Customised clubs for better fit

THERE'S a fast growing trend of golfers choosing custom fitted clubs over off-the-shelf golf equipment, and there are plenty of good reasons why, according to Mizuno master fitter Shigeharu Yabumoto.

"A golf club is like clothes, shoes or a fridge or a bed - when we buy things we check the specs. For example, when we buy clothes or shoes we check the size. The golf club is the same and there is a suitable size and spec for each person. We recommend customers to get the golf club with his or her size and by doing that he or she can enjoy the game more and help to skill-up their level of golf game."

And he should know. Mr Yabumoto, 56, has been with the Mizuno Corporation for 34 years, 14 of those in custom fitting and is one of only two master fitters with the company. In Japan alone, the ratio to get fitted for Mizuno golf clubs is roughly 60 per cent for custom fitted clubs to 40 per cent for those opting to buy theirs in retail outlets. Over the years, Mr Yabumoto has fitted around 1,000 customers with clubs which have optimised their game in the areas that they want, whether it's distance, accuracy or comfort.