Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve attended two golf club fitting sessions as part of projects for Golf Monthly, one for PXG and the other for Ping. The reason I’m mentioning this is because on both occasions it highlighted the benefits of the process, whatever your level of golf.
Both sessions included relative beginners and that’s the real talking point here because I know many women have never considered being fitted for their clubs for a number of reasons, and often it's because they don't think they are good enough.
Or, like a couple of women at my golf club, when I mentioned this, they said they'd never even thought about it. You wouldn't buy a car without the right set of wheels! We're all different shapes and sizes and have different swing paths, so having clubs that suit you can only be a good thing.
There’s also a real intimidation factor, which I totally understand. I’ve stepped into fitting bays feeling incredibly self-conscious, worrying about my swing and hitting poor shots simply because I was too tense. But remember, the fitter is on your side. They’ve seen every type of swing imaginable and are only there to help you play better.
If you're reading this and thinking, "that's me, that's how I'd feel," then you should at least have a go at Ping's new Ladies WebFit app. It’s a simple, self-guided questionnaire you can complete in minutes. All it takes is a quick measurement and some honest feedback about your play. It’s the ideal first step toward a professional setup, allowing you to explore your specs without the pressure of a live fitting bay.
The biggest hurdle is the belief that you need a consistent swing before a fitting matters. In reality, the opposite is true. For a beginner, the right equipment acts as a support system. If your clubs are too heavy or the shafts are too stiff, you’ll instinctively manipulate your body to compensate, often developing bad habits just to get the ball airborne. A fitting isn't about rewarding a perfect swing, it's about removing the physical obstacles that prevent you from developing one.
If the idea of a 1-on-1 session still feels a bit daunting, start with that digital step, but eventually, I encourage you to step into the bay. These fitters aren't looking for a Tour-level strike, they are looking to understand your natural swing so they can help you improve. Don’t just take my word for it, read this article by Carly Cummins on why custom fit clubs will change your game for the better.
We shouldn't make a difficult game even tougher by using the wrong gear. Like the women I joined for their fittings recently, once you feel the confidence that comes with a set meant for your swing, you'll never want to go back to standard off-the-shelf clubs.
Alison Root
Women's Editor
Golf Monthly
