It’s going to happen. Sooner or later, someone is going to find out that you are a Golf Professional, or a Master Fitter or somehow involved in the golf world, and they’re going to come up to you and say “What shaft should I get in my driver?”, or “How come I slice the ball?”, or “What Irons would you suggest for me?”…

Don’t do it. Don’t be helpful. Don’t take the bait. The answer is, “I have no idea. I’d have to watch you hit some balls.” Period. Enjoy the rest of your day.

I’ve had some good ones. “What shaft would you recommend for me? My club speed is 140.” I can’t help it… “Your ball speed is 140?” “No, my club speed.” “With what club (a rocket launcher – just kidding, I didn’t say that)? A driver?” “No, my 7-iron”. “Oh. Wow. You must hit that a long way.” “Yeah. I’m long.” “I bet. I’d have to see you hit it first before I can suggest anything.” Turns out his Carry distance was 140. Good one, Long Ball. I actually did have one kid one time who said his club head speed was 130 with an iron. I said (sarcastically) “Really? Show me.” as I handed him a 7 iron. SOB… It was 127. You never know.

I had a young man on Wednesday that I thought was going to show me something I’ve never seen before (in person)…. 200 MPH ball speed. The slacker topped out at 197. Haha. Carried it 346. My joints ached just watching it.

This one got me to stop asking “What’s your normal shot shape?” “I draw the ball. My miss is a hook.” Hmm. Your path is 7* to the left, and your club face is 4* open to the target line. Oh, and your attack angle is -9*…. I’m not seeing a lot of “draw” in that swing. I’ve had to say “I’ve got the machine aiming for the Red and white flag’ because the shots were so far all over the place. One time I did that and the player said “Which one is that? I’m color blind.” Oops. My bad. I now ask. “Hit a couple shots for me. I’m aimed at the red and white flag where the alignment stick is aimed.” After a few shots, I say “I see a draw that started on line, a straight one left of the target and another draw that started left of the target. Is this typical for you?” You can SEE the normal shot shape. Why ask the question before he hits a ball?? Once he answers the “Is this typical for you” question, ask him if this is the shot shape he wants.

One more good one. I was at a family picnic a few weeks ago. My brother in law asked me for help with his golf swing – in his back yard. While we were having a couple beers playing corn hole. Let’s go to the range sometime. OK, but why do I…. I know I’m lifting my head. No. It’s because you were a football player and you think the golf ball is an opposing quarterback. You have the touch of a jack hammer operator. Haha..Let’s go to the range…

“Tell me about your golf game. What’s a typical mishit?” Another one I stopped asking. Hit some balls. I’ll see what it is. Players will tell you what they think you want to hear, and what makes them sound like they are better than they are. WHY make them lie. The results will speak for themselves.

Try this sometime. Take the “draw” scenario from above where the player was swinging it 7* left with a face that was pointed 4* right with a 9* negative attack angle. “Is that your normal shot shape?” “No. I normally draw the ball.” “I’m not seeing a lot of that in your swing or your results today. Should we reschedule this fitting to a time when you’re hitting it more like the normal you?” You know who says YES to this question? No one.

The subject of this weeks column was not funny things that people have said to me. It was “Can you suggest a … for me?” Let’s suppose you indulge and ask a few questions. If they aren’t going to tell you the truth when they are faced with hitting balls in front of you in 14 seconds after you finish asking them questions, do you honestly think they will tell you the truth if they don’t actually have to hit balls? Do yourself a favor. Don’t engage in this conversation. There is no One size fits all or a magic pill that works for everyone. If there was, everyone else would already be using it. Simply say “Come and see me for a proper fitting and we’ll figure it out together.”

Happy Fitting!!!

Jim Yeager, PGA