Frequently asked questions by golfers to Clubmakers
Questions answered by PCS Technical Director Bob Dodds
Custom Built vs. Custom Fit - What is the difference?
Custom built is what original equipment manufacturers (Titleist, Mizuno, etc.) offer for custom clubs. They take existing clubs off the rack and modify them to a limited number of specifications, such as length, lie angle and grip size. However, for Custom Fit, a PCS Clubmaker has a broad selection of heads, shafts and grips at his fingertips, to perform a true custom fitting on a golfer a Clubmaker gathers data on electronic equipment and, after analyzing the data,
builds the clubs to the correct specifications for the golfer. The Clubmaker will be making measurements on swing speeds, shaft loading, length, lie angle, grip size and one of the most important things, the set makeup (3 -PW or maybe 4-SW?). Remember when you are getting ready to see a Clubmaker for a new set of custom clubs, make sure your Clubmaker is a member of the Professional Clubmakers Society.
Can I go to see a PGA Professional for my next set of custom clubs?
Yes, you can. But it would probably be better to see the PGA professional for your swing problems. We like to refer to the PGA professionals as the "Swing Professionals" and we like to refer to certified members of the Professional Clubmakers Society as PCS Golf Equipment Professionals . When you go to a PCS or GCA member, they have years and years of experience working with golf equipment. They understand that shaft frequencies, shaft
torque, head lofts and dozens of other specifications all go into a menu to come up with a perfect set of clubs for you. Many Certified PCS members work hand in hand with PGA Professionals to offer a golfer with a combination of swing lessons and the proper equipment to achieve the golfers' ultimate goal for game improvement.
I have heard a lot about "Frequency Matched" clubs; Is that something that will help me?
Frequency Matched is a process of measuring shaft flex. Most PCS Clubmakers use a frequency analyzer tool to help them build a set of perfectly matched shafts that go into custom clubs. Frequency is measured in cycles per minute (CPM) versus the old method of trying to designate shaft stiffness by using "R" or "S" flexes. The problem is that one company's "R" is another company's "S". However with using frequency measurements,
every shaft measurement can be the same. What does this mean to you as a golfer? Usually every golfer has a favorite club in their bag , let's say a 7 iron. A PCS Golf Equipment Professional can measure that club and duplicate it or by measuring the other clubs in your bag, they can also explain why you don't like those particular clubs.
Loft and Lie Angle Adjustments - Is it important for my game, and how often should I get them checked?
Let's talk about lie angles first. Many golfers think that the direction of the ball will go off line because the toe or the heel of the club digs into the ground (incorrect lie angle). However, the real reason is because the incorrect lie angle causes the face plane or loft of the club to become tilted. Because of that, it would be easy to understand why the lie angle on your short irons (9, PW, SW) are much more important than the lie angle on your long irons
(3, 4, etc.). If you are having problems with the direction control of your short irons, go see your PCS Clubmaker for a dynamic lie angle check. Don't forget, graphite shafted clubs also need proper lie angle adjustment.
Loft angle is also very important. Clubs as they come from the factory, have a manufacturing tolerance built into them. In many cases, it will be plus or minus 2 degrees. As an example a 7 iron could be 2 degrees weak and an 8 iron could be 2 degrees strong and most
likely, you would be hitting both clubs the same distance. When getting your clubs adjusted for lie angle, your Clubmaker will also check your lofts at the same time.
We recommend all golfers getting their clubs checked for loft and lie at least once a year by a PCS Clubmaker.
I have been reading a lot about graphite shafts in irons; are they as consistent as steel shafts?
The answer is a loud
and clear YES! The specifications that are used to control the manufacturing of graphite shafts have improved 100% in the last 2-3 years. Graphite shafts are available in many different weights and torque to help a PCS Golf Equipment Professional to perfectly match your swing parameters.
The consistency of graphite shafts is here today (as witnessed by many PGA/Champions Tour/LPGA Tour players who are using them such as Rich Beem, Hale Irwin and Annika Sorenstam); but are they right for
your game? Let’s look at the benefits of using graphite shafts.
Graphite shafts are lighter and help absorb the shock when hitting a ball. Golfers who have any physical ailments such as tendonitis, arthritis and back problems, will probably find using graphite shafts much easier on your body. Because of the wide variety of specifications available to a Clubmaker when building graphite shafted clubs, their experience becomes very important. So when you are thinking of reshafting your
existing clubs or looking at new custom fit graphite shaft clubs; always see a PCS Certified "Class A" Clubmaker. | 
