In the post-pandemic golf world that has witnessed a surge in participation and newcomers to the game, custom-fitted golf clubs continue to gain popularity as a new study shows that golfers are highly satisfied with their fitting experience across almost all fitting channels. Golf Datatech, LLC published the 9th Edition of its exclusive report on the Evolution of Custom Fitting Golf Equipment in the United States.

“If you ask any PGA Professional or Instructor, they will tell you that custom fitting is an important element of game improvement in golfers of all levels,” said John Krzynowek, partner at Golf Datatech. “When we started analyzing this category in 2001, there was a very different methodology for being fit, without any launch monitors or hard data. Over 20 years later, our study shows that golfers are more satisfied than ever with their custom fitting experience, both on and off the course, and they recognize the positive game improvement that comes from properly fitted equipment.”

The report looks at all aspects of golf club fitting, including insights into the perceptions of fittings in drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, irons, putters, and golf balls, and attitudes about various shaft and grip options.

“The overwhelming majority of golfers who have been custom fit in the past want to be custom fit in the future, as they’ve seen their game improve,” said Krzynowek. “This is vitally important to the industry and the intersection of fitting and equipment sales, as recurring customers present the foundation of the club buying/fitting population.”

Golf Datatech estimated that well over half of all driver and iron sales include custom fitting, with some leading brands fitting substantially higher percentages than that. And, while golf ball fitting experiences remain far less common than those for drivers and irons, most golfers believe they would be better off getting their golf balls to fit their game, just like clubs.

Beyond analyzing golfers that have been fit, the report suggests that golfers who have never been fit have what could best be described as an “inferiority complex” and frequently believe they are “not good enough” to benefit.

“Given the overwhelming satisfaction of golfers who recognize performance gains from custom fitting, the industry can do a better job in promoting the experience, both on and off course and sway those players who have never been fit for their equipment,” said Krzynowek. “Custom fitting is good for golfers and good for business, and it is as important to the game as any one piece of equipment.”

Other key topics covered in the study include:

  • Perceptions of golfers regarding the top brands of clubs and balls for fitting and which brands are leaders in fitting;
  • Satisfaction levels by retail channel (Green Grass, Off Course, Specialty Stores, Sporting Goods, etc.);
  • Satisfaction levels of the leading national fitters, specifically which retailers are doing the best job fitting; and
  • In-depth cross tabs showing how the various market segments view the fitting process.

To read Golf Datatech’s Evolution of Custom Fitting Golf Equipment report in the U.S., go here.

Photo courtesy PXG