Welcome to
California Custom Clubs

Home of the GCA
2006-2007
Top Ten Worldwide
Club Maker of the Year

Custom Clubfitting

I am both a “clubfitter,” as well as a custom “clubmaker.” Please see my credentials and awards in other areas of my web site.

I use the “Prescriptive” method of fitting. Simply put I build the club to match the golfer. I do not use the “Performance” method of fitting which means hitting a lot of clubs (like a demo day) until one feels right – “demo day” golf clubs are not custom clubs.

I will meet you at a flat level driving range with the distance markings easily discernible. I will give you my business card and explain my credentials. I will explain to you that I am not a PGA Teaching Professional – I am a professional clubfitter and clubmaker – unabashedly one of the best in the business. I will give you a copy of Tom Wishons’ book: 12 Myths That Could Wreck Your Golf Game. I will explain “how a golf club” works – the head, the shaft, the grip, the irons, the hybrids, and the driver. During the fitting process I will examine and measure your current set of clubs, if you have one. I will ask you about your golf game and your “typical,” not necessarily your “best,” round of golf. I will want to know how long you think your “typical” drive is, not your longest drive. I will want to know your handicap index and how often that you play the game. How long have you been playing? I will watch you warm up with your driver and 5, 6 or 7 iron. I will observe your swing and the attributes associated with the swing. I will note your flexibility and athleticism. I will want to know what you see as the problem with your current set of clubs and ask you what you are looking for in a new set of clubs? Do you want irons, woods, hybrids or a putter?

I will use a very sophisticated dual-dopler radar launch monitor, the Zelocity PureLaunch (http://www.zelocity.com/golf/index.shtml),to measure your Launch Angle, Ball Spin, Club Speed, Ball Velocity, Carry Distance, Total Distance, Power Transfer Ration (“smash” factor) Height of Shot, Side Spin, Shot Deviation, Tempo, Angle of Attack, Angle of Descent and Club Face Angle – you will not get a more comprehensive fitting anywhere else. Swing speed will be a dominant factor in not only the selection of loft of the driver and fairway woods that you need to achieve max distance with max consistency, but also the correct flexure of the best shaft suited for you. I will also look at your “angle of attack” with your driver to see if you hit down, sweep, or scoop the ball. I will note if you have a strong or weak grip. A strong grip can deloft a club making more loft necessary. I will do both a static and dynamic lie fitting, wrist to ground measurement, and grip fitting. The fitting will take about 1 ½ hour, perhaps a little longer. You will hit a total of about 25 golf balls. I will answer all your questions. The fittings are free – for now. Next year I will start charging a $49.99 fee and waive the fee is a purchase of over $250.00 is made.

I will then design a set of clubs for you “as if you had no clubs,” and send an electronic estimate to your home via email. I will make a recommendation to you about what clubs I think would suit you best and enhance your enjoyment of the game. I may recommend a game improvement head or a muscle back for irons – it depends on you. I will probably recommend a graphite shaft – and I will recommend a length of both the irons and woods – and putter if you need one. If you are looking irons I will probably recommend hybrids for your long irons. The grip is your call, but it has to be the correct fit – again, I will have a recommendation and samples for you to feel.

This gives you time, without pressure, to decide what you want to do. I have been advised by many business oriented clubmakers to “close” the deal at the range, but I am uncomfortable with that – for two reasons. First, I want you to be sure – comparison shop if you wish. Secondly, I require a 50% down payment on custom clubs.

I WILL NOT do business during the fitting. I want the customer to concentrate on the fitting and not be pressured by a salesman. Despite this, some customers want to start the process immediately – but I still send an electronic estimate. There can be no buyers’ remorse – these clubs are made for you and I will be unable to sell them to anyone else. There are no refunds. When you say “go,” I will order your components. From “go” to “finished” it takes approximately 3 weeks – some times a little quicker, and some times a little longer if there are supply issues - sometimes holidays will interfere with shipping of the components and infrequently a component will be out-of-stock. But all-in-all, from the time I receive your 50% the order takes approximately 3 weeks.

I WILL NOT give you lessons. I am not a PGA teaching pro. I fit the swing you bring with you – not the one you will have “some day.” If you ask, I will recommend a pro with whom I have no financial interest. I live in the vicinity of Turkey Creek Golf Club http://www.turkeycreekgc.com/, in Lincoln, CA. When I need a swing adjustment or similar help I seek the help of Mr. Franklyn Richards, Director of Instruction and member of the British PGA: http://leftbetter.googlepages.com/home or britpga@surewest.net

Custom Clubmaking

Your custom clubs will be carefully designed for you based on information obtained at your custom fitting, including, but not limited to your driver and 5, 6 or 7 iron swing speeds, tempo, dynamic lie, wrist-to-floor measurement, grip size, athleticism, flexibility, skill & experience as a golfer, and my observations of you during the fitting. Your custom clubs will be assembled to the highest standard using state of the art assembly techniques. They are not "off-the-rack" clubs, or clubs made with component parts that are on "special" or being discontinued. The components used in your custom golf clubs are specifically selected for you and the club that they will be used in. I cannot over emphasize that your clubs will be made for you - not your golf buddy, neighbor son or daughter - just you!

I place my label with your name and contact information on the label so in the event the club is lost or misplaced, it can be returned to you. If you have opted for PUREing (http://www.sstpure.com/faq.html), that label will also be on the shaft. I do a final quality control check prior to delivery of your custom golf clubs. I have NEVER (knock on wood) had a single problem with shipping – either lost or damaged clubs. I insure the clubs to my replacement cost.

All clubs, except irons, come with a striking professional looking clubhead cover. Your clubs will look very professional and be the envy of your playing partners. But more importantly, they will be a fine, high-end set of clubs which are made for you - not the average golfer.