Sponsored content: Tiger Woods so right to say amateur golf players should get fitted… and finding your ideal gear has never been easier
Sun's Dean Scoggins tries new American Golf lab for analysis of player technique and discovers that for him Ping is the thing
TIGER WOODS said, in 2005: "The most important thing amateurs should understand is the need to get fitted".
Since then, huge strides have been made in ball-tracking technology, swing analysis and club advancements.
And it's now not just for single-figure (or better) players at flash clubs.
In fact, mid to high handicaps are likely to benefit more from fitting as better players can hit most clubs well!
I'm more like a 20 handicap off the tee but my swing is ok, so time to see if clubs can help.
American Golf's new fitting labs are state of the art, free and aren't just about trying to sell.
In fact, their PGA pros have sent people away who think clubs alone can fix swing issues.
After a couple of tweaks to my stance I was in front of the monitor with TaylorMade's M3.
The instant analysis of swing speed, ball launch, spin rate and line of strike is incredible.
Too much info for you to understand? Well, you don't need to as the brilliant pros make the recommendation.
My 90mph swing meant my current driver shaft is too flexible and exaggerates bad shots.. even if I hit a good one a long way.
After a shaft change on the M2 and the more pricey M1, it wasn't going how I'd like so on to the Ping G series.
After hitting six long but slightly right, the brilliant Steven McCarthy changed to the tour shaft and put an increased loft on the head and...boom.
I don't really know how he interpreted all the numbers on the screen, but it worked. Carry was up, spin more neutral and straight.
Better try the Callaway XR, brand new and a great looking club, just in case.
But immediately it felt stiffer in my hands than the Ping and the data showed I wasn't launching it as high.
Back to the Ping to check it was no fluke.
First one not good. "Bad swing," says Steven, "reset and relax again."
Whack. 260-yard carry and 30 yards of run..seven yards right of centre.
Now for a three-wood.
Again, the expert Steven nailed it.
"I don't think you need a three-wood, you can probably carry a five-wood 220 and it'll be more forgiving."
Bang on, again.
Now I know that a good swing means a good result with a club that suits my game.
No excuses now...to the range.
AMERICAN GOLF is Europe's largest golf retailer, dedicated to improving your game. Visit one of their 109 UK stores and check out what in-game technology and American Golf's PGA pros can do for you. #ImproveYourGame
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