The most important questions customers need ask before buying a new set of irons

Purchasing new clubs can be an overwhelming process for any golfer, particularly when it comes to outfitting your bag with irons because they play such an important part in every round.

But doing a little advance research and asking the right questions of your salesperson before you buy can greatly simplify the process and ensure you get the right irons for your unique swing.

Worldwide Golf Shops offers free custom fittings in all of its 80-plus locations across the country, and Jim Hudson, the manager of the Edwin Watts Golf shop in Knoxville, Tennessee, advises golfers to ask plenty of questions before taking swings in front of a launch monitor.

“The first thing I suggest is for golfers to ask their fitter what are some of the top-selling irons in the category they are looking for – whether it’s game-improvement, player’s irons or whatever they may be looking for,” Hudson said. “This is important because you get to see what clubs are selling and performing best for most golfers. It also makes sure the salesperson is knowledgeable on more than one brand so you can ensure you are getting the best clubs for your game.”

Further, it is extremely important to have an open dialogue during the fitting process, so both the golfer and fitter have a firm grasp on your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your goals.

“The fitter should ask general questions about tendencies and about the customer’s ability,” said Jay Hasselman, who manages the Edwin Watts Golf shop in Memphis, Tennessee. “The more honest the customer is, the better the fitting will go. I think the customer needs to let the fitter know what they are looking to gain from the fitting, whether it’s more distance, higher trajectory, lower trajectory, etc.”

After the basic initial measurements, you’ll hit several golf balls with each iron, and the launch monitor will collect data points such as swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, club path, dispersion and of course your distance with each iron.

Along with feedback from the golfer, these numbers will help the fitter determine whether you’re best suited for steel or graphite shafts, muscle back or cavity back club heads and a number of other variables to help you improve and get the most out of your game.

“Too often we see people who have no idea what they are looking for or who have unrealistic expectations,” Hasselman said. “Some golfers have the idea that fitting is a magic formula that cures all and gives them tons more distance and much lower scores. By being honest with the fitter and having realistic expectations, golfers can have a great experience.”

Getting fit for new irons can make a huge difference in your game, whether you’re new to golf or perhaps have improved your skills enough that you have graduated to a more advanced category of clubs. There’s really no reason not to give it a try, especially with the protection offered by Worldwide Golf Shops’ now-famous guarantee.

“We have a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, so if you’re not completely satisfied with any purchase you can get full store credit to pick out something else within three months of the original purchase,” Hudson said.