The Effects of Custom-Fitted Clubs versus “Placebo” Clubs on Golf-Swing Characteristics

Abstract

While the use of custom-fitted equipment is on the rise in the game of golf, empirical data as to its benefits and/or pitfalls is lacking. The current study sought to determine the effectiveness of custom-fitted clubs in the golf swing performance of both novice and experienced golfers. A launch monitor system was used to obtain measures of clubhead speed, clubface angle, and tempo to quantify baseline performance and any subsequent change in performance following the experimental procedures. Following a pre-test, which involved recording 12 swings with a standard 6-iron, participants were custom fit for club length, shaft flex, and lie angle according to the Henry-Griffitts TotalTest® system. Post-tests were administered following a 10-minute break. During the post-test, participants unknowingly used either a properly fitted club, a purposely ill-fitted (i.e., ‘placebo’ club), or the same standard club used in the pre-test. Our data suggest that custom club fitting does improve the characteristics of the golf swing, although often in different ways depending upon the skill level of the player.