Golf Club Fitting

  • Overview

    TOTAL CONFIDENCE

    Golf is all about confidence, in your game and your equipment. That’s why Titleist designs the highest performing equipment and offers the most precise club fitting experience in the game. Titleist’s approach to fitting begins with a unique understanding of players’ performance needs born from working with PGA Tour players, PGA Professionals and amateurs serious about getting better. Our highly skilled team of fitters utilizes the most advanced tools to help players optimize driver performance, make iron play more precise, dial in their wedges and fine-tune set compositions.

    The best way to truly appreciate the high performance value of Titleist golf clubs, achieve total confidence on every shot and shoot lower scores, is to experience Titleist club fitting for yourself.

    The Titleist Fitting Network

    Titleist Fitting Partners

    Titleist fitting partners conduct numerous fittings and utilize many of the fitting tools available in the marketplace. Our most accessible fitting option, these fitting partners are located both on- and off-course and feature fitters trained by Titleist who utilize our latest equipment. Find a Titleist Fitter near you.

    Titleist Fitting Days

    To help augment the efforts of local Titleist Fitting Partners as well as to meet the demand from serious golfers for expert fitting advice, Titleist annually conducts over 200 fitting days with golf shops across South East Asia. Fitting representatives trained by Titleist work individually with golfers during these events to present the Titleist golf club line and help determine the best models and specifications for performance improvement. Click here to search for upcoming Titleist Fitting Days.

  • Driver

    Titleist driver fittings provide players with the proper combination of launch conditions (ball speed, launch angle and spin) that optimize ball flight and control while delivering maximum distance, repeatability and consistency.

    STEP 1: TEST BASELINE LAUNCH CONDITIONS

    Test baseline launch conditions with current driver or with a 910D2 at the A•1 setting. Observe ball flight and note average ball speed, launch angle, backspin, carry and total distance.

    STEP 2: SELECT 910 DRIVER MODEL & FIT FOR OPTIMUM LENGTH

    Model Selection

    Selecting the right 910 driver model will optimize a player's launch conditions (ball speed, launch angle and spin) and maximize distance potential.

    Performance910D2910D3
    Size 460cc 445cc
    Workability Medium Medium/High
    Launch Mid/High Mid
    Spin Medium/Low Medium/Low

    Optimum ball flight is characterized by a high initial launch angle with low spin that produces a flatter, more penetrating downrange trajectory.

    Launch AngleSpin Rate910 Model Recommendation
    High Low 910D2
    Low High 910D2, 910D3
    High High 910D3
    Low Low 910D2

    Fitting for Optimal Length

    The optimal driver length will provide on-center hits that produce maximum ball speed and control. Testing has shown that impact ½" off center will result in a loss of approximately 2 to 4 yards and 1" off center will result in a loss of approximately 8 to 11 yards. The most common length driver on the PGA Tour is 45” followed by 44.5”.

    STEP 3: Optimize Launch Angle and Spin

    The ideal launch angle varies according to ball speed and involves some degree of player preference and adaptation to local conditions. Our fitters are equipped with charts and graphs developed by the Titleist Golf Ball Research & Development that accurately determine optimal ball flight at many different ball speeds.

    Club loft, shaft properties, and club impact location have a great effect upon launch conditions and the fitter will adjust these variables to maximize performance.

    Cause & Effect RelationshipLaunch AngleBackspin
    More Loft Increased Launch Angle Increased Backspin
    Less Loft Decreased Launch Angle Decreased Backspin
    Fade Impact - Low Heel Decreased Launch Angle Increased Backspin
    Increased Fade Spin
    Fade Impact - Low Toe Decreased Launch Angle Increased Backspin
    Increased Draw Spin
    Fade Impact - High Heel Increased Launch Angle Decreased Backspin
    Increased Fade Spin
    Fade Impact - High Toe Increased Launch Angle Decreased Backspin
    Increased Draw Spin
    Fade Impact - High Center Increased Launch Angle Decreased Backspin
    Fade Impact - Low Center Decreased Launch Angle Increased Backspin
    Stiffer Tip Shaft Lower Launch Angle Lower Backspin
    Softer Tip Shaft Higher Launch Angle Higher Backspin
    Stiffer Flex Shaft Negligible Effect Lower Backspin
    Softer Flex Shaft Negligible Effect Higher Backspin
    Heavier Weight Shaft Negligible Effect Lower Backspin
    Lighter Weight Shaft Negligible Effect Higher Backspin

    STEP 4: Summarize

    Based upon the results from your driver testing the fitter will prescribe the ideal driver and will emphasize the key factors that lead to that decision. The selected driver will provide launch conditions that optimize ball flight and control while delivering maximum distance.

  • Long Game

    Too often golfers are held back by their choice of long game clubs that inhibit their ability to score when faced with longer shots. The benefit of a long game fitting is to provide the correct combination of fairway woods, utility clubs and long irons that produce playable trajectories and preferred yardage gaps.

    STEP 1: Evaluate Current Long Game Set Composition

    The fitting process is best started by discussing and testing current fairways, utilities and long irons. During this step, the fitter will ask questions in search of areas of long game opportunity and any yardages that cause difficulty. The fitter will note carry distances, paying special attention to any clubs that produce small or large distance gaps.

    STEP 2: Determine the Longest Iron

    The fitter will use Titleist Long Game Performance Charts to determine the longest iron which produces a playable trajectory. More and more PGA Tour players are removing long irons from their bag due to the performance benefits of utility clubs.

    STEP 3: Determine the Best Long Fairway Metal

    The fitter will prescribe a club that attains the proper combination of launch conditions (ball speed, launch angle, backspin) to optimize ball flight and control when delivering maximum distance off the tee and turf.

    Launch too high? Try the following:Launch too Low? Try the following:
    Less Loft Higher Loft
    Stiffer Tip Shaft Softer Tip Shaft
    Spin too High? Try the following:Spin too Low? Try the following:
    Stiffer Tip Shaft Softer Tip Shaft
    Stiffer Flex Shaft Softer Flex Shaft
    Heavier Weight Shaft Lighter Weight Shaft
    Less Loft Higher Loft

    STEP 4: Calculate & Fill the Long Game Yardage Gap

    The fitter will calculate the yardage gap between the longest iron and fairway metal selected. This gap, typically between 30 and 50 yards, can be segmented by an additional fairway metal and/or utility clubs. Many players choose to have larger gaps in their long game clubs in order to add wedges that minimize short game yardage gaps.

    STEP 5: Summarize

    After completing a Long Game Fitting the golfer will have determined the specifications and set composition for all clubs between your longest iron and driver. These clubs will instill the confidence to execute the most demanding long-game shots. Because we believe that every club is a scoring club.

  • Iron

    Titleist irons combine tour-proven design elements with your fitter's expertise to produce consistently accurate iron shots. During the iron fitting process, the fitter will determine which model and specifications best meet the individual golfer's needs to enable better scoring.

    STEP 1: Test Baseline Conditions

    The fitter will observe current ball flight tendencies, personal swing characteristics, and discuss your preferred ball flight, carry distances and ball-stopping performance expectations.

    STEP 2: Select the Proper Model

    Titleist offers a variety of iron models to fit your game, with various profiles, offest, loft progression, and aesthetic propreties.

    Here is an overview of our iron models and their unique features and benefits:

    Features and Benefits

    STEP 3: Select The Iron Specifications

    Length

    The proper iron length will allow for ideal posture at address and will result in the most consistent on-center impact.

    The length fitting process will begin by testing a standard length 6-iron with face impact tape. Depending on shot distribution, golf swing, posture and ball flight results, the player will continue testing 6 irons at various lengths until on-center impact marks have been achieved and ball striking optimized.

    The most common 6-iron on the PGA Tour is 37.5" (standard) followed by ¼" over standard. This is the result of good posture at address and maintenance of proper posture during their swing.

    There are circumstances where a player's swing does not allow for on-center impact marks, and the ideal length will be determined by one that encourages good posture and the most consistent ball striking.

    Lie Angle

    Lie angle has a significant effect on a player's ball flight and is easily identified and diagnosed. When lie angle does not fit the player's swing correctly the ball flight will often force changes in their swing and the player can develop poor swing mechanics.

    Lie angle is tested with impact tape and a lie board. The player will begin testing lie angle at 62.5° (standard) and hit shots off the lie board with both ball flight and impact marks evaluated.

    Depending on the ball flight, testing will continue until the player's preferred ball flight is achieved with shots flying consistently at the target. When a player's swing does not allow for on-center lie marks a lie angle will be chosen that promotes the most accuracy or encourages preferred ball flight.

    STEP 4: Optimize Launch Conditions

    Iron ball flight is largely based on the player's swing characteristics, which can be fine-tuned with varying head and shaft properties. Regardless of a player's individual trajectory, the selected irons should provide specific yardage gaps and ball stopping ability throughout the set.

    Shaft Flex

    Proper shaft flex allows the player to load the shaft properly and maximize energy transfer to the ball.

    Quicker tempo swings generally require heavier shafts and firmer flexes, while smoother tempos may benefit from lighter weight shafts with softer flexes. Most players will benefit from softest flex that producess controllable and consistent ball flight

    Shaft Type

    The shaft largely plays two roles – it impacts the golfer's feel during the swing and alters the ball flight due to properties such as flex point and weight. The ideal shaft type produces the player's preferred trajectory, feel and performance.

    During the fitting process, players will test different shafts in search of the combination of properties that field the desired ball flight.

    The following table lists ways a fitter may use club variables to fine-tune launch conditions:

    Launch too high? Try the following:Launch too Low? Try the following:
    Stiffer Tip Shaft Softer Tip Shaft
    Stronger Lofted Irons Traditional Lofted Irons
    More Offset
    Spin too High? Try the following:Spin too Low? Try the following:
    Stiffer Tip Shaft Softer Tip Shaft
    Stiffer Flex Shaft Softer Flex Shaft
    Heavier Weight Shaft Lighter Weight Shaft
    Stronger Lofted Irons Traditional Lofted Irons

    Iron Set Composition

    If not already completed, the fitter will determine the longest iron which produces a playable trajectory using Titleist Long Game Performance Charts. More and more PGA Tour players are removing long irons from their bag due to the performance benefits of utility clubs.

    A playable trajectory is defined as a high launching trajectory that produces maximum carry distance with a descending angle that will allow the ball to stop on a green with control.

    Grip

    Proper grip size will produce less tension in hands and forearms, and facilitate proper release. Test different grips to arrive at the best size and preferred grip type (round or ribbed). Proper size will have fingertips slightly touching the palm in the player's left hand.

    STEP 5: Summarize

    The fitter will review which clubs are selected and discuss their recommendation with the golfer so there is a clear understanding as to why each club specification was chosen.

  • Wedge

    The goal of a wedge fitting is to provide the best combination of wedges to optimize short game performance and yardage gaps necessary for lowering scores. A Titleist FittingWorks Wedge Fitting will guide the player through the process of selecting wedge model, bounce, and spin characteristics.

    STEP 1: Evaluate The Player's Current Wedges

    The player's wedge lofts and bounce in their current set are evaluated and the player will hit shots with each club. The fitter observes turf contact, carry distances, spin rates, and trajectory.

    STEP 2: Test Sole Performance and Short Game Technique

    Club Properties

    The fitter will identify the proper sole profile that best suits the player's short game technique. Bounce and sole width work hand-in-hand to provide golfer's with ideal turf interaction that compliments their swing style.

    Club Properties

    The fitter will identify the proper sole profile that best suits the player's short game technique. Bounce and sole width work hand-in-hand to provide golfer's with ideal turf interaction that compliments their swing style.

    SLIDER/SWEEPER

    This player has a shallow angle of attack and slides the leading edge of the club under the ball. They will play their best with a wedge that has a narrow sole, less bounce and more camber.

    DIVER/DIGGER

    This player type uses less hand action, a stronger grip, and steeper angle of attack. This player may position the ball back in their stance and trap the ball at impact. This player will play their best with a wedge that has wider sole, more bounce and less camber.

    In order to identify each golfer's swing style the fitter will apply lie tape to Vokey wedges with different bounce and sole characteristics and have the player hit shots from a lie board. The impact marks are evaluated to determine the player's wedge swing style.

    In addition, the impact tape identifies if the player's lie angle should be adjusted with their wedges. Many better players use wedges that have a flatter lie angle than their set of irons.

    STEP 3: Fit For Sand Wedge Loft and Spin

    The player will be fit for a Vokey 56°, 58° or 60° wedge that will be their preferred club from the sand and for recovery shots around the green.

    By hitting shots from sand, rough, and fairway conditions the golfer will select the wedge that provides the best all-around performance. During this process the fitter and golfer will determine if more spin and ball stopping performance is needed. Vokey Spin Milled wedges provide more consistent and higher spin due to a CNC machined cut face and grooves with 30% more groove volume than a conventional wedge.

    STEP 4: Fill Gaps Between Sand Wedge and Pitching Wedge

    Next the fitter and player will determine the number of wedges a player needs between their sand wedge and pitching wedge. It is important that a player’s wedges produce predictable yardages and preferred ball stopping performance.

    The player’s full-swing pitching and sand wedge distances will be measured to calculate the difference in yardage, typically between 30 and 50 yards. The player will then hit wedges with lofts between their pitching and sand wedge in order to determine the number and specific lofts of wedges desired to span the yardage gap identified earlier.

    STEP 5: Summarize

    In addition to the performance properties identified earlier, wedge feel and aesthetics should be compared between the Vokey Tour Chrome, Oil Can, and Black Nickel finishes. All Vokey Design wedges are crafted from 8620 mild carbon steel for soft, solid feel. Tour Chrome wedges provide a classic chrome finish with a Tour -preferred, reduced glare satin appearance. Oil Can finish is cosmetically unique due to the hot oil oxide process that wears off over time, leaving a soft feeling wedge with a raw finish. Black Nickel is another non-corrosive, reduced glare finish for players seeking a cosmetically unique look that won't corrode.

    After completion of the Wedge Fitting, the golfer has selected their desired wedge specifications and a loft progression that provides consistent and predictable distances.

  • FAQs

    FAQs

Backspin

Measured in revolutions per minute, backspin is affected by a golfer's angle of attack, the club's head and shaft, and the golf ball's construction and materials. Backspin can be accurately measured with a launch monitor and may be approximated by observing trajectory shape. A more upward arcing ascent indicates higher spin. Backspin that is too high results in shorter carry and roll distances. Backspin that is too low reduces carry distance and can cause instability in flight.

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Ball speed

The velocity, measured in miles per hour or kilometers per hour, at which the ball leaves the clubface. A ball struck well with a driver can have a speed 1½ times the club speed. For example, if a player's club head speed is 100 mph, their ball speed can be approximately 150 mph. Balls struck away from the center of the face will have lower speeds. For reference, Tour players' driver ball speeds are typically between 160 and 175 mph. With fairways and irons, the ball speed is proportionally less.

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Baseline launch conditions

The fitter will usually consider the launch conditions of your current golf club to be your baseline launch conditions.

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Bounce

The angle created between the sole of the golf club and the ground line at address. Higher wedge bounce angles are generally chosen for players who are diggers or drivers and help reduce digging of the club in turf or in areas of soft bunker sand. Lower bounce angles are appropriate for sweepers and sliders so that the wedge's bounce does not adversely alter their shots.

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Club head speed

The speed of the club head, measured in miles per hour or kilometers per hour, just before impact. Most PGA Tour players swing their driver at speeds from 105-120 mph.

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Carry distance

Distance the ball travels from the time it is struck to the time it first strikes the ground.

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Driver/Digger

A driver or digger wedge player has a steeper angle of attack, often using less hand action and a stronger grip. This player may also position the ball back in their stance and trap the ball at impact. They play their best with wedges that have wider soles, more bounce, and less camber.

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Grip size

Grips come with varying wall thicknesses and can be applied with extra layers of tape below the grip to increase the size (each layer of tape adds approximately 1/64" to the grip size). Proper grip size enables maximum control and comfort. For most players, proper size is indicated by the fingers on their left hand slightly touching the palm when the club is gripped.

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Iron face tape

A pressure-sensitive tape applied to an iron face to determine impact location. Iron face tape is generally used while fitting iron length and shaft to determine which specifications produce most centered impact.

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Iron lie tape

A pressure-sensitive tape applied to an iron sole to determine the position of the iron at impact with respect to lie angle. Marks located on the toe of the club indicate that a more upright club is needed. Marks on the heel indicate that a flatter club is needed.

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Launch angle

The angle at which the golf ball travels in relation to the ground immediately following impact. The ideal launch angle is dependent upon backspin, ball speed, and the player's desired trajectory. Launch angle is difficult to identify without the use of a launch monitor.

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Launch monitor

A launch monitor measures the golf ball's launch conditions in the first few inches of flight. The most basic launch monitors are capable of measuring ball speed, spin and launch angle. Better launch monitors make a three dimensional measurement and additionally report push/pull angle and sidespin. The Titleist Performance Monitor was developed by Titleist R&D and is primarily used to gather club and ball launch data. It is unique in its ability to measure "pre-launch" club conditions like speed and rotation as well as club face and ball impact location, dynamic club loft, and angle of attack.

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Lie angle

The angle formed between the centerline of the golf shaft and the ground when the club is soled in a neutral position.

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Long game fitting

Fitting the proper combination of fairway woods, utility clubs, and long irons that produce playable trajectories at preferred yardage gaps.

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Optimum driver ball flight

Optimum ball flight varies by ball speed and can be described generally as a high initial launch angle with relatively low backspin.
When using a launch monitor the fitter may refer to proprietary Titleist Driver Performance Charts.

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Playable trajectory

Usually referred to in long game and iron fittings, a playable trajectory produces maximum carry distance while providing appropriate shot stopping ability, usually with a more descending angle that allows for the ball to stop on a green with control.

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Ribbed or reminder grip

A grip with a slightly raised area (rib) running along the underside of the grip.

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Round grip

A grip that is uniformly round in cross-section.

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Slider/Sweeper

A slider or sweeper wedge player has a shallow angle of attack and often is someone who uses more hand action. This player will generally use a wedge with a narrower sole, less bounce, and more camber.

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Sole camber

Is the curvature of the sole measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

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Sole width

The width of the sole of the club head measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Wider soles increase the effective bounce of a wedge.

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Tempo

Describes how rapidly the player's swing transitions from backswing to downswing. Tempo does not necessarily equal club head speed as players with smooth tempo may have very fast head speed. Quicker tempo players generally prefer heavier shafts and stronger flexes. Smoother tempo players generally prefer lighter shafts and softer flexes.

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Tip stiffness

Tip stiffness is measured in mm by using a deflection board or by measuring the shafts EI curve electronically. A soft tip shaft will generally launch the ball higher with higher backspin. Firmer tip shafts will generally launch the ball lower with reduced backspin.

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Torque

A measure of a shaft's resistance to twisting, expressed in degrees. Lower torque shafts feel stiffer and are generally preferred by players with higher swing speed. Torque has a minor effect upon trajectory, but has a large impact on the feel of shots struck off-center.

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