The post What ‘loft jacking’ gets wrong about modern irons appeared first on Golf.

The post What ‘loft jacking’ gets wrong about modern irons appeared first on Golf.

Iron lofts have quietly become one of the most misunderstood topics in modern equipment, particularly in the game-improvement category. This is why finding the right lofted set of irons for your game can be a crucial part of a fitting.

Look back a few decades and the numbers tell the story. In the 1980s, a standard 7-iron sat around 35 to 36 degrees of loft. Today, many game-improvement and players-distance irons feature a 7-iron closer to 28 to 30 degrees, sometimes even stronger.

That shift has sparked plenty of debate. Is it simply a marketing tactic designed to make golfers feel like they are hitting the ball farther? Or is there a legitimate performance reason behind what some refer to as “loft jacking”?

The answer is a little of both. And once you understand how modern irons are designed and who they are designed for, the trend starts to make sense.

How modern iron design changed the equation

To understand why lofts have changed, you first need to understand how game-improvement irons have evolved.

Over the last two decades, R&D teams have gained the ability to manipulate center of gravity in ways that were not possible in the past. Multi-material construction, hollow bodies and dense materials like tungsten allow engineers to move mass lower and farther from the face.

That CG placement directly influences launch, spin and forgiveness.

When you look at the players these irons target, a few swing tendencies show up consistently. Many amateur golfers strike the ball thin, swing steeply or come across the ball with a path that creates excess launch and spin. Left unchecked, those tendencies lead to shots that balloon, lose speed and come up short.

The solution is to add mass where players tend to miss the ball most, usually low on the face, while reducing static loft to keep launch and spin in a playable window.

Stronger lofts are not there just to inflate distance numbers. They exist to offset the high-launch characteristics created by modern CG placement.

When strong lofts work against the player

That said, stronger lofts are not the right solution for everyone.

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Take a mid- to high-handicap player with above-average clubhead speed, a steep attack angle and an inconsistent path. Pair that swing with a modern 6-iron that sits at 30 degrees of loft and features today’s low CG designs, and the result can actually be too much launch with spin numbers closer to a pitching wedge.

Lower loft is one of the most effective ways to reduce launch and spin, but only if the player needs it.Most golfers struggle to control dynamic loft at impact. That is where modern iron technology helps. The goal is not to turn players into tour pros. It is to make the game more playable and enjoyable.

Not every high handicapper needs less loft

This is where the conversation often gets oversimplified.

While many higher-handicap players create too much launch and spin, plenty struggle with the opposite problem. We see it daily during fittings.

A golfer comes in playing a game-improvement iron and launches the ball low with spin rates a couple thousand RPMs below ideal. Shots fall out of the air and run 20 yards or more past the green. That can stem from slower clubhead speed, a shallow attack angle or difficulty controlling loft at impact.

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For that player, strong lofts can actively hurt performance.

This is why many manufacturers now offer high-launch versions of their game-improvement irons. Adding a few degrees of loft can dramatically improve peak height, carry distance and stopping power without sacrificing forgiveness.

Forgiveness is more than dispersion

When golfers talk about forgiveness, they usually focus on left and right dispersion. Hooks and slices are easier to spot, so they get the most attention.

Distance consistency matters just as much.

Having the proper loft throughout the set helps produce predictable carry numbers, tighter front-to-back dispersion and more confidence when attacking greens. Two golfers with the same handicap can require very different loft packages to achieve those results.

The bottom line

True Spec Golf Club Fitting

With 70,000+ clubhead and shaft combos, True Spec Golf will custom fit and build you a precise set of clubs.

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Loft is no less important than shaft, length or lie angle. Buying irons straight off the rack and assuming they will perform the same for you as they do for someone else is a gamble, especially given how wide the range of modern lofts has become.

This is where a proper fitting matters. Working with a fitter, like us at True Spec Golf, who understands how today’s technology interacts with your swing allows you to dial in launch, spin and distance instead of guessing.

The goal is not to chase distance. It is to build a set that produces repeatable numbers and helps you hit more greens. Sometimes that means stronger lofts. Other times, it means exactly the opposite.

Want to find the right irons for your game in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post What ‘loft jacking’ gets wrong about modern irons appeared first on Golf.

The post This overlooked fitting variable can help (or hurt) your swing goals appeared first on Golf.

The post This overlooked fitting variable can help (or hurt) your swing goals appeared first on Golf.

Any good club fitting should begin with conversation.

Before a single club is pulled from the rack or a ball is struck, the fitter needs context. How has your golf been lately? How does your current equipment feel and perform? How often have you been playing, and how much do you expect to play going forward? What, if anything, are you actively working on in your swing?

Those questions are not filler. They help establish the session’s goals.

Of all the queries, one stands out as especially important: What are you trying to do with your swing right now?

Why swing intention matters in a fitting

In my role as a Master Fitter with True Spec Golf, I place a high priority on understanding a player’s swing intentions. Two delivery dynamics come up more than any others during these early conversations: club path and angle of attack.

Some golfers are happy with where those numbers live. Others are actively trying to change them. Either way, most players today have at least a working awareness of their path and angle of attack (AoA), and that awareness matters in a fitting environment.

If a player’s swing intentions are at odds with the lie angles of their clubs, good contact becomes difficult to achieve. As we all know, quality contact is the foundation of every good golf shot.

The most common case: Flattening an over-the-top move

The first scenario I see, and by far the most common, is the player fighting an over-the-top move in transition. For a variety of reasons, this golfer is likely receiving instruction aimed at flattening the swing plane and neutralizing their path. “Feel like you’re swinging to first base” is a familiar cue.

For this player, lie angle matters. A lot.

Club length considerations aside, I pay close attention to lie angles throughout the bag. This is not limited to irons and wedges. With today’s adjustable hosels, hybrids, fairway woods and even drivers should be evaluated as well.

If a player is working to flatten their swing and move their path more in-to-out, I do not want their equipment fighting that intention. Generally speaking, I am not going to put that player into anything more upright than standard. In most cases, I will go slightly flat.

There are two benefits here. First, flatter lie angles can encourage the desired motion from both a visual and feel standpoint. Second, as the player’s path moves closer to neutral, overly upright lie angles will no longer contribute to heel-side turf contact that leads to poor strikes and frustration.

The less common case: When a good draw goes too far

The second example shows up less often and is typically found among better players or those with higher clubhead speed.

This golfer already hits a draw, sometimes a strong one, but does not have the control they want. They are working to “swing left,” stabilize the clubface and produce a ball that starts left and curves right for the right-handed player.

Often, this player has used flat lie angles for years. As they change how they deliver the club, something shifts. Suddenly, the toe is interacting with the turf. Contact feels inconsistent, and ball flight suffers.

In this case, slightly more upright lie angles can help. They support the player’s new swing intention while also restoring centered contact.

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Lie angle as a fitting tool, not just a spec

Lie angle should not be treated as a static measurement or a box to check during a fitting. It is a dynamic variable that needs to align with how a player delivers the club and how they intend to deliver it.

When lie angles are in tune with swing intentions, they support shot performance and improve strike quality. They can also serve as a subtle but effective tool in helping a player implement a swing change rather than fight against it.

That is why the conversation comes first. Before we talk numbers, we need to talk intent. Come into your local True Spec Golf today to have those conversations and build a set of clubs that matches your swing intentions.

Want to overhaul your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post This overlooked fitting variable can help (or hurt) your swing goals appeared first on Golf.

The post True Spec gift card holiday bonus: Add 20 percent for a limited time appeared first on Golf.

The post True Spec gift card holiday bonus: Add 20 percent for a limited time appeared first on Golf.

Not sure what you want for Christmas this year? Or perhaps you’re still mulling the best holiday gift options for your golf-obsessed friend or family member? No matter which camp you’re in, there’s one gift that will always be welcome for anyone who loves golf, and that’s the gift of a better game.

For a limited time, you can get that — and more! — at True Spec, because gift card purchases will receive an automatic 20 percent bonus all the way through December 24th.

The best part? There’s no promo code needed! All you have to do is select your gift card amount from the dropdown menu and the bonus will be added. Gift cards can be purchased in increments up to $2,000, an amount that will receive a whopping $400 bonus.

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Why the best club fittings start with asking the right questions

By: Alex Carbone, True Spec Master Club Fitter

True Spec Golf offers a premier brand-agnostic club-fitting experience at more than 40 indoor, in-to-out and outdoor locations worldwide. Gift cards can be used on a selection of cool branded gear as well as fitting fees, which range from $125 for a shaft, gap analysis or wedge to $475 for a full bag session. Once you’ve received your fitting, you can also spend True Spec gift cards on custom clubs, which can range from $300 for a single club to $3,000 for a set of eight custom-built irons.

What can you expect from a True Spec fitting experience? Your expert clubfitter will cater to your specific goals to help you find the right equipment to achieve exactly what you want, whether that’s more distance, accuracy or consistency. You’ll test a number of different makes and models on a launch monitor. Once you land on something you like, your fitter will use your shot data to create the best combination of club head, shaft, and grip for your game.

For golf lovers, a True Spec gift card really is the gift that keeps on giving. Ready to supply the ultimate holiday gift? Click here or on the link below to purchase your True Spec gift card with a 20 percent bonus now!

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The post True Spec gift card holiday bonus: Add 20 percent for a limited time appeared first on Golf.

The post Why the best club fittings start with asking the right questions appeared first on Golf.

The post Why the best club fittings start with asking the right questions appeared first on Golf.

Before setting off on any endeavor, it helps to define your goals. Club fitting is no different.

As a master fitter at True Spec Golf, one of the first questions I ask is simple: What would you like a new set of clubs to do that your current clubs do not? That answer helps establish a clear path for the fitting process and determines how your new set should be built.

Not surprisingly, the most common goals golfers mention are accuracy, distance and consistency. In a perfect world, a properly fit club delivers all three. In reality, there are often tradeoffs.

Distance vs. accuracy: choosing the right tradeoff

One driver might produce the most distance but struggle with dispersion. Another may be forgiving and consistent, but give up a few yards. Whether a club helps or hurts your game depends on what you need most.

Take the player with high swing speed who already carries it 300-plus but sprays it off the tee. For that golfer, sacrificing a few yards to improve accuracy can be a net gain. More fairways lead to better approach shots, which create more scoring opportunities.

Now consider the opposite player. Someone who hits it straight but lacks speed. If a driver can add 10 yards without sacrificing accuracy, that can mean a full club less into the green. Greens in regulation and proximity to the hole improve dramatically, even for amateurs, when approach shots are hit with shorter clubs and wedges.

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Solving real on-course problems

This is where fitting becomes less about launch monitor numbers and more about solving real problems on the course.

Imagine a tee shot at your home club that consistently gives you trouble. There is a perfectly placed bunker that you simply cannot carry. Every now and then you sneak one past it with rollout, but you struggle to launch the ball high enough to fly the hazard.

In that case, adding loft or switching to a lighter, softer-flex shaft with a different kick point can increase launch and spin. That extra height may be the difference between laying back and confidently carrying the bunker.

Finding the right clubs between driver and irons

One of my favorite parts of the bag to fit is the space between the driver and long irons. Fairway woods, hybrids and utility irons all live here, and proper yardage gapping is critical.

Maybe you need a reliable fairway finder when your driver goes sideways mid-round. Maybe you want a club that gives you a realistic chance to reach a par 5 in two. Confidence plays a major role in determining which option works best.

Why higher-lofted fairway woods are trending

Some players prefer the larger profile of a fairway wood, and the rise of mini drivers and higher-lofted fairway metals has opened new doors for golfers who struggle with drivers or low-lofted woods.

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Clubs like 7-woods and 9-woods feature shorter shafts and more loft, making them easier to swing and easier to control. Spin equals control. In most cases, it is far easier to reduce launch and spin than it is to add it.

That is why higher-lofted fairway woods can be such effective solutions, especially for players with steeper swings who struggle to launch a traditional 3-wood.

Hybrids vs. utility irons: forgiveness matters

Hybrids tend to play closer to long irons than fairway woods, but with significantly more forgiveness. A great example is Fred Couples, who carries 4-, 5- and 6-hybrids, with his longest iron being a 7-iron. If one of the greatest ball strikers in recent history sees value in replacing long irons with hybrids, it is at least worth testing during a fitting. As good as long blade irons look in the bag, the results often tell a different story. Ego can be expensive.

Driving and utility irons are typically reserved for stronger ball strikers who prioritize control and workability. They allow players to flight the ball and shape shots, but offer the least forgiveness when compared to fairways and hybrids.

Matching iron types to performance goals

Iron fitting follows the same principle. Whether the goal is more distance, tighter dispersion or improved peak height and stopping power, different iron categories exist for a reason.

Game-improvement irons make it easier to launch the ball thanks to low centers of gravity and perimeter weighting. These design features increase MOI and help limit face twisting on off-center strikes.

Player’s-distance irons focus on added ball speed without sacrificing forgiveness. Manufacturers pack advanced materials, often dense tungsten, into more compact shapes that blend bag appeal with performance.

Players cavity-back irons offer a balance of forgiveness and workability, with thinner toplines and less offset than traditional game-improvement designs. Traditional blade irons deliver maximum control and spin but offer the least forgiveness and are best suited for elite ball strikers.

Building smarter iron sets with combos

Combo iron sets allow fitters to blend multiple iron categories into one cohesive set. Typically, that means more forgiveness in the long irons and more control in the scoring clubs, helping players maximize performance where it matters most.

Wedge fitting: where precision matters most

Wedge fitting requires more player input than any other part of the bag. Bounce, grind and loft choices depend heavily on swing type, turf interaction and course conditions.

Two key factors in wedge fitting are loft gapping and bounce variety. Proper gapping ensures consistent yardages and builds confidence on short approaches.

Bounce selection influences how the club interacts with the turf. Players who take deep divots often benefit from more bounce, while those who blade shots may need less. Carrying wedges with varying bounce profiles allows golfers to adapt to different lies, turf conditions and shot demands around the greens.

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Trust the process

Honest communication is the most important part of the fitting process. Whether the goal is squeezing out extra ball speed, tightening dispersion or gaining more control inside 100 yards, trusting an experienced fitter can turn weaknesses into strengths.

A master fitter at True Spec Golf is not just building clubs. They are helping you build a game that fits.

Want to overhaul your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why the best club fittings start with asking the right questions appeared first on Golf.

The post Should beginners get fit for clubs? This experience says yes appeared first on Golf.

The post Should beginners get fit for clubs? This experience says yes appeared first on Golf.

Too often, I’ve heard people tell me they aren’t good enough for a custom club fitting.

I call B.S.

Recently, I took my father-in-law-to-be, Sam, to a club fitting to put this myth to bed once and for all.

Sam has been a golfer off-and-on over the years, but recently decided to get a little more serious about it this year as my fiancée and I moved back to the Boston area this fall, where her parents live.

He constantly disparaged his own game to me before we even set foot on a course for the first time, but it didn’t take long for me to realize why.

Sam has only ever owned one set of golf clubs, and he was still using a set of Ping Zing irons, originally released in 1992. While the Zings were revolutionary at the time for their wild, oversized shape and extreme perimeter weighting, modern golf club technology has come a long way.

Over the summer, he started taking lessons for the first time in his life, and started seeing improvements in his ballstriking, but it was still obvious his equipment was limiting him.

He was long overdue for an upgrade, but Sam also wondered what the purpose of getting a club fitting was for a golfer who was basically a beginner. Should he continue working to train his golf swing to produce more consistent results before getting a fitting?

Fortunately, Boston has a True Spec Golf location in Waltham, Massachusetts, just about 25 minutes outside the city, so I thought it would make a nice case study to see how much a beginner could really gain from a custom fitting.

The fitting

We decided to take it slow at first, just working on Sam’s irons and wedges, since he has a TaylorMade R580 driver — modern tech compared to the rest of his bag! — that he doesn’t have many issues keeping the ball in play with.

True Spec Master Fitter Brian Gulino first got Sam to warm up and get a sense for his tendencies. Sure enough, Sam was struggling with contact, but the balls he found the face with, he was hitting high, short, and out to the right. Impact locations were high and off the toe.

Brian quickly assembled a few different heads to test and began considering whether Sam should use steel or graphite shafts. It wasn’t long before he decided Sam could generate much more speed and launch with lighter-weight graphite shafts. He quickly found success with the UST Quantum speed shaft.

This was the big “Aha!” moment. Sam struggled with a couple of the other shafts and then started grooving it with the UST shaft. He asked Brian how that could happen despite his “shitty” (his words, not mine!) swing.

“That’s the craziest thing when people come in here and they think, ‘Oh, my swing sucks,'” Brian siad. “It’s not the swing that sucks. The swing is the most consistent part of your game. It’s the contact. It’s not as good.”

Sam struggles with a big slice because his swing always comes over the top (out-to-in) by about five to eight degrees. What changes is whether or not he releases the club and gets the clubface back to square.

“When you look at a golfer who’s a 20-plus handicap compared to a scratch golfer, one of the biggest things they have in common is their swing is the most consistent part, regardless of your handicap,” Brian said.
”The most inconsistent part of the 15-, 20-, 25-handicapper is gonna be the contact. So when you’re looking at someone’s swing and you look at these pros and you look at the average golfer, the biggest difference is how they actually make contact with the golf ball.”

“So getting you into something now that times up to your swing, allows you to release it, allows you to have more control over the club face, is now going to make your contact better, then you’ll start seeing your strokes drop and, you know, all better stuff in golf.”

This is why it’s so important to recognize the shaft as a timing mechanism. When you get one that times up with your unique swing, it makes it so much easier to square the club face and hit it straight.

With his previous irons, the shaft wasn’t kicking, which is why he would swing left with an open club face and slice it right. Now he gets a shaft that kicks.

The last challenge was just finding the right head for him. Brian and Sam selected TaylorMade’s Qi iron because it has a similar long blade length that Sam prefers after years of playing the Zings. He also used the same shaft, just slightly heavier in two wedges to round out the bottom of the bag.

The results

The improvements were actually quite astonishing.

1/2

2/2

With his 6-iron, Sam picked up an astonishing 9.4 mph of ball speed. Part of that is due to a nearly 4 mph increase in clubhead speed because of the lighter shaft, but his efficiency (ball speed divided by clubhead speed) also improved from 1.30 to 1.36. We also found that jumbo-sized grips allowed Sam to feel like he’s got more control of the club, which actually loosens his grip pressure and gets him to swing faster.

His launch and spin go down, but because of the faster ball speeds, he still nearly achieves the same peak heights and Sam will gladly trade a few feet of peak height for 15 yards of carry distance. At his level, he’s not looking to throw darts at pins tucked behind bunkers. He’s just looking to get the ball to roll up onto the green.

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But what’s more important for us is the fact that Sam’s average club face angle went from 2.2 degrees open to 3.5 degrees closed. That’s enough to start the ball left and neutralize a bit of the cut spin imparted by his out-to-in path, resulting in straight shots.

“Overall, we’re lightening the shaft.
The head is gonna feel a little bit lighter, and it’s gonna kick a lot easier for you,” Brian said. “So, how you actually retain club head speed now and distance is gonna be so much easier throughout the round of golf.”

Brian also fit Sam into a set of Vokey SM10 Wedges with the S-Grind to lower his strike point on the face, which helps him produce more speed and spin for not only a more controlled and longer ball flight, but a more consistent one too.

Bottom line

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With 70,000+ clubhead and shaft combos, True Spec Golf will custom fit and build you a precise set of clubs.

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One thing Sam really struggles with is holding on to the club face and not releasing it through the swing, causing his right-to-right weak miss.

Now with a shaft that times up with him, he’s going to get a better feeling of releasing the clubhead in practice. What we saw in the fitting bay was only the start of what he might see when he begins to practice and play with these new clubs.

Of course, timing is tough with getting new clubs in New England in November, when most courses are shutting down for the winter, but Sam is excited to put these into play next spring. It’s going to make the start of next season so much more enjoyable for him and help him improve rapidly once the season begins.

Obviously, someone shouldn’t set foot in a fitting bay for their first golf experience, but once you play enough to develop some swing tendencies, a fitting can help you improve rapidly.

Ready to get the right clubs to improve your golf game? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Should beginners get fit for clubs? This experience says yes appeared first on Golf.

The post The real way to choose the right golf grip, according to a fitter appeared first on Golf.

The post The real way to choose the right golf grip, according to a fitter appeared first on Golf.

When going through a proper fitting, we know that finding the right head and shaft combination plays a crucial role in lowering your golf scores. There’s also another key part of the club that often gets overlooked, which, funny enough, is the only part that we touch: the grip.

At True Spec Golf, we see this all the time. A player comes in and uses different grips throughout their set, often made of different materials and even different sizes. Some of these are practically falling apart and should’ve been removed many seasons ago.

Now, I’m not saying having different sizes for different parts of your bag is wrong, as there could be benefits if approached logically. This is a part of your club that can make a big difference in how you swing the club and, in turn, affect your ball flight and tendencies.

Accessories

This is the most common misconception about grips | Fully Equipped

By: Jack Hirsh

We’ve all heard that if you’re a player who battles a slice, you could get a larger grip, and voila, your slice is gone. I’m here to tell you that this is something that can help mitigate some of your errors, but this is unfortunately false. We as fitters have learned that, like all things in golf, it’s completely relative to the player and any change can yield different results.

Selecting the right golf grip and size can be challenging and, unfortunately, can also take some time, as most of your fitting studios and retailers will only have testers on-site. This helps you to get a feel for them, but more than likely, they won’t have a physical club for you to swing and take to the course.

I’ve learned this is something that’s completely personal and sometimes comes with a lot of trial and error. Of course, a great fitter can have conversations with you to determine what the best options might be, as there are some key things we look for when recommending the proper size and texture. But this comes down to the player, as you are the only one holding the club, and only you know what feels and works best.

Selecting the correct size

When trying to find out which grip size is best for you, we look for certain things that may lead us to recommend something different. I personally like to see how the club rests in your main hand in a full grip (this is your left hand for righties and your right hand for lefties).

The main thing I’ll look for is the distance between your fingers and palm, and If I see that your fingers are digging into the palm, then a larger grip may be the better option. When this happens, it usually means the club wants to move around at some point in the swing, which will cause the player to grip the club tighter than recommended.

Accessories

How Golf Pride is developing custom fitting for grips | Fully Equipped

By: Jack Hirsh

The same goes for the opposite: if there is too much space between the palm and fingers, then we won’t have as much control of the golf club as we want, and you may need something smaller. Generally, I like to see your middle and ring fingers gently resting against the palm of your hand.

But the thing to remember is that nothing in golf is absolute, and everything is relative. This is where I feel the best way to find what works for you is through a process of elimination and trying various options on the course. You may also be a golfer who needs something between sizes, which is where adding additional layers of tape can come in.

Just know that anytime you start adding a bunch of layers of tape, you will start to change how that grip naturally feels versus a standard single layer of tape.

Choosing the right texture

The grip texture is where it really gets personal. There are a ton of options when it comes to the grip composition and the different feels they’ll produce.

You have corded grips — Golf Pride Z-Grip, Crossline Cord, etc. — which generally make the grip firmer and heavier, but they also perform better in your wetter conditions than say a softer, tackier grip. They may not be as comfortable as these softer options, but they hold up well if you’re caught in the middle of a downpour.

The other side of the pillow (no pun intended) is your softer grips — Winn Dri-Tac, Golf Pride CPX, etc. — which will provide the ultimate comfort when gripping the club, but might not be ideal if playing somewhere with a lot of humidity or where it rains a lot.

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Softer grips might not last as long as your firmer grips and may need to be replaced more frequently.

I also like to recommend grips like these if you have any recurring hand pain (ie, arthritis), as they allow you to have lighter grip pressure for added comfort.

There are some very popular in-between options — Golf Pride Tour Velvet, Super Stroke REVL Player, etc. — that offer a nice feel and perform well in any weather condition. I feel this is why some of the grips in this category are always the most popular, as they are also easy to maintain and generally last the longest.

Bottom line

There are so many options out there, and it can be hard to tell which is best for you. While tester grips give you a hands-on feel, you may not know the true answer until you take them out to the course. That’s when I’ll recommend trying a few options all at once.

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It’s easy, take your most used clubs (driver, 7-iron and a wedge) and try on a few different grips and/or sizes to get a true side-by-side comparison in real time. After spending a few rounds with them, you’ll be able to determine which you prefer and make a more informed decision before spending your money on a whole set of grips.

If all else fails and this isn’t a rabbit hole you want to go down, don’t be afraid to have these conversations with your fitter, as I can almost guarantee they’ve already been down them once or twice — I know I have.

Before I leave you, my last recommendation is to clean your grips and know when to replace them regularly. If you’re able to see your reflection in the shine your grips produce, chances are they need cleaning and replacing in the very near future. Just like if you’re trying to drive on a wet road with tires that are low on tread, you’re putting yourself at risk of higher scores if you’re using a death grip to hold onto the golf club.

Want to find the best grips for your game in 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post The real way to choose the right golf grip, according to a fitter appeared first on Golf.

The post Why the wrong iron sole could be hurting your scores appeared first on Golf.

The post Why the wrong iron sole could be hurting your scores appeared first on Golf.

When golfers think about bounce, they usually think about wedges. But the same principles that influence strike location, launch and turf interaction with a 56-degree wedge apply equally to your 6-iron.

A typical wedge fitting includes a look at a player’s angle of attack (AoA) and divot pattern. While being cognizant of a client’s general playing conditions, my primary focus is to help get the strike closer to where you want it. 

More bounce will move the strike down the blade, thus producing lower launching shots. Conversely, less bounce will present higher on the blade, producing higher launching shots. How someone delivers a wedge influences the bounce they’ll select. 

The purpose of this article is to illustrate that sole width and bounce on irons should be considered in a fitting with the same level of attention as on wedges.

When a player needs less bounce in their irons

I’ll start with the most common example I see. Client A is a good golfer. He is delivering his 6-iron very shallow, producing a left spin axis on his good strikes. 

This client is playing a set of irons that includes a thick sole and a 6-iron loft of 26 degrees. He is wondering why even his best iron shots have a very shallow land angle and lower than optimal spin. 

This player is in a high-bounce set of irons where the loft on the portion of the face he regularly strikes has maybe 23 degrees. Client A, being a shallow swinger and drawer of the ball, is bouncing the club into a lot of shots, presenting the bottom portion of the blade, resulting in unwanted low iron shots. 

One of the first things I want to try with this client is an iron head with less bounce and more loft. Remember from the opening paragraph, less bounce moves the strike up the blade, producing higher launching shots. Client A could use an iron set that he strikes more up in the middle of the face. Combined with a higher lofted set, he should be seeing softer landing iron shots in no time. 

TaylorMade P7CB Custom Irons

BEST-IN CLASS FEEL Using Tour feedback and modal analysis we’ve strategically designed mass placement for best in class feel. Crafted using Compact Grain Forging and 2000 tons of pressure to deliver the purest feeling 1025 soft carbon steel possible. PRECISE CONTROL Precise milled face and grooves combined with a constant CG the P•7CB is designed to deliver an optimal launch and spin combination for the ultimate control and precision. CONSISTENCY Created to maximize accuracy and consistency. The P•7CB optimized perimeter weighting and co-forged tungsten designed to deliver a beautiful blend of stability and workability. COMPACT TOUR SHAPING Every aspect of shaping in this iron was intended to meet the needs of discerning ball strikers. A compact blade length and thin topline create a confident, clean look in the playing position while the sole camber and progressive bounce profile provide consistent turf interaction.

$200.00 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, TaylorMade

While being intently aware of the bounce on your irons is more of an immediate concern for the better player, it is not to be discounted as a factor in forgiveness for players who are either less skilled or who deliver the golf club rather steeply.

When a player needs more bounce in their irons

My second example is one I see weekly in my role as Master Fitter with True Spec Golf. Client B has been playing for a few years now, but never received formal golf lessons. He came to the game after playing another sport extensively. Some of the habits from his previous endeavor are dying hard with his golf swing.

Client B delivers his 6-iron in a fashion that would produce a low fade on the best of circumstances. He is using a set of golf clubs that his buddy recommended to him when he got started. The irons are a beautiful set of muscle backs that could get stuck in the turf on the best of ball strikers.

With his steep delivery, Client B has little hope of hitting any kind of shot that reflects his clubhead speed. Client B has good clubhead speed, but the high on the blade strikes are robbing him of significant distance, and worse, control. 

Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal Custom Irons

The JPX925 Hot Metal redefines the performance of an already industry-leading franchise. Combining the power and speed of Nickel Chromoly with a newly engineered CORTECH Design featuring a Contour Ellipse face, the consistency of distance across the entire impact zone has never been as long and predictable. Contour Ellipse FaceA completely re-engineered multi-thickness face profile, with a 30% thinner face than the previous generation. The Contour Ellipse enhances center ball speed and ensures maximum speed retention at impact. Multi-Material ConstructionTungsten positioned low in the 4-7 irons creates a higher launch with a lower sweet spot, producing a steeper landing angle. Balanced Stability FrameBalanced weighting improves control while maintaining forgiveness and producing a tour preferred vibration and sound. Acoustic Sound RibsPrecisely dialed in vibration patterns for a solid, explosive impact sound.

$165.00 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Mizuno

After discussing the effect club bounce can have impact location, we begin testing with stronger lofted sets that feature more bounce. In cleaning up his contact, we witnessed massive ball speed gains and much more penetrating flights.  This client will enjoy more forgiveness all around by selecting an iron set with an appropriate amount of bounce for their golf swing.

True Spec Golf Club Fitting

With 70,000+ clubhead and shaft combos, True Spec Golf will custom fit and build you a precise set of clubs.

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I recognize there are many factors that influence strike location on the face. Some can be swing, some can be club-related. Understanding the role of bounce on impact location is one element to be aware of when selecting your next set of irons.

If you think you’re irons could be to blame for sub-optimal performance, head into your local True Spec Golf today and get a fitting that puts you in the right set of irons for your game.

Want to find the irons for your game in 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why the wrong iron sole could be hurting your scores appeared first on Golf.

The post What a golf shaft’s ‘profile’ means and why it matters appeared first on Golf.

The post What a golf shaft’s ‘profile’ means and why it matters appeared first on Golf.

The golf shaft is probably one of the most important components of a golf club, yet there are still players today who try to downplay its role in a club’s performance and tendencies.

I’m not saying it’s more important than the club head itself, but you must understand the role of each and how the club head and shaft work together. Just like a high-performance car, you have the speed and power in the engine (the club head), but you’ll go nowhere without the proper transmission (shaft) to manage it.

When looking at the shaft, it’s typically broken down into three separate areas: the tip, mid and butt sections. Understanding the role of each and how that translates to the player is probably one of the most important jobs of your club fitter, like us here at True Spec Golf.

What are shaft flex profiles?

The reason this can be tough for players to try and figure out on their own is that we all respond to these flex profiles differently. Three players with the same shaft could get three completely different results.

The good thing is that manufacturers openly display this information for the consumer and some have even simplified it for the everyday golfer to understand. Each section of the shaft will get labeled with a term representing the feel, like Soft, Stiff or Firm, and this gives the player an understanding of how that section of the shaft should feel during the swing. It also lets fitters understand how it should react.

Examples of different shaft profiles

Diamana WB: Butt = Firm / Mid = Firm+ / Tip = Med+

Diamana BB: Butt = Med+ / Mid = Med+ / Tip = Med

Diamana RB: Butt = Med / Mid = Med / Tip = Soft

Some manufacturers have simplified it even more and give the shaft a launch and spin designation like “Low Launch/Low Spin,” or “Mid Launch/Mid-High Launch.” These can be useful in just trying to understand what the shaft profiles are intending to do, but trying to match performance with these parameters alone can be discouraging and expensive. Like I mentioned, three different players could yield three different launch characteristics from the same shaft.

There are also more in-depth methods like an E.I. Profile Chart, which will show the actual progression of the shaft from butt to tip end. That is extremely useful for fitters to better understand how the shaft will match up with your swing dynamics. It’s also a useful tool for comparing various shafts side by side.

Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB Wood Shaft

The Diamana BB (Blue Board) is the second profile in the latest generation of Diamana shafts. It features the traditional branding that made Diamana popular, including a return to the original 53/63/73/83 weight class designations. This shaft incorporates advanced engineering and material innovation, making it a top choice on tour. Key Features: Maximum Energy Transfer: Utilizes super high-modulus 80-Ton Dialead Pitch Fiber in the butt section. Greater Stability: Employs high modulus 46-ton fiber in the shaft’s angle plies to lower torque. Enhanced Feel and Durability: Mitsubishi’s proprietary Xlink Tech system increases the overall strength and durability of the shaft while enhancing carbon fiber volume for a superior feel.

$360.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Now, what do these different sections mean and what role do they play?

Here’s a simple breakdown of each and where you may “feel” it in the swing and their intended results.

BUTT-SECTION: This section is often used to manipulate the initial feel of the shaft, specifically in the transition at the top of the swing and through impact. Players who create a ton of force and speed may gravitate toward a stiffer butt section that feels more stable and offers more control. Whereas players with a smoother tempo may like something that’s softer to help them create more speed and a smoother feel through impact.

MID-SECTION: The mid-section can help manipulate the overall feel of the shaft throughout the swing and works to promote or reduce launch. Some of your faster players may want to minimize that “loading” sensation and have a more stable one-piece feel. Where players with a smoother tempo or slower speed may want to feel the shaft “load” more in the downswing and help promote more speed. It also works as the starting point for how that shaft is going to want to launch and spin as you can manipulate how the shaft “kicks” and in return how much loft is being delivered at impact.

TIP-SECTION: The final part of the shaft is also the most active part and plays a major role in overall launch and spin but also the tendency of the club head through impact. A “softer” tip can help promote more launch, but it can also make the head feel like it’s moving through impact a bit easier. A stiffer tip would feel more stable through impact, but it also works to reduce launch. This is why you see this portion of the shaft generally reinforced with different materials to perform as consistently as possible. This is where your aftermarket shafts stand tall, as they can give players a better feel but use exotic materials to stabilize the tip.

Even with understanding these and the roles they play, it’s still highly recommended that you visit a fitter to help determine what’s best for you. I’ve learned over the years that the labels given to each shaft tell us more of how it’s going to feel in the swing, but not always how it will perform with each golfer, as we all deliver the club differently.

Save yourself some time, money and headaches and visit your local True Spec today.

True Spec Golf Club Fitting

With 70,000+ clubhead and shaft combos, True Spec Golf will custom fit and build you a precise set of clubs.

Buy Now from truespecgolf.com

Want to find the best shaft for your game in 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post What a golf shaft’s ‘profile’ means and why it matters appeared first on Golf.

The post Why hybrids and fairway woods are taking over the long game appeared first on Golf.

The post Why hybrids and fairway woods are taking over the long game appeared first on Golf.

If you’re someone who watches professional golf (or if you’re just a fellow club junkie), chances are you’ve noticed the recent influx of players ditching their long irons for hybrids and fairway woods.

These days, it’s rare to see even some of the world’s best players with a traditional 3-iron in the bag. In fact, depending on the course, many are also benching their 4- and 5-irons. The old stigma that high-lofted woods and hybrids are only for “seasoned” players couldn’t be further from the truth — the best players in the world are using them more than ever.

Key performance differences between long-irons, hybrids & fairway woods

When you dig deeper into why this trend has taken hold, there are some key performance differences that people like the fitters at True Spec Golf look at. The biggest is CG (center of gravity), which is influenced by weight placement. Even without a background in club design or engineering, you can see the differences just by setting them side by side.

Fairway woods and hybrids generally have a larger footprint, which allows more mass to be placed lower and farther back compared to a long iron. This design helps the ball launch faster, reach a higher apex, and descend more steeply — giving players a better chance to hold greens from longer distances.

In addition to more stopping power, these clubs tend to fly straighter and are more forgiving on mishits, without sacrificing much ball speed. That combination makes them especially useful when approaching greens on par-5s or longer par-3s. It’s also why, depending on the setup, pros often swap in these clubs to gain a performance edge when attacking greens.

Thanks to the engineers behind the curtain, fitters now have even more tools to fine-tune launch and spin based on your swing and ball flight. Not all woods and hybrids are created equal — some are designed for players who create too much spin, while others help those who don’t create enough. CG placement also affects ball flight: a forward CG produces a lower-launching, lower-spinning shot that tends to move slightly right, while a CG set farther back promotes a higher launch, more spin, and neutral flight.

Which data parameters determine if you should make the switch

For stronger players with higher swing speeds, the decision to put these clubs in play can be more strategic. On courses with smaller greens or forced carries, having a club that lands like a 6-iron from 220-plus yards can be a huge advantage.

For most golfers, fitters rely on specific data metrics to understand which clubs best suit your game and create proper distance gapping at the top of the bag.

It happens all the time — a player comes in and says they hit their 6-iron just as far as their 5-iron, and sometimes their 7 as far as their 6. The main culprit is usually improper launch and spin, which leads to a low apex and a shallow descent angle.

True Spec Golf Club Fitting

With 70,000+ clubhead and shaft combos, True Spec Golf will custom fit and build you a precise set of clubs.

Buy Now from truespecgolf.com

Ball speed is another key number to watch. Speeds should progress consistently from club to club. If a player is generating similar ball speed with multiple long irons, a hybrid with a hotter face can help separate those distances and fill the gap properly.

The ongoing trend proves there’s real “proof in the pudding.” The best way to find what works for you is to get fit by a certified club fitter at True Spec Golf. Let the data guide you toward more confidence and lower scores — because the game is already hard enough without ego getting in the way.

Want to find the best golf ball for your game in 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why hybrids and fairway woods are taking over the long game appeared first on Golf.

The post Why your preferred golf ball should be part of every club fitting appeared first on Golf.

The post Why your preferred golf ball should be part of every club fitting appeared first on Golf.

During the 2025 Ryder Cup, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley made an interesting observation about how the golf ball influences pairing strategy for the team event. Golfers know how their ball feels, performs in different conditions, and even how it looks standing over a putt.

As Bradley noted to Golf Channel early in the week, the ball is the one piece of equipment a player uses on every single shot. You can’t say that about anything else in the bag.

At True Spec Golf, when customers step into our fitting bays, we focus on clubheads, shafts and grips. But a truly great fitting should also include a conversation about which golf ball characteristics will help maximize a player’s potential. I see examples of this all the time in my role as a Master Fitter.

Most of my iron, hybrid and fairway wood fittings center around achieving higher peak heights and steeper land angles. One of the first questions I ask is, “Are you specific about the golf ball you play?”

I’m often surprised by how many avid golfers either don’t commit to a particular ball or have never really thought about it. And even those who are loyal to one ball often made that choice based on driver performance (more on that later).

A good rule of thumb in fitting is that your peak height should roughly match or slightly exceed your clubhead speed with a given club. As a fitter, I can adjust loft, offset, center of gravity, shaft profile and length to help achieve that. But often, we reach a limit with the clubs themselves. That’s where the golf ball can make the difference. A higher-launching, higher-spinning ball can help a player get those extra few yards of height. On the flip side, a lower-launch, lower-spin ball can help bring flight and spin down for those who need it.

You might be wondering: “If I switch to a higher-launch ball, am I giving up distance off the tee?”

That’s where the fitting process comes full circle. With today’s adjustable driver technology — from movable weights to hosel settings — we can fine-tune your driver setup to match your ball.

If we’ve optimized your irons, hybrids and fairways for the right height and spin, we can then dial in your driver to recover any distance lost by adjusting loft, moving weight forward, or changing to a lower-spinning head. The same logic applies in reverse for those seeking more launch and spin throughout the bag.

True Spec Golf Club Fitting

With 70,000+ clubhead and shaft combos, True Spec Golf will custom fit and build you a precise set of clubs.

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Bottom Line

Bradley is absolutely right — the golf ball is the only piece of gear you use on every shot. Instead of choosing it based solely on driver performance, start with how it performs in your approach play and shots from the ground. Professional fitters like us at True Spec Golf can always optimize your driver around that choice.

The golf ball isn’t an afterthought — it’s a key ingredient in unlocking your full potential. Treat it like the essential fitting component it is. Come into your local True Spec Golf today and see if a golf ball change is the missing piece to your game.

Want to find the best golf ball for your game in 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Why your preferred golf ball should be part of every club fitting appeared first on Golf.