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Taking Custom-Fitting One Step Further: Fitting for Club Matrix

At Innovex Golf, we are all about customization – we customize for lie, length, grip size, shaft flex, shaft torque, kickpoint – but even more, we custom-fit for club matrix – or, the set of clubs itself. What club types and loft combinations you carry can have a dramatic impact on your scores.

How so? Click http://www.innovexgolf.com/kevins_corner/chapter18.asp for a full explanation of why club matrix is so important.

So, how do you go about being fitted for club matrix? There are a number of ways we can help you select the right clubs:

1. Visit our HQ, any Innovex Golf retailer http://www.innovexgolf.com/retailers/index.asp or a club-fitter that utilizes a launch monitor (not a simulator).
2. Visit our Tour Van, The Innovex Golf Experience, when it comes to your local golf course or driving range.
3. Contact us via phone at (866) 402-6097 – our professionals are ready to assist you.
4. Utilize our Build-A-Set feature – click http://www.innovexgolf.com/pricing/build_a_set.asp .
5. Contact us via email – be sure to tell us about your game – distances, swing type, clubs currently utilized, etc.
6. Continue to read here – we’ll go through the process of selecting the right fairways, hybrids and irons.

Let’s begin by going through the clubs that each golfer should carry. If we divide up the bag into 14 “slots” (assuming that we’re going to follow the USGA rules), we should all start with the following clubs:

1. Driver
2. 3 wood
7. 7i
8. 8i
9. 9i
10. PW
11. GW
12. SW
13. LW
14. Putter

So, we all start with the same ten clubs – of course loft of driver will vary for each golfer – visit http://www.innovexgolf.com/pricing/build_a_driver.asp to find out the right driver for your game.

There are 4 slots where multiple club choices are available – which club you select depends mostly on the ball speed you generate. The faster your swing, the more likely you are to carry on the right side of this grid; the slower your swing, the more likely you are going to be better off with the options on the left side of the grid.

You see, the slower your ball speed, the more benefit you will receive from clubs with a lower CG – i.e. fairway woods and hybrids.

3. 5 wood (19) 3 hybrid (18)
4. 7 wood (23) 4 hybrid (22) 4 iron (22)
5. 5 hybrid 5 iron
6. 6 hybrid 6 iron







Ladies and seniors will benefit from a combination of 5w, 7w, 5h, and 6h. Most men will fare well with a 5w, 4h, 5h, and 6i combination. Stronger players will do well with a 3h, 4i, 5i, and 6i combo.

*Caveat to this….long hitters interested in carrying a 64˚ ULW, will eliminate the 3w and 3h, and add a 4w in order to make room for the versatile 64˚ ULW.

What I carry personally and why (carry distance in parentheses):

12˚ Driver
5w (215)
7w / 4h (200)
5i (185)
6i (170)
7i (158)
8i (146)
9i (134)
PW (120)
GW (105)
SW (90)
LW (75)
ULW (60)
Putter

Personally, I opt to carry the 64˚ ULW, as I am very confident with it in the 50-60 yard range and around the green. Also, I find that I generally don’t hit the 3w or 4w much farther than the 5w, so I opt for the club that goes higher. Depending on the course and conditions, I select between the 7w and the 4h. On shorter courses and, in wetter and windy conditions, I go with the 4h. Otherwise, I like the very high ball flight of the 7w.

Our goal is very simple: To put a set of clubs in your hands that fits you in terms of length, lie angle, shaft type, shaft flex, grip size, and club matrix. This will give you the most confidence and will lead to lower scores.

Mr. Downey,

I was hoping you could discuss at your leisure, the following question. My feeling is that the biggest obstacle for players, especially extremely competitive golfers, is the psychological effect of changing the make-up of clubs in the bag. I can certainly see the value in the club matrix you are discussing, but I have a hard time excepting it. Any thoughts or comments?

What about it is hard to accept? I am happy to answer and comment, but if you could be a little more specific, that would help.

Kevin

I used the Build-A-Set feature last night (looking ahead to next year already ), and I was curious about the recommendation. Right now I carry Driver, 3W, 5W, 4-PW, GW, SW, LW, and of course, putter. The recommendation I got was 4W, 4H, 5H, 6-PW, GW, SW, LW, ULW. I use the 3W and 5W frequently on my 2nd shot on the longer holes. Are the 4W and ULW good choices for a high-handicap golfer?

No Kreth... BAS failed you a little there, although I would like to see the answers you gave. I will have to see if I can find it. Nonetheless, I would recommend the setup you have as pretty darn good, with the note that you might want to consider a 4 hybrid and maybe a 5 hybrid to replace a couple of irons.

Kevin

Here were my answers:
Q. Are you male or female?
A. Male

Q. Do you have any arthritis in your hands, arms, or shoulders?
A. No

Q. How far do you hit your current lob wedge with a full swing?
A. more than 75 yards

Q. How far do you typically hit your 7 iron IN THE AIR?
A. 140 - 149 yards

Q. What clubs in your current set have graphite shafts?
A. Driver and Fairway woods only

Q. What is the measurement of your left wrist to the floor when standing on a firm surface with street shoes on? If you play left-handed, please measure your right wrist.
A. 32 - 34 inches

Hand Measurement
----------------
Q. What is the measurement of the crease in your wrist to the tip of your middle finger?
A. 7.75 - 8.25 inches

Q. What is the measurement of the base of your middle finger to its tip?
A. 3 - 4 inches

Distance Evaluation
-------------------
Q. From 155 yards, flat ground, no wind, pin in center of green, which would you choose to hit?
A. 7 iron


I actually was considering the 4 and maybe 5 hybrid. I'll probably test drive a club this summer. Unfortunately, the only reseller near me (central upstate NY) appears to only carry your driver, so I'll have to order it through your site.

MOney back Guarantee code is MBG - good for 60 days.

Kevin

So, I redid the BAS today, as my ball-striking with my irons has improved slightly over the summer. I noticed that BAS is no longer recommending a 4H and 5H. The following answers changed:

Q. How far do you typically hit your 7 iron IN THE AIR?
A. 160 yards or more (was 140 - 149 yards back in April)

Q. From 155 yards, flat ground, no wind, pin in center of green, which would you choose to hit?
A. 8 iron or less (was 7 iron)

The main differences I noted was that an S flex was recommended as opposed to an R last time, and 4I and 5I were suggested as opposed to the 4H and 5H previously. I'm playing to about a 30 handicap now (have broken 100 a few times recently). Would the hybrid 4 and 5 still be a good choice, or should I look at the irons as BAS recommended?

Well, after noting Kevin's post here, I contacted Innovex directly. Not only did Kevin answer my questions promptly, he took the time to spend about 45 minutes chatting with me on the phone and making some suggestions based on my game.
I'm strongly considering going with a combination of Innovex woods, hybrids, and irons for next season. I'd try their wedges as well, but a co-worker has offered me a sweet deal on some used Vokeys that I just can't pass up.
Per one of Kevin's recommendations, I just ordered a demo 3H to replace my 5W. I'm hoping to get out a few times with this club before the snow starts flying here in Upstate NY. Oh, if anyone is curious, Kevin did suggest staying with the 4H and 5H during our discussion.