Mission Statement: Our mission is to revolutionize the golfing experience by providing personalized analysis, instruction, and equipment tailored to each individual golfer. Through our comprehensive swing analysis, expert lessons, and custom-fitted golf clubs, we aspire to empower golfers of all levels to achieve their fullest potential on the course. Our long-term goal is to become a global leader in golf innovation, setting new standards in performance and personalization, and fostering a community where every golfer has the tools and knowledge to excel.

Vision Statement: Our vision is to revolutionize the golfing experience through our unique blend of personalized service, technological innovation, and expert craftsmanship. We stand apart in our ability to integrate detailed swing and physical analysis with individualized instruction, creating a holistic approach to golf improvement. Our custom-built golf clubs, meticulously tailored to each golfer's unique specifications, embody our commitment to precision and quality. We envision a world where every golfer has access to the tools, knowledge, and personalized equipment necessary to play their best game. Our dedication to individual growth, technological advancement, and the art of golf sets us apart as we strive to be the global leader in personalized golf performance and enjoyment.

Core Values:

1. INTEGRITY. Acting with solid ethics is a priority for everyone representing the organization and the company's behavior.
2. HONESTY. It's not just the best policy. It's a core business practice to act in a transparent, trustworthy manner that earns the respect of colleagues, customers, and the public.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY. Accepting responsibility for your actions (and inactions) is the ultimate way to build trust internally and externally.
4. PROMISE TO CUSTOMERS. Creating a great customer experience begins with staying true to the words we speak and the bonds we make.
5. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. Organizations succeed by bringing different experiences and various backgrounds into a shared environment where everyone has equal opportunity.
6. LEARNING. No one has all the answers. A humility and continuous learning culture is a bedrock principle of successful companies.
7. TEAMWORK. When people work together, they can create something greater than themselves as individuals.
8. PASSION. We have joy not just for the work itself but also for the people around us so that everyone can be bold, innovative, and creative.
9. QUALITY. Companies are judged by the craftsmanship of their products and services, so we maintain the highest standards of quality.

Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, located in Augusta, GA, offers a unique approach to golf improvement that focuses on the connection between the mind, body, equipment, and swing. Here's what makes us different:

1. Tailored Approach: We don't just offer instruction, fitness, or equipment; we provide a holistic game improvement plan. The process involves physical screening, swing analysis, coaching, and custom-built clubs to match the fitting specifications.
2. Certified Expertise: With over 15 years of experience, our team is certified by various institutions, including the Titleist Performance Institute, Golf Lab, US Kids, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Golfworks, and more. Our certifications cover club fitting, coaching, fitness, assembly, repair, and golf psychology.
3. Custom Club Fitting Process: We perform custom club fitting based on individual size, strength, athletic ability, and swing characteristics. This includes club repair and adjustments, with precise tuning of loft, lie, and length.
4. Holistic Philosophy: Dan Burnfield, a former licensed engineer and professional health physicist, leads the team with a philosophy that encompasses six ways to improve golf: lessons, practice, right equipment, golf fitness, clear mind, and playing the game.
5. Innovative Techniques: As a retired engineer and scientist, Dan has developed unique scientific approaches to golf clubs, including processes to improve feel and optimize the shaft, which are used nowhere else in the world.
6. Benefits of Club Fitting: Our custom club fitting aims to provide longer tee/iron shots, more consistency, better trajectory, and increased club feel. It's tailored to correct tendencies related to the clubface angle, clubhead path, and impact location.
7. Contact and Services: We offer various services, including custom club fitting, products, TPI physical screening and swing analysis, and more. We can be contacted at our location in Augusta, GA, or through danburnfield@augustacustomclubs.com and 706.910.2614.

The Mind-Body-Equipment-Swing philosophy at Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis posits that the swing is not an isolated element but rather the outcome of a synergistic relationship among the mind, body, and equipment. Here's a more nuanced explanation:

Mind

The mental state directly influences the swing by affecting decision-making, focus, and emotional control. Whether it's choosing the right club, visualizing the shot, or maintaining composure under pressure, the mind sets the stage for the swing to occur.

Body

Your physical attributes—strength, flexibility, and balance—determine the range and quality of your swing. The body provides the mechanical force and precision required to execute the swing, and its condition can either limit or enhance your performance.

Equipment

Custom-fitted equipment acts as an extension of the body, designed to maximize the effectiveness of your physical capabilities. The right club can amplify the strengths of your swing and even compensate for its limitations.

Swing

In this philosophy, the swing is the manifestation of the mind's intent, the body's capability, and the equipment's function. It's the end result of these three components working in harmony. When one of these elements is out of sync, it can throw off the entire swing. Conversely, when all are aligned, the swing becomes a powerful, precise, and consistent expression of your golfing potential.

By understanding that the swing is interconnected with the mind, body, and equipment, Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis offers a holistic approach to golf improvement. Custom fittings, mental coaching, and physical assessments are all geared towards optimizing this complex relationship, thereby enhancing the quality and consistency of your swing.

No, clubfitting is not only for good or professional golfers. It can benefit golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Here's how clubfitting can be advantageous for different types of golfers:

1. Beginners:

• Understanding Needs: Clubfitting helps beginners understand their unique swing characteristics and what equipment suits them best.
• Building Confidence: Using clubs that are tailored to their size, strength, and swing can build confidence and make the game more enjoyable.
• Avoiding Bad Habits: Properly fitted clubs can prevent beginners from developing bad habits as they learn the game.

2. Intermediate Golfers:

• Improving Consistency: Custom-fitted clubs can enhance consistency by matching the equipment to the golfer's evolving swing.
• Enhancing Performance: As intermediate players refine their skills, clubfitting can help them achieve specific performance goals, such as increasing distance or improving accuracy.

3. Advanced and Professional Golfers:

• Fine-Tuning Performance: For advanced players, clubfitting offers the opportunity to fine-tune equipment to match specific swing dynamics and playing conditions.
• Competitive Edge: Professionals often rely on clubfitting to gain a competitive edge, ensuring that every aspect of their equipment is optimized for their game.

4. Special Considerations:

• Physical Limitations: Golfers with physical limitations or unique body types can benefit greatly from clubfitting, as it ensures that the clubs accommodate their specific needs.
• Changing Needs: As golfers progress, age, or experience changes in their game, clubfitting can adapt the equipment to match those changes.

5. Investment Value:

• Suitable for Budget: Clubfitting doesn't necessarily mean spending more money. It ensures that the investment in golf equipment is well-suited to the individual's game, potentially saving money in the long run.

6. Enjoyment of the Game:

• Enhancing Enjoyment: Playing with clubs that fit well simply makes the game more enjoyable, regardless of skill level.

In summary, clubfitting is a valuable process for all golfers, not just the highly skilled ones. It personalizes the equipment to match the individual's unique characteristics and needs, enhancing performance, enjoyment, and overall development in the game of golf. Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, clubfitting can provide insights and adjustments that make a meaningful difference in your game.

The six ways to improve your golf game is through taking lessons, practicing what you are taught, getting the correct exercise, correcting your mental attitude, getting the right equipment, and playing the game.

Dan has studied each of these areas so that you do not have to do so, and he continues his education to this day.

He is a certified TPI level 3 golf coach, and a US Kids Golf Coach, so he can define the right routines for your golf game.

He is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified golf fitness specialist so he can help you understand the TPI exercises and why they are being assigned.

He is certified by Golf Lab as a Clubfitter and Engineer, so he knows how to fit you with the proper equipment and build the clubs to match your game.

He has studied under Dr Greg Steinburg and has obtained a Certificate in Golf Psychology from the International Golf Psychology Association.

He understands the game of golf and can assist you with golf course management.

To ensure a comprehensive and measurable approach to improvement, Dan uses the Player Development Index to establish a baseline assessment and prioritize which areas will have the greatest impact on your game. This data-driven evaluation helps create a personalized development plan tailored to your specific needs.

Dan continues his education in each of these areas to provide the most current, evidence-based approach to golf improvement.

A TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Certified Professional is an individual who has completed specific training and certification through the Titleist Performance Institute. TPI is a leading organization in the golf industry that focuses on the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing.

Here's what being a TPI Certified Professional entails:

1. Understanding the Body-Swing Connection: TPI Certified Professionals are trained to understand how physical limitations in a golfer's body can adversely affect the golf swing and lead to injury.
2. Screening Process: They are equipped to conduct a TPI physical screening, a series of tests that evaluate the body's ability to perform certain movements required in the golf swing. This helps in identifying physical limitations and imbalances.
3. Customized Programs: Based on the screening, they can develop customized fitness and training programs to improve those limitations, enhancing the golfer's performance and reducing the risk of injury.
4. Collaboration with Other Experts: TPI Certified Professionals often work in collaboration with golf instructors, medical practitioners, and other fitness experts to provide a comprehensive approach to improving a golfer's game.
5. Levels of Certification: There are several different TPI Certifications, each focusing on specific areas such as golf coaching, medical evaluation, fitness training, junior coaching, etc. Each field has three different levels, with level 3 being the highest. Higher levels of certification require more extensive training and expertise.
6. Adherence to TPI Philosophy: They adhere to TPI's philosophy that there is no one way to swing a golf club, but there is one efficient way for every player to swing, based on what the body can physically do.
7. Continuous Education: Being TPI Certified means engaging in continuous education and staying up-to-date with the latest research and methodologies in golf fitness, biomechanics, and performance.

In the context of Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, a TPI Certified Professional like Dan would use this expertise to conduct physical screenings, analyze swings, and create personalized solutions to improve a golfer's swing and overall performance. It's part of their holistic approach to connecting the body, mind, equipment, and swing for optimal golfing results.

The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 Screen is a critical step before beginning any training or club fitting in golf. Here's why it's essential:

1. Identification of Physical Limitations

• Assessment of Mobility and Stability: The TPI Level 1 Screen assesses both mobility (range of motion) and stability (control of movement) throughout the body.
• Spotting Weaknesses and Imbalances: Identifies areas of the body that may be weak or imbalanced, which could lead to inefficient movement patterns or even injury.

2. Personalized Training Programs

• Tailored Exercises: The information gathered from the screening allows for the creation of a personalized exercise program that targets specific areas of need.
• Injury Prevention: By addressing physical limitations early, the tailored program can help prevent injuries that might occur from generalized training.

3. Optimization of Golf Swing Mechanics

• Understanding Individual Swing Characteristics: The screen helps understand how a golfer's body can and cannot move, which directly affects the golf swing.
• Improving Swing Efficiency: By working on the physical limitations identified in the screen, a golfer can make their swing more efficient and powerful.

4. Enhanced Club Fitting

• Customized Club Selection: The TPI Level 1 Screen provides insights into how a golfer's body moves, which can guide the selection of clubs that complement those movements.
• Improving Performance: Custom-fitted clubs that match a golfer's physical abilities can enhance performance by promoting better alignment, control, and power.

5. Monitoring Progress

• Baseline for Future Assessments: The initial screen provides a baseline that can be used to monitor progress over time, ensuring that the training program remains effective and aligned with the golfer's evolving needs.
• Adaptation: Regular re-screening allows for adjustments to the training program as the golfer's body changes, keeping the training relevant and effective.

6. Integration with Other Professionals

• Collaborative Approach: The TPI Level 1 Screen facilitates collaboration between golf coaches, fitness trainers, and medical professionals, and clubfitters, ensuring a cohesive approach to improving performance.

Conclusion

The TPI Level 1 Screen is more than just a preliminary assessment; it's a foundational tool that guides the entire process of training and club fitting. By identifying individual physical characteristics and limitations, it allows for a personalized, effective, and safe approach to improving golf performance. Whether it's enhancing swing mechanics, selecting the right clubs, or preventing injuries, the insights gained from this screening are invaluable for any golfer looking to elevate their game.

A proper club fitting is a comprehensive process that typically takes 3-4 hours for irons and similar time for drivers. This investment of time ensures we gather sufficient data to build clubs that truly optimize your performance.

Scheduling Your Fitting

Fittings are by appointment only. During the golf season (mid-April through mid-October), appointments are typically booked 2-4 weeks in advance, and up to eight weeks at the start of the season. Please contact me early to secure your preferred fitting date.

Remote Fitting Options

Long-distance fittings are available for those who cannot come for an in-person session. You will need to purchase a Blast Motion sensor and follow specific instructions for its use. However, the fitting experience is significantly enhanced by an onsite presence, as there are many variables we can only measure accurately when you're here in person.

Our Fitting Philosophy

Custom fitting is about discovering what works best through testing and data collection. We will not build clubs "on-spec" based solely on specifications you or someone else provides. The purpose of fitting is to determine the best performing combination for YOU through objective data—and often, it's not what you initially expect. Nothing is pre-determined; we let your body, your swing, and the data tell us what works best.

What's Involved in Performance-Based Iron and Driver Fittings

• Initial Consultation: You bring your current clubs, golf shoes, and glove (if you wear one). We'll have a discussion about your game, swing characteristics, shot tendencies, ball flight, and consistency. We may take initial measurements of you and your existing clubs.
• TPI Physical Assessment: You'll receive the TPI Physical Assessment to identify any physical limitations that may affect your swing.
• Warm-Up and Baseline Data: You'll warm up by stretching and hitting balls. While you warm up, I'll set up the launch monitor. We'll have you hit 7-irons (for iron fittings) or your driver (for driver fittings) to establish baseline data on swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, backspin, sidespin, shot direction, carry distance, total distance, ball height, descent angle, swing path, face angle, and more. Impact labels or powder on the clubface show us where the ball contacts the face. During this stage, swing naturally—accurate data leads to better results.
• Testing Prototype Combinations: We'll test various prototype club combinations for length, shaft flex, shaft weight, head weight, swingweight/MOI, and head design. All testing uses the launch monitor and impact labels so we can track results objectively. I have more than 30 different 7-iron heads with Shaftlock adapters that can interchange with over 150 different shafts. Each shaft's length can be adjusted during fitting, and grips can be changed to the correct size. This creates approximately 250,000 possible iron combinations. Using the same approach, I have more than 240,000 possible driver combinations. You'll see and feel how these changes affect performance.
• Video Analysis: When possible, I capture high-definition video of your swing from face-on and down-the-line angles. I use Blast Motion software for detailed swing analysis. These videos can be shared with you if requested in advance. What you think you're doing and what your body actually does during the swing are often quite different.
• Data-Driven Results: By the end of our session, we will have identified the combination that produces better feel, consistency, and a higher percentage of center-face contact. The impact data, video, and launch monitor provide objective evidence. You'll see and feel the difference for yourself.

Key Fitting Specifications We'll Determine

When your fitting is complete, we will have identified several critical data points:

• One specific club length that performs best for your swing
• One shaft flex profile that performs best for your swing
• One shaft weight that performs best for your swing
• One clubhead that performs best for your swing
• One club total weight/balance (MOI) that performs best for your swing
• Your proper loft angle determined through dynamic testing
• Grip preference
• Set makeup recommendations

Understanding Swing Limitations

In most cases, we can make significant improvements through proper fitting—increasing distance, consistency, and accuracy by optimizing length, flex, weight, head design, loft, and other variables. However, in rare instances, certain swing characteristics may limit the improvements fitting alone can achieve. Severe swing patterns—such as a pronounced over-the-top move, extreme swing path deviations, or significant balance issues—can overpower equipment changes. In these cases, I may recommend working with a qualified teaching professional to address swing fundamentals before or alongside the fitting process. Think of me as similar to an X-ray technician: I can identify issues and make recommendations, but in some cases, you may benefit from working with a specialized instructor.

Putter Fitting – The Most Important Club to Custom Fit

Golfers use the putter more than any other club in the bag—an average of 43% of all shots—yet proper putter fitting rarely gets the attention it deserves. Most golfers buy putters based on appearance or design features rather than the five critical fitting elements that can truly lower scores.

While confidence in the putter's appearance is important for alignment, if the putter's length, loft, lie, weight, and balance aren't matched to your putting style, it won't help lower your score.

Putter Length: With variations in height, arm length, and putting posture, length must be custom fit to ensure a smooth stroke. Arms shouldn't be scrunched up or stretched out during the stroke.

Putter Loft: We match loft to your hand position at impact to ensure smooth ball roll. Forward press or ball position back in the stance requires more loft. Wristy putting or ball position forward may require less loft.

Putter Lie Angle: Since putters have loft, if the toe or heel is off the ground at impact, the face points away from the target line. We adjust lie angle so the putter sits perfectly centered on the sole.

Putter Weight and Balance: Research shows a performance correlation between putting-stroke tempo and putter head weight. Quicker tempo players perform best with traditional or lighter weights, while slower tempo players perform best with heavier or counter-balanced putters. Counterweighting (typically 60-100 grams in the grip end) helps many golfers develop a smoother stroke, resulting in more center hits and better distance control. We use counterweights ranging from 20 to 150 grams based on individual needs.

(Credit to Tom Wishon for his contribution to putter fitting knowledge)

2025 Fitting Fees

Irons only fitting: $250

Driver only fitting: $250

If you return for the other fitting within 60 days: $200

Putter fitting (or optimize your existing putter): $250

• If you've completed an iron or driver fitting within the last 60 days: $150
• If you've completed both iron and driver fittings within the last 60 days: $100
• Fitting fee does not include incidentals such as new grips, shafts, weights, or counter-weights

Important Notes About Fitting Fees

The fitting fee covers the session itself—use of the launch monitor, computers, demo heads, demo shafts, demo grips, swing speed and ball speed meters, high-definition video equipment, and swing analysis software. All of this equipment is essential for conducting a proper fitting.

The fitting fee is separate from club prices. Fitting fees are not included in the cost of clubs. During a fitting, I measure your swing and match clubs to optimize that swing. Throughout the process, we hit balls while I measure swing speed and tempo, capture high-speed video, and test shaft characteristics to determine the correct flex profile. We determine proper club length and grip size. A club fitting is similar to tailoring a suit—it cannot be done online and typically requires 2-3 hours for irons or woods, and 1 hour for putters.

Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis Payment Policy

Effective 12/2/23:

At Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, we are dedicated to delivering custom-fitted golf clubs of the highest quality, tailored to each golfer's individual needs. To ensure an efficient and effective service from the initial fitting to the final delivery, the following payment policy will be in effect from 12/2/23.

Payment for Components, Fitting Fees, and Final Product:

1. Initial Payment: Upon agreement to purchase custom-fitted golf clubs from Augusta Custom Clubs, a non-refundable deposit is required. This deposit covers the cost of components (e.g., club heads, shafts, grips, etc.) and any applicable fitting fees. The specific amount of this deposit will be detailed in the purchase agreement.
2. Final Payment: The remaining balance for the custom clubs is due upon completion of the clubs and before their delivery or pickup. Customers will be notified when their custom clubs are ready, and full payment is required to release the clubs for delivery or pickup.
3. Payment Terms: The total amount due, comprising the initial deposit and the final payment, will be explicitly stated in the purchase agreement.
4. Method of Payment: Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis accepts various forms of payment, including credit/debit cards, checks, and electronic bank transfers. Detailed information regarding payment methods will be provided at the time of purchase and upon completion of the clubs.
5. Late Payment and Interest Charges: If the final payment is not received within 30 days of the customer being notified that their clubs are ready, an interest charge will be applied to the outstanding balance. The interest rate will be 3% per month on the unpaid balance, accruing from the date the payment was due.
6. Unclaimed Clubs Policy:

• Clubs that are not paid for within 6 months of notification will be returned to stock.
• Clubs that are not picked up within 12 months of notification will be returned to stock, regardless of payment status.

We at Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis are committed to providing exceptional service and products. This payment policy is designed to facilitate a smooth transaction process, ensuring that we can continue to offer high-quality, custom-fitted golf clubs.

For any inquiries or further information regarding our payment policy, please contact us at danburnfield@augustacustomclubs.com

A putter fitting is the most neglected fitting in the bag and often times the most important. We often hit half of our shots with the putter. It is also the most personal of the clubs that we select and in fact we sometimes name our putter. So let’s talk about what we at Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis do for a putter fitting.

Step 1 - Interview Process

Your putter fitting starts with a dialogue to determine your preference in head style (blade, mid mallet, mallet), your miss tendency, the types of greens you play, etc. This is often done as your fitter observes you rolling a few putts.

Step 2 - Static (Biometric) Fitting

We will determine your eye dominance and best ball position based upon your aim characteristics.

Step 3 Length

Once we know the best ball position, we determine the length. The length is determined by having the golfer assume a comfortable stance with the ball in the correct position. The arms should not be to scrunched up at the top nor hanging too straight. We use a fitting putter to best determine the putter length.

Step 4 Putter Lie Angle.

Only after completing the above three steps can the correct lie angle of the putter be determined. It is usually best to have the putter sit parallel to the ground when the golfer assumes the correct stance.

Step 5 Loft Angle

The loft angle is determined with a fitting putter and a roll board. The ideal loft should be such that the angle of attack of the putter is greater than the loft angle.

When determining loft and lie angle we also use blast motion technology as well as high speed photographs of the ball to best determine how the ball is leaving the putter face.

Step 6 - Tempo and Putter Heft Weight

Research has also shown a performance correlation between putting-stroke tempo and putter head weight. Players with a quicker tempo tend to perform most consistently with a traditional or lighter putter head weight, while players with a slower tempo perform most consistently with a heavier or counter-balanced putter.

OEM clubs are built to average specifications that may not match your individual swing characteristics. Our component-based approach allows us to customize every specification to optimize your performance.

You can test your current clubs against the components I typically work with. Since I maintain no inventory, I'm not trying to push products out the door, and I have no manufacturer agreements requiring me to sell specific quantities. I recommend only the clubs that fit your swing and deliver the best results for you.

The process includes hitting your current clubs and using a launch monitor and other technology to track and store data. After evaluating your swing, I select one or two of the clubheads I have and allow you to hit them with several representative shafts. From this data, I use a computer program to select the optimum shaft for the selected clubhead. Additional weight may be added or removed to allow you to have optimum performance.

At Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, we understand that cost is an important consideration when it comes to customizing your golf clubs. Our pricing is competitive and tailored to each individual's specific needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive excellent value for your investment. Our team will work with you to create a custom club that fits your budget while meeting your playing requirements. We offer transparent pricing and a range of options, allowing you to personalize your clubs without breaking the bank. Visit us in Augusta for a consultation and let us help you find the perfect custom club at a price that suits you.

Have you ever purchased a club or set of clubs that the company "guaranteed" to add 20 yards to your drive, change your game, or help you sink more putts, only to be disappointed?

Have you ever tried to claim that 'guarantee' only to discover that it was nothing more than a hollow promise to get a quick sale?

Who in their right mind would promise to make you clubs that will meet or exceed their promised performance- and back it up with a money-back guarantee if they don't?

Yes; We will. We can do so because we do not fit or build your clubs as others do.

We start with no preconceived notions. We will work with you to determine what head, shaft, and grip combinations work for you. In addition, together, we will select a mix of roughly 15 distinct assembly specs such as:

· length,

· weight,

· flex,

· loft, and

· face angle

to satisfy your goals while staying within your budget. We'll tell you if your goals are unreasonable because it's simply not in our best interests for us to try to sell you equipment that can't accomplish them.

If you purchase a single club and it fails to meet your expectations, we will work with you to enhance it until you are delighted. If we cannot resolve the issue, we will return your money minus the funds required for the fitting session.

We vow never to try to sell you clubs you don't need or won't help you improve your game.

This is a question that only seasoned custom clubmakers can answer. However, most golfers who have this experience after purchasing the latest new model from a retail golf store or pro shop don't really understand why they hit one club better than its twin that was also fit for them.

Furthermore, suppose a golfer hits it poorly or worse than their previous club(s). Then, the golfer might conclude that the new club is a "bad design. " They will be unaware that the reason for their lack of success has nothing to do with the clubhead or shaft design but are more than likely from the way they were assembled.

Why do golfers frequently purchase new clubs only to discover that they perform no better or sometimes worse than the clubs they previously used?

Regardless of the club, the response to this question is always the same. Because something about the lesser performing clubs doesn't adequately FIT the golfer's specific mix of size, strength, athletic ability, or swing characteristics. It's very typical for golfers to hit one club well and another not so well.

Numerous parameters explain why one golf club performs differently than another. Loft, Lie, Face Angle, Length, MOI/Swingweight, Total Weight, Shaft Overall Flex, Shaft Bend Point, Shaft Weight, Set Make-Up, Grip Style/Size, and Clubhead Design are all factors to consider. Some of these have sub-spec modifications, according to skilled custom clubmakers.

Out of these parameters, there are the 12 KEY clubfitting criteria. When a custom club fitter correctly matches a golfer's size, strength, physical ability, or swing characteristics, ensure that they can and will play to their full potential. Similarly, if one or more of these 12 are not well matched to the golfer, the answer to the query of Why Can I Hit This Club But Not That Club can be found there.

The key is - figure out which of the 12 fitting specs are correct and which are incorrect. And hiring the services of a qualified, experienced professional custom clubmaker is the only way to properly get to the bottom of that search. If you are not in the CSRA and would like to find a club fitter near you, I suggest contacting the ACGP or ICG. Alternatively, you can visit my virtual site. We can do an online fitting that is only slightly less accurate than an in-person fitting.

At Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, every golfer is screened using the TPI physical screen (level 1 Screen) and undergoes a TPI swing analysis. This will help the fitter know the best way to correct any issues. We do not try and fix a problem with golf clubs that can only be corrected by exercise. For other problems, we work with the golfer to ensure there is a holistic approach involving equipment, swing techniques, practice regimen, and mental coaching.

At Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, Dan uses a proprietary program to ensure that the correct shaft is used in each and every club. This involves taking measurements of swing speed, strength, tempo time, and high-speed photographs of the swing to determine when the hands release. These measurements help determine the flex profile of the shaft. It is not adequate to only use swing speed.

At Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, we use different-length clubs and not a 48-inch ruler. This technique lets us determine the length that allows you to consistently strike the ball with a centered pattern on the club face. We compare this data with the client's posture using TPI techniques to ensure the club length optimizes both contact consistency and proper setup position.

The golf club's weight depends on the weight of the shaft. Weight can have a significant effect on the flight path. We use shafts of different weights to determine how best to select the weight of the shaft.

We use a figure of merit that we call the quality factor. The quality factor is the distance divided by the dispersion. Any increase in distance or decrease in dispersion will increase the quality factor. The higher the quality factor, the better the club.

Dan builds each and every club at Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis. He has built clubs since the 80s first for himself and then professionally, beginning in 2014. He is a member of the Association of Golf Clubfitting Professionals and the International Clubmakers Guild. He has been certified by Golfworks and Golfsmith as well as the TPI, Golf Lan, USGTF, the Seemore Putter Institute, and golf club component vendors.

At Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, we are brand agnostic. We assemble clubs from highly engineered components. Our clubheads come from Tom Wishon Golf Technologies, Epon, Tour Edge, Epon, and Alpha. Each component is selected based on the needs of the golfer. We can select from more than 150 iron shafts, and an equal number of wood shafts, and 30 iron and wood heads.

In my shop, each shaft is sorted based on the individual flex profile of the shaft, and the most flexible shaft is placed in the longest club that will be built. This makes it easier to get the ball airborne.

Golf shaft tipping refers to the process of trimming or cutting a portion of the tip of the golf shaft. This customization technique is used to modify the characteristics of the shaft to better suit a golfer's specific swing and performance needs. Here's a closer look at what golf shaft tipping involves and why it's done:

1. Stiffening the Shaft:

• Effect: Tipping the shaft may make it stiffer, reducing the flexibility of the tip section.
• Benefit: For players with faster swing speeds, this can lead to more control and consistency in ball flight.

2. Changing the Trajectory:

• Effect: By stiffening the tip, tipping can lower the trajectory of the ball.
• Benefit: This can be desirable for players looking to reduce the height of their shots and achieve a more penetrating ball flight.

3. Altering the Feel:

• Effect: Tipping changes the way the shaft bends and vibrates during the swing.
• Benefit: Some players prefer the feel of a tipped shaft, finding it more responsive or stable.

4. Customization Process:

• Measurement: The amount of tipping is usually measured in inches, and the specific amount depends on the player's needs and the shaft's characteristics.
• Cutting: The tip is carefully cut to the desired length using specialized tools.
• Installation: The shaft is then installed into the clubhead, with the tipping modification considered during the fitting process.

5. Professional Guidance:

• Expertise Required: Tipping is a precise process that requires knowledge and experience. Incorrect tipping can negatively affect performance and even damage the shaft.
• Fitting Professionals: Golfers interested in shaft tipping should consult with a club fitting professional, like those at Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis, to ensure the modification is done correctly and tailored to their specific needs.

6. Not for Every Golfer:

• Suitability: Tipping is not suitable for every golfer. It's typically used by more advanced or professional players who have specific needs in terms of shaft performance.

In summary, golf shaft tipping is a customization technique used to alter the characteristics of a golf shaft, particularly its stiffness and responsiveness. It's a specialized process that can enhance control and consistency for certain players but should be done under the guidance of a skilled club fitting professional.

I occasionally decline work when a client has already decided on specific modifications without allowing me to perform a proper fitting assessment. Here's why this matters:

When someone comes in requesting specific adjustments—like bending lie angles to a predetermined measurement or lengthening clubs by a set amount—they're often acting on advice from someone who hasn't conducted a comprehensive evaluation. Without a proper physical screen, swing analysis, and testing with different specifications, we're just guessing.

Example 1: A golfer wants lie angles adjusted to match specific numbers. However, after reviewing their posture and movement patterns, the real issue might be physical limitations that would be better addressed through targeted exercises with a qualified trainer.

Example 2: A golfer's instructor recommends lengthening clubs by ½ inch without testing whether that's the optimal length, or whether a different length entirely would produce better results.

My fitting process is built on data and testing, not assumptions. When I put my name on a set of clubs, I'm confident they've been properly fitted to optimize your performance. If someone isn't willing to go through that process, I respectfully direct them to other service providers who may be more comfortable making modifications on spec.

This approach protects both of us: you get equipment that's truly fitted to your game, and I maintain the quality standards that define Augusta Custom Clubs and Swing Analysis. I'd rather be known for my fitting standards than for making changes that don't improve your game.

Can frequent play cause the lofts and lies on my irons to change?

Yes, regular play can cause changes to the lofts and lies of golf irons. These adjustments are frequently small, but they can significantly impact your game over time. These modifications could happen for several reasons:

Play: Regular use over time can cause a modest alteration in the loft and lie of golf clubs. These adjustments are particularly relevant if you play a lot on hit-off mats or hard fairways.

Fundamentals and Mechanisms of Swing: The lie angle of the clubs may need to be adjusted if your swing mechanics change.

Modifications in Your Game's Performance: If you see shifts in your performance, either gains or losses, it may be time to inspect and modify the loft and lie of your clubs.

Enhanced Clubhead Speed: Improving your clubhead speed can change how well your existing loft and lie settings work.

Playing Conditions: Unusual weather and variations in the terrain (such as moving from a mountain golf course to a humid one) may affect your clubs and necessitate adjustments.

Club Material: Compared to cast clubs, which are often more robust and less susceptible to specification changes, forged clubs may be more susceptible to alterations over time due to their softer nature.

Considering these things, having your clubs tested regularly is a good idea, particularly if you play a lot or see improvements in your game. By doing this routine maintenance, you can ensure that your clubs continue to fit your style and function at their best.