Should High Handicappers Get Fitted Clubs? The Benefits Apply to All

High handicappers face an avalanche of advice from all directions.

From pros to social media influencers to ‘well-intentioned’ playing partners, golfers shooting in the 90s and above hear countless tips on how to improve their game.

One persistent debate centers on custom fitting: Is it worth it for high handicappers – in other words 20+ handicaps – to invest in fitted golf clubs?

The straightforward answer? Absolutely yes.

Custom fitted clubs benefit every golfer, but particularly high handicappers. Why?

Because high handicappers typically struggle with inconsistent ball striking and can’t easily adapt their technique to accommodate ill-suited clubs.

Properly fitted equipment therefore increases the chances of center-face contact and maximizes performance on mishits—which happen more frequently at higher handicap levels.

Put simply: When you’re still working out how to control the golf ball, wouldn’t you want all the help you can get from your clubs?

But this simple answer is just the beginning. As we dive deeper, we’ll address the other questions that really matter:

• At what handicap should you consider getting fitted?
• What specific clubs should high handicappers get fitted for first?
• How can you navigate the fitting process without breaking the bank?

Drawing on insights from our extensive research across multiple fitting venues and expert club fitters, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision about whether club fitting is right for your game—and how to maximize the benefits if you decide to proceed.

While it’s clearly a misconception that high handicappers can’t benefit from fitted clubs, it’s vital to approach the process with eyes wide open.

After all, golf is hard enough without making it more complicated!

Golfing Focused Takeaways For Time Pressed Golfers

• High handicappers benefit MORE from fitting than low handicappers – Expert fitters agree that higher handicap players can see greater proportional improvement from fitted clubs
• No perfect handicap “minimum requirement” exists – If you play regularly and want to improve, fitting can help regardless of your current handicap
• Start with irons or driver – Begin with whichever you use more often or struggle with most
• Fitting Costs doesn’t have to be prohibitive – Free demo days and fitting fee credits toward purchases can make the process more affordable
• Be aware of your development path – Fast-improving players may outgrow their fitted clubs more quickly than established players

The Benefits of Fitted Golf Clubs Apply MOST to High Handicappers

When it comes to the subject of fitted golf clubs high handicappers can very often think to themselves – “I am not a good enough golfer for a custom golf club fitting to matter.”

But when you look at the benefits of getting fitted golf clubs does that statement actually stack up?

Simon Cooper, Master Club Fitter at Precision Golf, directly addresses this misconception:

“The assumption will be that (club fitting) is for the elite golfer, the low handicapper, the scratch golfer, and actually the reality of the answer is… for the best players you’re making little small fine tunes. For the mid handicapper there’s actually far more you can do .. and it’s far more applicable to the higher handicapper because there’s more variability in their action .. and more inconsistency.”

The key aim and benefit of a custom golf club fitting is to make sure you have clubs in your hand that “fit your physical dimensions, your strength, your stance and the way you swing.”

This in turn will then increase the chances of you finding the centre of the clubface and maximizing how far and straight your mishits go.

In other words a custom fitting is aiming to tell you which clubs will help you the most when things don’t go quite right rather than when they do.

And what category of golfers are some of the most inconsistent ball strikers in the game of golf?

High handicappers.

“We can save multiple shots for the mid to high handicapper and really improve their
enjoyment of the game”

simon cooper, master club fitter @ precision golf and to ryder cup legend colin montgomerie

So a process which aims to make sure your clubs are the right length, have the correct shaft, the best lie angle for your height and the best grip for your hands is clearly going to be beneficial to all golfers regardless of playing ability.

During my own fitting journey across multiple venues custom fitted clubs resulted in me gaining 25 yards with my driver and on average 6 yards with each of my irons.

And that was with me keeping my 20-year-old irons and just getting new shafts put in them.

If those are the results I achieved as a single-digit handicapper, imagine the potential improvements for high handicappers.

All this in itself of course does not automatically mean every high handicapper ‘should’ get fitted clubs but it’s important we are clear from the outset that a custom golf club fitting can benefit every standard of player.

And whether you walk out of a custom fitting with nothing or an entirely new set of clubs the process will also undoubtedly give you a better understanding of your golf swing.

What Is Classed as a High Handicapper?

Before going further, it’s worth clarifying what constitutes a “high handicapper” in golf.

While definitions can vary, the general consensus is:

• Low handicap: 0-9
• Mid handicap: 10-19
• High handicap: 20+

It’s important to note that the average male golfer has a handicap of around 14.2, while the average female golfer is around 27.5.

This means that over 20% of all recreational golfers with a handicap would be classified as high handicappers.

Some golfers mistakenly believe that only single-digit players should consider custom fitting. However, as we’ve established and as expert fitters confirm, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

WHEN Should High Handicappers Get Fitted for Clubs?

When is the right moment for a high handicapper to invest in a fitting?

Is there a specific handicap number that should trigger you to get a fitting?

This question comes up frequently, but the premise is somewhat flawed.

And there is certainly no specific handicap threshold that suddenly makes you “worthy” of fitted clubs.

A more helpful question would therefore be: “Do you play golf regularly and intend to continue improving?”

If the answer is yes, then getting fitted can help at almost any time and as we’ve already regardless of your current handicap.

As a general rule therefore, if you:

1. Play at least once or twice a month
2. Want to get better
3. Plan to use these clubs for several years
4. Are willing to invest in your enjoyment of the game.

Then club fitting can benefit you – whether you’re a 30 high handicapper or not.

The misconception that high handicappers won’t benefit from fitting likely stems from the inconsistency in their swings. The argument goes: “Why get fitted to an inconsistent swing that will change as you improve?”

However, this overlooks a fundamental reality: even inconsistent golfers have patterns to their mistakes.

A good fitter will identify these patterns and recommend equipment that minimizes their impact, making the game more enjoyable during the improvement journey.

As Cooper explains: “For the low handicap we’re nipping around the edges trying to fine-tune something, whereas actually we can save multiple shots for the mid to high handicapper and really improve the enjoyment of their game.”

What If You’re Taking Lessons?

Many high handicappers are actively working on their swing through lessons.

Should you wait therefore until your swing is “perfect” before getting fitted?

We explore the topic of whether you should get fitted for clubs before or after lessons in another post but here’s Simon Cooper’s take:

“If you’re going through lessons and making a major swing change, then that isn’t the right time to come for a fitting. Once that’s bedded in and settled down … that’s then the right time to come in for a fitting.”

However, he clarifies: “You don’t have to be completely through the whole change and making it feel like it’s 100% bedded in, but getting through that initial change… as long as you’re not changing the way you generate your speed, then it’s perfectly fine to come for a fitting before that process is finished.”

This strikes a sensible balance – you don’t need a perfect, finished swing, but if you’re in the middle of dramatically changing your technique, it’s wise to wait until the new movements become more natural.

Based on my own ‘fitting journey’ however I would add and argue that if you find the right club fitter and coach it doesn’t matter WHEN you got for a fitting.

At my initial driver fitting for example I gained an insight into my swing that was costing me a lot of yards off the tee.

In brief because I was hitting down on the ball with a negative attack angle I was losing distance.

So my fitter told me to go away and work on making it positive before we moved onto looking at my driver.

Once I made that adjustment, I returned for another fitting that put me into a lower-lofted 8° driver instead of my original 10.5° club.

And a result? An additional 40+ yards off the tee without swinging any faster or changing my swing!

So I would definitely say that whenever you go for a club fitting, whatever your handicap and whether you are thinking about lessons or not a session with a great fitter can deliver real value!

Be Aware High Handicappers May Need More Than One Fitting

Any discussion of whether you “should” do something inevitably comes down to value—are the results worth the investment of money, time, and effort?

With club fitting, many high handicappers don’t realize that the fitting fee itself is often the smallest part of the overall expense.

While an initial driver fitting might cost as little as $50 (£30) or even be free, you could walk away with a recommendation for equipment costing several hundred dollars or pounds.

The real costs often come from premium components:

• Specialized driver shafts can add $100s to a standard driver price
• Graphite iron shafts can potentially double the cost of your iron set
• Even grip upgrades across a full set can add significant expense.

We give a detailed breakdown of what various fitting options cost and what you can expect for your money here but be assured that quality club fitters will discuss your budget upfront to avoid recommending options outside your price range.

If you feel by comparison your is pressuring into expensive purchases you’re not sure about, that’s a sign there are better places to get fitted elsewhere!

Exploring Cost-Effective Fitting Options

There are also several ways to keep costs down when it comes to golf club fitting:

1. Free Demo Days: Many manufacturers run free fitting days at local clubs or driving ranges
2. Fitting Fee Credits: Most venues I attended and researched as part of my fitting journey offered to credit fitting fees toward purchases
3. Retrofit Your Current Clubs: In some cases, simply adjusting the loft, lie, or grips on your existing clubs can make a significant difference without requiring all-new equipment.

So when it comes to fitted clubs there are different ways to make it more cost-effective for both high handicappers and anyone interested in a fitting.

High handicappers though do face another unique cost consideration: as your skills improve rapidly, your swing will likely change significantly.

This means you might outgrow perfectly fitted clubs faster than a more established player would, potentially requiring another fitting sooner.

This doesn’t mean fitting isn’t worthwhile for you as a high handicapper, but it might affect how much you want to invest. Options include:

1. Getting a basic fitting for more standard clubs that will serve you well during your development
2. Starting with just a few fitted clubs (like irons or driver) rather than a full bag
3. Taking advantage of free or lower-cost fitting options like manufacturer demo days

As your game improves and stabilizes, you can then make the decision to invest in more comprehensively fitted equipment.

How Do High Handicappers Get Fitted Clubs?

If you’re a high handicapper and do decide to get fitted for golf clubs a couple of questions inevitably follow:

1. What clubs should you get fitted for first?
2. Where should you go for a fitting

Based on expert advice my own fitting experiences across eight different fittings and 6 different fitting venues here are Golfing Focus’ recommendations:

• Start with irons or driver depending on your specific needs
• Irons are the clubs you use most so it makes logical sense to look at getting those fitted first.
• Driver fittings can produce the most dramatic distance gains and accuracy improvements. During my own driver fitting for example, I gained over 40 yards by finding the right head and loft configuration for my attack angle.

Alternatively choose based on:

• Which area of your game needs more help or
• Which clubs one you currently struggle with most.

Whatever you decide though I would strongly urge high handicappers to avoid ‘full bag’ fittings.

When it then comes to where to get fitted here is a summary of the main options:

1. Local Golf Professionals
2. Golf Retailers
3. Independent Specialist Golf Club Fitters
4. Golf Club Manufacturers’ Fitting Centers
5. Golf Club Manufacturers’ Demo Days.

Golfing Focus has put together a searchable directory of fitting venues across the US, Canada and the UK together with our handy ‘Focused Fitting Checklist’ to help you choose the best fitter near you.

FREE Club Fitting Checklist

A quality golf club fitting can massively help your game.

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But not all fittings and fitters are created equal.

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So download our FREE 10-point checklist based on my experience of multiple different venues to help evaluate fitting services near you.

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But whatever fitting venue you decide on, it’s vital to ensure you’re getting a proper service.

And as a high handicapper, you should look for these specific qualities:

A Thorough Process

• A thorough fitting process and
• A patient, educational approach.

A good club fitting should follow a systematic approach:

• Initial interview about your goals and current game
• Measurements of your existing clubs
• Dynamic testing with a launch monitor
• Strike pattern analysis
• Data-driven recommendations with clear explanations

High handicappers also particularly benefit from fitters who:

• Explain terminology and data in accessible terms
• Don’t rush through options
• Help you understand why certain clubs perform better for your swing
• Don’t pressure you toward the most expensive options

Of all of the above the top focus should be on the fitter themselves.

Just like choosing the best golf teacher for you when it comes to lessons it’s important that you find the fitter who you can interact with the best to get the best result.

The good fitters will be talking to you all the way along asking for feedback whilst they also make some decisions themselves based on their observations.

Any fitter can look at the launch monitor and parrot back the numbers to you but a skilled club fitter will tap into their knowledge and interpret them in the best way for you.

If they think that the clubs you have are good for you they will say so rather than try and sell you something you don’t need.

The bottom line is that the quality of fitting you get is always dependent on the fitter analysing the results and interpreting them correctly for your swing.

Will a Fitting Automatically Improve a High Handicapper’s Game?

It’s important to maintain realistic expectations about what a club fitting can and cannot do for your game as a high handicapper.

A fitting won’t for example:

• Fix fundamental swing flaws
• Automatically lower your handicap without practice
• Make every shot perfect.

As Simon Cooper notes: “Ultimately, the clubs are complementing what you do… What we can guarantee is that the clubs aren’t going to be getting in the way of you improving.”

That said, properly fitted clubs can:

• Make the game more enjoyable
• Give you more confidence
• Provide more forgiveness for your common miss patterns
• Make it easier to achieve consistent results

Data from Shotscope demonstrates this statistically: When it comes to hitting a green in regulation (GIR) from over 200 yards, a hybrid is close to being twice as effective as a long iron for the average golfer.

Even from 180-200 yards, the effectiveness gap remains significant.

This is another great example of why proper club selection and fitting is so valuable for high handicappers – the right tools can significantly reduce the penalty for the mistakes that inevitably occur as you look to lower that handicap!

High Handicappers Can Improve With or Without Custom Fitted Clubs

Never forget too that there are many tools to help you improve your golf game.

Custom club fitting is simply one of those tools, and you should look at it as such when deciding whether it should be part of your game improvement plan.

For example, both golf lessons and custom golf club fitting share the same goal: enabling you to hit the ball better with every shot.

Fitted clubs aim to increase your chances of hitting the ball out of the center of the clubface, irrespective of your ability.

Golf lessons, meanwhile, aim to increase your ability.

It’s entirely the personal preference of every golfer whether they want to spend their money on neither, one, or both to assist them in getting better.

The odds are, as a high handicapper, you will benefit most from a combination approach:

1. Get some fundamental lessons to establish a repeatable swing pattern
2. Consider a fitting once your swing has some consistency
3. Continue lessons after fitting to make the most of your properly fitted equipment.

Also if you’re not playing fairly regularly, or if you are not that bothered about getting better, a custom fitting may not be worth the money.

But that doesn’t mean a golf club fitting isn’t an option for high handicappers who want to use this tool to improve their game.

Before You Go…

A golf club fitting is a process that can benefit any standard of player, and although they cannot be guaranteed to be successful or cure a swing fault, it’s simply up to you to decide whether that includes you at the moment.

The key takeaway should be that contrary to popular belief, high handicappers can actually benefit more from properly fitted clubs than low handicappers – both in terms of performance gains and increased enjoyment of the game.

And if you want to explore golf club fitting further check out these posts:

How Much Does a Golf Club Fitting Cost? Is it Worth it?

Can You Get Your Existing Golf Clubs Custom Fitted? Complexity = Cost

More great articles related to this topic

• Know When To Replace Your Golf Clubs: A Club-By-Club Guide
• Should a Beginner Get Golfer Fitted for Clubs? Focus On Enjoyment
• Is a Putter Fitting Worth it? It Removes a Variable or Three
• Should I Get Fitted for Golf Clubs Before Lessons? Get Both Together
• How Often Should You Get Fitted for Clubs? Use the 3 Tests
• How Long Should a Club Fitting Take? Take Your Time!
• Are My Golf Clubs Too Old? It’s Performance Not Age That Matters
• Are My Golf Clubs Too Heavy? Trust Your Feelings
• Should All Your Golf Clubs Be The Same Brand? Results Matter More
• Should Your Driver Match Your Woods? Don’t Waste Your Money!
• Should Your Wedges Match Your Irons? Consistency Is Key
• Should All Your Wedges Be The Same? Focus On Gaps & Variety
• Should You Have The Same Grips On All Your Golf Clubs?
• Best Places To Get Fitted For Golf Clubs – Full Guide (With Best Fitter Search List)