My friend was fitted at the driving range in 20 minutes, why do club makers take so long to do the same job? 

I want to be very clear on this; we don’t do the same job. If a retailer puts you on a golf range, presents you with a bag full of 6 irons and drivers and attempts by trial and error to fit you with customised clubs, they will, in all probability fail, as this method misses out all but a few the fundamentals of club fitting. A proper fitting for golf clubs takes two to three hours; it is simply not possible to do a good job in the 20 to 30 minutes that some retailers take. Please remember, a quick sale is the aim of all but the most ethical and knowledgeable of golf club retailers.

Are fitted clubs mainly for pro’s and low handicappers or can high handicappers benefit from customized clubs as well?

Yes. From driver to putter, a tour pros bag contains a meticulously crafted set of clubs, built to his/her game needs and swing characteristics. No pro would play with off-the-shelf or poorly fitting golf clubs, the pro knows the results would be inconsistency, inaccuracy and a loss of distance and that would mean wasted shots and wasted shots cost money.

Sadly the vast majority of amateurs are not aware of the benefits fitted clubs can bring to their game. All golfers whether amateur or pro, have the following in common, they don’t want to waste shots, would like to play their best and shoot the lowest scores they’re capable of. Regardless of your skill level you will play better with equipment that suits your needs.

Can equipment tests in magazines be a reliable guide when looking for new clubs?

Not really. As you’re probably aware today’s golf clubs are heavily branded and aggressively marketed, manufacturers need you to change your golf equipment every couple of years or so to stay in business.  Around the needs of the manufacturers has developed an eager and complicit golfing press, carrying glossy ads that making spurious claims, supported by questionable equipment test reports and articles. So, read and enjoy your favorite golfing magazines, but please, with an open mind and pinch of salt near by.

Is it ok to cut down my old clubs for my youngster?

Absolutely not! If your child is to develop a good swing and a love for the game he/she needs to start with a club of the right length, a shaft with the right flex, the right grip and swing weight for their physical needs. Do not buy junior clubs that are sold in age groups (8yrs to 10yrs ect) and never buy clubs thinking they will grow into them. If you’re serious about introducing a young person to golf, accept the cost involved; their new clubs will probably need lengthening and a re-grip after year one and replacing after year two and this situation will be ongoing till the golfer reaches their late teens and are physically mature.

Are none branded clubs as good as the big brands?

If by big brands you mean the companies the likes of Titleist, Callaway and Mizuno, who choose to spend many millions marketing their names all over the golfing world to reach the mass market and if by none branded clubs you mean the likes of Golfsmith, Tom Wishon, Orka and Snake Eye, the preferred brands at Strike Right Golf I can honestly say there’s no difference. They’re both superbly designed and they’re both manufactured in the same few high grade Foundries in China and Taiwan. However, differences do occur during assembly, the big brands assemble their clubs on the production lines and the smaller brands are assembled by club makers like Strike Right Golf and I know the clubs that come out of our workshop are built to the highest  standards, standards the assembly lines of the big name brands, can’t match.

What are cloned golf clubs?

Cloning golf clubs has regrettably become common place, they are cheaply produced, low quality copies of commercially successful clubs and should never be considered. In my opinion they’re the golfing equivalent of the fake DVD, a phoney Rolex and a pair of counterfeit Levis, don’t touch them!