Launch monitors are a tool – but ball flight is king.
Iain Clarke was my club fitter on tour with Cleveland/Srixon. He knew my game, my swing, my body. And he knew that a proper fitting is more art than science.
Here's what he says about the biggest mistake players make:
"The biggest mistake is correct application of lie angle adjustment. A senior/ladies/junior flex shaft requires a graduated lie angle application range of 1.5 and 2.5 degrees between the short and long irons. As the recommended shafts become stiffer and heavier, the lie difference between short and long irons diminishes.
This affects ball flight. Clubs playing too upright tend to draw or pull low left. Clubs playing too flat tend to go high right or push.
Launch monitors give a figurative readout of this process – but not a visual representation of the results. Hence the still‑current application of the same lie angle alteration throughout the set.
Launch monitors are a tool, but not the be‑all and end‑all that many fitting processes espouse.
Ball flight is king every time, despite what the monitor may say. Reading the results and applying the information correctly is more of an art, not just a science.
Higher and mid‑handicappers need to concentrate on forgiveness of prospective clubheads before aesthetic preferences cloud their judgement.
Correct and extensive explanation of shaft and clubhead advantages and disadvantages is imperative for all levels of player, for them to settle on a combination that will help their game.
In short: fitting done properly benefits all players – not just one group over another."
A machine can tell you numbers. A good fitter tells you what they mean.
I learned from Iain that a machine can tell you numbers, but only a good fitter can tell you what those numbers mean for your swing.
If you're getting fitted – ask questions. Don't just accept the numbers. Watch the ball flight. Feel the club.
I trusted Iain because he watched me hit balls, not just read a screen.
If you want to play better – find a fitter who treats it as an art, not just a transaction.