With what you already know about your game, and a tape measure, you can get custom golf clubs. You’ll need to know your height, the distance from your wrist to the floor, a couple of hand measurements, how far you hit your driver (or your swing speed), and you’re done. All of this can be entered in over the internet, and unless you choose a more expensive shaft, you’ll usually pay the same price as the off-the-shelf club.
Flex of the Shaft
The most important part of getting the right club is getting the right shaft. The most important part of getting the right shaft is getting the right flex of the shaft. For those with a higher swing speed, a stiffer shaft is necessary. For those players, getting a shaft that is too weak or whippy will cause a great big hook. For those with a slower swing speed, a more flexible shaft will allow for longer, straighter drives. Your actual swing speed can be measured, or it can be approximated by how far you hit your 7 iron or your driver.
Steel or Graphite Shaft
For most people it is worth the extra money to have a graphite shaft for your driver and woods. Usually it won’t cost extra, because a graphite shaft is included in the price of the driver. For the irons and wedges, it may be advantageous for women and seniors to have graphite shafts also, but most players should just have steel shafts. Graphite shafts are lighter, and will help you hit the ball farther.
Shaft Kick Point
The shaft kick point, or bend point, will help you hit the ball lower or higher. A high kick point means that the ball will go lower, and a low kick point helps the ball go higher. If it’s windy where you live, it may be advantageous to have a high kick point shaft to keep the ball under the wind.
The length of your shaft will be determined by your height.
Grip Thickness
Oftentimes, when you’re in the process of entering the specifications for your clubs, they will ask what type of grips you want. The vast majority of people have standard grips. If you want thicker or thinner grips that is a matter of personal preference and possibly the hand measurements you submit. The sizes vary in 1/64” increments, which is miniscule, and it should have very little effect on your swing or ball flight.
Getting custom clubs can be pain free, and are certainly worth the money.