Visiting the PXG Custom Fitting Facility

This year PXG have opened a new fitting facility at their UK HQ. I have admired the PXG clubs from afar for sometime and the fact that past Evian Champion & 3-time Solheim Cup winner, Celine Boutier, is one of their Tour Ambassadors is a big plus. So, what does the PXG custom fitting experience entail?

Key elements of a custom fitting

The key elements of a custom fitting with PXG (regardless of what clubs you are wanting to be fitted for) is an assessment of how your current clubs perform and how they can improve on that to make you a more consistent golfer.

The length of our session for two clubs is around an hour but if you are looking for a full bag fitting then set aside at least 3 hours. And be prepared to hit a lot of balls!

PXG specialists will find you the best head, shaft length and shaft flex for your new clubs. They'll optimise them for loft, lie, weight, balance and grip to ensure you have everything you need to take your game forward.

So, what does this mean:

• Loft – How much loft is presented on the club both at impact and at address. Too much or too little can hinder performance
• Lie – The lie angle of the club being too upright or too flat can have a directional impact on your shots
• Weight – Incorrect weighting of your clubs can cause a number of issues, including, timing, ball flight and club head speed.
• Grip – Having the incorrect size grip can also cause issues throughout your golf swing depending on whether the grip is too small or too large.

We are all different heights and weights and, with the best will in the world, we all swing the club differently.

This was also a good opportunity to explain to Jasper I had a problem with my left hip and had a tendency to hit left if I was not rotating correctly.

The Club Fitting Process 

Jasper asked me to hit several shots with my own 7-iron and driver and these were measured by a Trackman monitor. I then repeated the process with the PXG driver and 7-iron. You've seen the Pros use these on the practice grounds at tournaments & then assess their performance on a tablet instantaneously. Jasper pretty soon had some stats on my current clubs.

He explained some of the key numbers:

7 iron

• Ball speed – Increase of 7.5 mph
• Spin rate – Decreased by 600 rpm, this is good because too much spin means the ball will stall
• Launch angle – Increased by 0.6 degrees, this is good because too little launch means the ball will come out too low for optimum performance
• Ball carry – Increase 15 yards or 19%
• Total Distance – Increase 15 yards or 15%

The overall benefits in the iron were clear to see - better distance and carry. I was fitted with a slightly sturdier shaft and I liked the increased club head weight. My launch angle is better but I definitely need to work on my club path and face angle.

Driver

• Ball speed – Increase of 1.5 mph
• Spin rate – Increased 259 rpm
• Launch angle – Increased by 1.2 degrees, this is good because too little launch means the ball will come out too low for optimum performance
• Ball carry – Increase 12 yards or 9%
• Total Distance – Increase 8 yards or 5%

Again, carry and total distance with the PXG driver increased. The stats also gave me an indication of what areas I need to work on going forward.

One area which we did discuss is the use of hybrids. My lower irons have been an area of concern due to a long standing hip problem. I asked Jasper if I could try some of the lower hybrids such as 5 and 6 to replace my current 5- and 6-iron. These have really helped my game since I started using them.

He also suggested a 7-wood. This has been a revelation. Ball distance can equal/ beat the 5- and 6-hybrid and it is very forgiving.

I'm delighted my spin rate and launch angle improved. A nearly 10% improvement in my ball carry and distance is only going to help me improve my Greens in Regulation stats.

Nevertheless, the jury is still out for me on the driver. I just don't like these big-headed clubs. But I will practice and no doubt reap the carry benefits. I love the 3-wood and can't wait to get my hands on them. Will keep you updated on my progress.

Note for beginners

They say that most beginners just start with hand-me-downs (I started with my Mum's old PING irons) and I think there's nothing wrong with that. However, as soon as you have the golfing bug then I wouldn't hesitate in recommending a fitting.

Need a fitting?

To arrange a PXG custom fitting at the Epsom fitting studio, a coffee and a little retail therapy speak to Jasper directly.

Jasper Johnson
Fitting Team Leader | PXG
E: [email protected]

Full bag, driver, woods, hybrids, irons and putters fittings available.

Don't forget the retail therapy

Not only does the PXG Epsom store have start of the art fitting facilities, it also has a shop.

Here you will find the latest women's apparel and unlike many golf clothing stores it's shelves are 50% female.

There's also a very nice fitting room.

I highly recommend a visit!

Where is your nearest fitting centre?

Want to find a PXG fitting centre near you. Click here for the PXG DEALER LOCATOR. And don't forget PXG have a mobile fitting centre so ask at your Club if they can make a visit.

Read about why club fitting is important for women golfers.