lotus

previous page: 21 Should I buy Name Brand Clubs, or CustomFit/CustomBuilt Clubs?
  
page up: Golf FAQ
  
next page: 23 How do I build my own clubs?

22 How does one find/pick a Custom Clubmaker?




Description

This article is from the Golf FAQ, by marcelo@nntpserver.Princeton.EDU (Marcelo A. Gallardo) with numerous contributions by others.

22 How does one find/pick a Custom Clubmaker?


There are several ways to find a Custom Clubmaker. Keep in mind that
you will want to shop around, and possibly talk to several clubmakers.

There are a number of referral services that can help. The PCS,
Professional Clubmakers Society, can be reached at 1-800-548-6094 in
the USA and Canada. Their recommendations indicate whether the
clubmaker is qualified as a Class A Clubmaker (based on competence
certification administered by the PCS). You can also call up the major
component vendors (GolfSmith, GolfWorks, Dynacraft) and ask for a
referral. They generally keep a list of clubmakers, and should be more
than happy to give you names, numbers, and possibly even references.

You could also ask your local Pro, or a Golf shop. Generally both the
Pro and Golf shops, will send out clubs repairs to a local clubmaker or
repair shop. If this is the case, they shouldn't have a problem giving
you a the name or telephone number.

You may be able to get a few names and numbers by talking to other
golfers you meet at a range or course. This is also a good way to see
what kind of work the clubmaker will do, and how satisfied some of
his/her customers are.

There is also a directory on dunkin.Princeton.EDU that contains a
listing of Custom Club Builders. This list is available via the Web at
http://dunkin.Princeton.EDU/.golf/clubmaking/Clubmakers/, or via
anonymous ftp. Clubmakers that wish to have themselves added to the
list can contact Marcelo Gallardo at marcelo@dunkin.Princeton.EDU.

Remember that the reason you want to buy CustomFit/CustomBuilt clubs is
the fact that they are built for you. This should give some pointers in
"picking" out a clubbuilder.

One of the first things you should do when talking to a Custom
Clubmaker is to inquire about his/her knowledge. If the "clubmaker" is
just that (a clubmaker), he/she will not do a very good job fitting
clubs for your game.

Don't be afraid to ask questions like how long they've been custom
building clubs. Did they have any formal training. How many
happy/unhappy customers have they had. These are just a few questions
to help you get to know your clubmaker.

One of the first things the clubmaker should do, even before discussing
what it is that you want, is to assess your skills. This can be done by
taking a trip to a range, so the clubmaker can analyze you swing.
Taking a look at your current set, and noting any problems you may have
with them, would probably be an indication of a knowledgable clubmaker
as well.

A good clubmaker should tell you what characteristics your swing calls
for. Examples of this are shaft flex, torque, and kickpoint; head
characteristics such as weight and COG location. With this is mind
he/she will most probably have a few "demo clubs" for you to try. don't
be afraid to say you don't like any of the clubs you try, it's the
clubmakers job to fit you with clubs that you will be happy with.

As with anything else in life. If you talk to a clubmaker and don't
feel totally confortable with him/her, don't buy a set of clubs from
him/her.





 

Continue to:













TOP
previous page: 21 Should I buy Name Brand Clubs, or CustomFit/CustomBuilt Clubs?
  
page up: Golf FAQ
  
next page: 23 How do I build my own clubs?