What Are Custom Golf Clubs? A Quick Primer.

The question of what are custom golf clubs is common for beginning golfers. One of the fun things about learning golf is buying a new set of clubs. In addition to all of the off-the-rack sets available, there are also custom options to consider.

What Are Custom Golf Clubs?

There are essentially two types of custom golf clubs. The first type is simply an off-the-rack, name brand set that is customized to fit the golfer. This customization includes:

Adjusting the shaft length (longer or shorter)
Altering the lie of the club (flat or upright)
Modifying the club’s swing weight (heavier or lighter)
Changing the grip style or size of the grip
Installing stiffer or more flexible shafts

Several retail outlets provide fitting services. These services match a golfer’s physical characteristics and playing styles with the proper customization options. There are also businesses that specialize entirely in custom club fitting.

When some golfers ask, “What are custom golf clubs?” there’s also another answer. Some people consider assembled club kits to be custom golf clubs.

Kit clubs (sometimes considered “knock-off” golf clubs since they copy popular retail styles) are assembled by a golf club maker based on the customer’s needs.

When ordering custom kit clubs, the golfer will pick out the style of iron and wood heads. The club maker will then take measurements to determine the proper length of the shafts and size of the grips.

The golf club maker will often ask the golfer to hit a few balls into a practice net. An electronic device captures the golfer’s swing vital signs (swing speed, for example). Using these swing characteristics and measurements, the club maker assembles the set of clubs.

The entire process of club customizing takes about the same amount of time – whether modifying an existing set or building a set of clubs from the ground up. Expect to wait between 5-10 business days to have your new clubs.

Now that you know what are custom golf clubs and are still unsure about what to buy, my recommendation is to start at a local pro shop. Ask them to explain the different options, fitting services and prices available.

Custom “knock-off” clubs are typically cheaper than their retail counterparts. As such, these custom styles have gained popularity over the years. In my experience, the quality and consistency of these copy-cat clubs isn’t as high as their name brand competitors.

You are going to pay extra for custom golf clubs. If you’re serious about getting an exact fit, I encourage you to get professionally fitted and purchase a customized name brand set.

The higher quality, consistency and customer service you’ll get with a name-brand set will make up for the price difference.

Now that you know what are custom golf clubs, go out and shop around! Even with the best advice, nobody will know what you like better than yourself. Ask to hit several types of clubs, both name brand and off-brand.

Pay attention to the feeling you get when hitting the clubs. Buy the set that feels and hits the best. Trust the results and you can’t go wrong with your purchase.

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