only company in the world to get components heads from Callaway and build them outside the factory. Head only Callaway accounts are common. They have made other claims about component heads that are not true either such as 'We are the only Clubmakers in Ireland and UK to have exclusive shaft options to suit every level of player.' This is also not true. There are many.

They build clubs with exact specifications, a golfer came to me with a wedge built by them, the loft on the wedge was out by 6 degrees, the rest of his set wasn't to specification either, lofts and lengths were out.

They talk about hand building clubs, this confuses me, does someone use a machine to build them?

There's mention of a special fitting ball. I've never heard of such a thing, they just look like range balls, why not use a Pro V1 or a TP5?

Way too many golfers come out with the same fit, longer then standard irons, too upright and lightweight extra stiff shafts. Same with drivers, very common to see lightweight extra stiff driver shafts.

They're very good at marketing, just not very good at fitting.

This brought a tear to my eye. Finally a bit of balance based on what looks like an informed opinion.

As I said earlier, they seem like a good operation to me. It's just the OTT perception they generate (either themselves or through others) can get a bit out of hand.

slingerz · 28-03-2018 9:36am

First Up wrote: »

What does "fine" mean? Are you off scratch?

Yes, they will assess your current clubs. I did that with them a while back with the set of clubs I'd had custom fitted (elsewhere) previously. Their conclusion was that what I have is close enough to being right not to justify changing anything. No attempt to sell me something I didn't need.

What fine means is that i hit the ball well consistently. I'm not off scratch but i am single figures.

Running through the bag to check lofts/lies and suitabilty does sound interesting

Irishdaywalker · 28-03-2018 9:44am

In recent years I have tinkered with the idea of having my clubs fitted, and always liked the idea of going to FG for a fitting, but was always put off by the potential cost involved, The standard reply whenever I had the conversation about going there is "good, but expensive" - but it's expensive to buy a new set anyway the shops.

Credit has to be given to FG - from a set up in the back of a truck to where they are now, good luck to them!

But, I would tend to agree with a previous post on this thread, if i decide to have any alterations made to my clubs I will more than likely go to the pro's at my club, as there is a level of trust they would'nt shaft me !! -sorry pardon the pun :)

The fee of €50 / €100 FG charge for the consultation with no details given, is a tricky one - if they give you all the specs, the danger for them is you are just going to leave and head off with the a4 sheet and buy somewhere else. And I suppose they may right in this regard, the charge just seems to be for their time.

Is it worthwhile having your clubs custom fitted from your experience, even mentally ? ? maybe more important just to get the driver fitted?

If it is, I am open to go to Halpenny, McGuirks, American Golf, Foregolf, and some rubbish shops as well :)

Webbs · 28-03-2018 10:10am

Personally I think for the irons at least that the basics length, shaft optimisation can be done at most fitters and will be all thats needed.

The variables in playing on a course hitting your irons would far outweigh any fitting for the specifics, we are constantly hitting from up, down side lies, bare lies thick rough etc. How many times do you hear from the vast majority of golfers oh i had to take a bit off that iron or go a bit harder that would negate surely a lot of the minutiae of iron fittings.

Ok if your a real swing mechanics guy and have a super repeatable swing in all conditions with same angle of attack, etc maybe the full on fitting is for you, but I would argue thats a very small percentage of golfers.

I play regularly with a guy who got the full on fitting with FG and also bought a different set of clubs off ebay of all places for holiday golf, he swaps between the sets and youd never know the difference.

Driver fitting is a different animal though as we 'should' be hitting this with the same swing off a lovely level teebox. So there I can see a real advantage of good fitters be it FG or your local pro.

Irishdaywalker · 28-03-2018 10:18am

See that is what I was thinking - maybe the Driver is the important one! I'm the average sized Joe, so presume clubs (irons) on the production line and set for the average sized person !
That would be the fear if I went with the entire set, then all of a sudden my old set where better suited!

valoren · 28-03-2018 10:38am

I went for a fitting in 2014. It turns out I was capable of carrying a 6 iron 196 yards and carrying a driver 290 in the air based on the trackman. All with a range ball. I think there's an element of ego stroking to an extent as I've never been able to hit that in reality i.e. on the course. My Sunday best drives, with the club I ended up ordering from them, top out at 250 carry distance anytime I've made some crudimentary measurements with a GPS and with proper golf balls.

benny79 · 28-03-2018 11:59am

I dont really get the FG bashing. You know what you are going to get before you go so if its not for you don't go simple. €100 is expensive but so is a BMW doesn't mean you have to buy one.

I went to FG 4 years ago for a full bag check first time there and it was a good experience. I bought Irons & rescue from them as mentioned already. The Irons were €50 dearer than the shops but had upgraded shafts or different to stock ones they also gave me a free wedge worth €100+ and 2 green fees for Killeen castle and do this for most who buy clubs so that's €200 back there. They told me my driver was my best fitted club in my bag and not to change it TM R11 which I was fitted for in American golf. If I hadn't of gone to FG thats the first club I would of changed as I was hitting it terrible but they told me it was a swing issue to get a lesson. I still use my R11 today by the way.

My experience was I loved it. Some people have this idea that they are dear yes taking the price of the fitting €100 I can see why but as far as I'm aware they only fit for the latest clubs or a cheaper option is to alter the clubs you have. So if you went today they would fit the TM M3 or 4. You couldn't get fitted for M1 or 2 of course this would be cheaper as they are a older model now. Like you can pick a M1 or M2 in halpenny now for €200 in some stores but they only have a few left when they came out they were €400 or something. But you get the point Im making I hope.

Can club pro's fit the same? Of course they can

Can the shops fit the same? I would say yes to a point, But FG would have more options shafts etc to choose from and maybe more experience because the €100 is paying for their time as well. So there not just pushing a sale to a point like the shops would be. Nothing wrong with either they are both a business after all.

To me I love all the tech even when talking to lads in Halpenny & American Golf and I believe Mcguirks and some of the others charge €30 now for a fitting but take it off the price if you buy from them.

There is very little mark up on clubs believe it or not. My clubs were dear at the time but 4 years later I still love them and they are in great nick. I have confidence in them and will have them for easily 4/5 more. It stopped me from chopping and changing all the time especially the driver which I didnt even purchase from them! and of course a good Club Pro could do the same. But how many shops and Pro's have trackman obviously some do but not all.

I have mainly got fitted in the likes of American golf previous to ever going to FG some fittings were good and some were terrible and a total waste of money. FG has being the best as in I have held on to my clubs the longest even my driver which is rare for me as we all love new shiny toys

but I have stopped buying into all the Sales pitches these days and spend my money on lessons or playing more golf and on different courses..

liammcdevitt · 28-03-2018 2:11pm

ShivasIrons wrote: »

The guy who worked for 'years' at TPI is also known to embellish stories too. One is that he worked for years at TPI, he didn't.

Let's look at the claims being made by Fore Golf and how much truth is there to them.

One is they are the only company in the world to get components heads from Callaway and build them outside the factory. Head only Callaway accounts are common. They have made other claims about component heads that are not true either such as 'We are the only Clubmakers in Ireland and UK to have exclusive shaft options to suit every level of player.' This is also not true. There are many.

They build clubs with exact specifications, a golfer came to me with a wedge built by them, the loft on the wedge was out by 6 degrees, the rest of his set wasn't to specification either, lofts and lengths were out.

They talk about hand building clubs, this confuses me, does someone use a machine to build them?

There's mention of a special fitting ball. I've never heard of such a thing, they just look like range balls, why not use a Pro V1 or a TP5?

Way too many golfers come out with the same fit, longer then standard irons, too upright and lightweight extra stiff shafts. Same with drivers, very common to see lightweight extra stiff driver shafts.

They're very good at marketing, just not very good at fitting.

So a person I never even named 'embellished' stories? And a company who work with tour pros day in day out and won awards etc fit wedges 6 degrees out? This is the point where I unfollow the thread. Utter nonsense like that. Titlesit (who i don't work for either btw)state on their website 2 degrees is the max you can bend a club! And i can only imagine is the same for other companies. Anything more than 3 or 4 is unheard of! But 6?? Stop the lights...
Funny he 'came to you' with a wedge ? How would be able to test this unless you are in the game of fitting yourself. And i was the one getting accused of working for a company. Seems someone's nose is out of joint here ha ha

ShivasIrons · 28-03-2018 2:58pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

So a person I never even named 'embellished' stories? And a company who work with tour pros day in day out and won awards etc fit wedges 6 degrees out? This is the point where I unfollow the thread. Utter nonsense like that. Titlesit (who i don't work for either btw)state on their website 2 degrees is the max you can bend a club! And i can only imagine is the same for other companies. Anything more than 3 or 4 is unheard of! But 6?? Stop the lights...
Funny he 'came to you' with a wedge ? How would be able to test this unless you are in the game of fitting yourself. And i was the one getting accused of working for a company. Seems someone's nose is out of joint here ha ha

TPI is quite a small company, there is not many people who have worked with them. I know the person you are talking about, the golf industry is a small world.

Fore golf do not work with tour pros day in day out, they might work with an odd one during the year.

Golf clubs are easily bent to much more then 2 degrees, especially with soft metals. If you don't want to believe the wedge was out that's fine by me, I deal with evidence that's presented to me. Fore golf make a lot of claims that aren't backed up. If some one makes claims they have to be open to rigorous assessment of their claims too.

If you want to say my nose is out of joint that's fine, I've only presented evidence to the contrary of their claims.

liammcdevitt · 28-03-2018 3:10pm

ShivasIrons wrote: »

TPI is quite a small company, there is not many people who have worked with them. I know the person you are talking about, the golf industry is a small world.

Fore golf do not work with tour pros day in day out, they might work with an odd one during the year.

Golf clubs are easily bent to much more then 2 degrees, especially with soft metals. If you don't want to believe the wedge was out that's fine by me, I deal with evidence that's presented to me. Fore golf make a lot of claims that aren't backed up. If some one makes claims they have to be open to rigorous assessment of their claims too.

If you want to say my nose is out of joint that's fine, I've only presented evidence to the contrary of their claims.

Ah now i know it 'bends' more than 2 def but its in no way recommended. Or good for a club. 6 degrees out, I've never heard such a claim. But look...Anyway this topic is so divided it's unbelievable. I have never come across a company that doesn't blow their own trumpet in fairness. I also personally have seen the evidence in front of me. So it's a never ending discusion really. Where would you go for a fit then? You seem to be knowledge based...I might get wedges done next..and despite what people think im open to new ideas. I'll research it to death but look that's the fun in it..ps I thought I'd unfollowed the thread :-)

Webbs · 28-03-2018 3:20pm

liammcdevitt wrote: »

Ah now i know it 'bends' more than 2 def but its in no way recommended. Or good for a club. 6 degrees out, I've never heard such a claim. But look...Anyway this topic is so divided it's unbelievable. I have never come across a company that doesn't blow their own trumpet in fairness. I also personally have seen the evidence in front of me. So it's a never ending discusion really. Where would you go for a fit then? You seem to be knowledge based...I might get wedges done next..and despite what people think im open to new ideas. I'll research it to death but look that's the fun in it..ps I thought I'd unfollowed the thread :-)

Try Birr GC

Irishdaywalker · 29-03-2018 8:23am

Oasis or Blur ?

FOREGOLF KILLEEN CASTLE 2018 FITTING & PRICING!

Comments