This was HUGE for LIV, & club fitting is OVERRATED?

[@RickShielsGolfShow]

Donate to it's never you HERE - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rick-shiels-marathon

[@larrymassingill5810]

Guy , what will these donations be used for bud ?

[@stewarthunt5444]

I’m an American but when people do that especially my fellow Americans. They do it at all most every kinda sport event

[@paulcarrigan691]

Seriously poor form cheering Matt Fitz missing putts. Does give the rest of the golfing world a reason to look at LIV which is more inclusive than USPGAT and US viewers and spectators.

[@richarddodson560]

I’m a patriotic American and I cringed at the treatment Fitzpatrick received from the crowd at Harbour Town. Kudos to Speith for calming it down.

[@Voorhees2002]

Agreed! I love the USA, but thought it was pretty classless. I like Fitzpatrick also. Then the idiot that yelled forever long and then in Jordan’s swing. Hope they kicked him out.

[@rayjessoplll5420]

Don't appreciate people being classless, but I would fully expect people in the UK to be vocal for their guy if the game was being played there.

[@dmkfactor1721]

It was total crap! I’m an American too, and I was COMPLETELY EMBARRASSED!

[@cowens677]

The LIV tour fans must of snuck in

[@kenwood5575]

The love that was shown to great American golfers at St. Andrews (freedom of the city etc.)shows the gulf in class of the two sets of fans.

[@chrismcneil9947]

Rick v Pete golfbidder was one of the best videos on KZbin 👏🏻

[@Cgarrod3]

The Netflix doc has definitely made an impact. I am now a huge theegala fan, loved seeing him do well at the masters last weekend, and then have that amazing round this weekend!

[@kelvindawe5123]

Guy is such an asset to these pods his knowledge of the sport and the clubs are just so entertaining to listen to they just bounce off each other perfectly it's such a shame he misses out on the trips but keep up the good work chaps. 👍

[@mikeprobert3348]

This is one of the best podcasts you’ve ever done , thinking about old clubs how about a round of break 75 with clubs from the year you were born , what a challenge that could be

[@purkie23]

Would love to see that 👍

[@StevelandCleamer]

The burner is such a solid line from TM. My entire bag is relatively new but I won’t bail on my burner 3wood. Despite definitely losing distance, it’s so easy to create any shot shape. Best $20 I’ve ever spent!

[@ReallyTallMan]

My Tuesday work grind GREATLY appreciates the excellent content on the pod each week. Thank yall!

[@lawbinson]

The TSi and TSR lines have been fantastic. Agree they were lackluster and spinny for many generations before that.

[@andreastusch2526]

I can really relate to your enthusiasm for old clubs …I just think it reflects our love and appreciation for the game

[@DanLoudShirts]

Good luck on Sunday, Rick. I'll be drumming down at Mile 24 at Temple with my friends the @PandemoniumDrummers to give flagging runners (and walkers!) some last mile inspiration. If you've not hit the wall, you'll hear us and see us in our blue bowler hats with lightbulbs on! We'll cheer you on!

[@Simeon-the-Magnificent]

Nice work, great pod!

[@MJGY75]

Would be great to see a Rick trip to Japan for the courses and seeing their exclusive equipment, would be so good

[@purkie23]

That is a great shout 👍

[@evers_mhvn4264]

So the next golf bidder challenge … Club selection - ricks channel 18 holes - Pete’s 😅 We all want more of it !!

[@fredlist7091]

I'm in Hilton Head and was at the tournament at Harbor Town. I was really embarrassed about the chanting during the playoff. I myself don't view golf from a "national" perspective except during the Ryder Cup so those chants seemed pretty crass to me. Spieth was the crowd favorite as he was the defending champion but this isn't football. I will say the crowd by that point was pretty well oiled as there were beer and hard liquor tents concentrated around that area of the golf course and noticeably younger crowds. It was a fun tournament though and Fitzpatrick definitely earned his win.

[@spudlover96]

I was there also, it was my first PGA tour event. I was there in the middle of the crowd at hole 17 on the playoff and wondering where that chant came from. But you’re correct there was a lot of alcohol flowing at that point. Felt more like a college football game.

[@danielcooper3868]

I don't mind people rooting for Spieth because he's American, but it's really weird to shout USA during a regular event. Just chant "Spieth! Spieth! Spieth!". Oh and obviously, everyone should shut up when a player get into their pre shot routine until the ball is well past being hit

[@JosephSivits]

Marathon is next Monday, so this is likely the last podcast. Good luck Rick!

[@RickShielsGolfShow]

hahaha

[@ryanhorner1675]

Next weeks episode is just Guy breaking the bad news 🤣

[@nebula3471]

Rick, back in the 80s for the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts a woman got on a subway train. She traveled a few stops down the road, got off the train, back on course and won the marathon. A few days later television coverage figured out her plan when she never ran past certain points on the course when cameras were set up. Just an idea for you. 😂

[@peterfconley]

I’m feeling a bit off today and the vibes on the pod today were totally perfect.

[@tylerpalmer8973]

Love old clubs too. I don't have a collection, though. I also remember when spikes changed over from metal to soft-spikes. That change definitely helped save a lot of greens at local clubs. So many guys sucked at walking on greens with their metal spikes.

[@roondoggers87]

I have an old Odyssey White #8 that I got when I was 13 or so and used all the way up through my college career. Just recently switched to Scotty Cameron but that Odyssey is near and dear to my heart.

[@landar2372]

Sir, would love for you to get a full set of Honma clubs and do a video with them! PLEASE!

[@devastatn]

Great show, guys. As for me, I don't miss the same as I can see tiger a bit. He's had his day. I'm in my sixties, and I loved watching Jack, but I didn't miss him either. I can still see Jack in '86 and Tiger with that six iron in the bunker from 216 yds stiffing it. Best ever BTW. And your right Guy. There are a myriad of players today that are very exciting to watch and root for. Great podcast.

[@martin4834]

Please start telling us the par of the course at the start of a break 75 video. We never know how far away you are until near the end

[@FeelGoodGolf]

My Mrs is running the Marathon, hope to see you there Rick!

[@thebirdcage7415]

After listening to nearly all the podcasts, best recommendation has hit! The Smooth Country playlist. Love it

[@HPlif3]

Please talk about the dp world tour/Liv golf court ruling!

[@manifestyourlife6]

Some of these weekend PGA events are turning back into 90's pre-Tiger golf. I'm back to watching only the big events.

[@waynecalvert206]

Old clubs my 1st ever club off my auntie was a 2 or 4 iron with a wooden shaft loved it thought mint when upgraded to wooden headed driver/steel shaft on 49yrs old 😅 now

[@matthewwiddall2125]

Also a complete golf equipment junkie and love the older clubs 1995 onwards. Here in South Africa it was very similar, spent many evenings with a mate having putting/chipping comps, pub chips, hanging around in the pro shop looking at gear😊

[@chriswalker5578]

Being of similar age this is so incredibly relatable. The cheesy chips and phoning your mum to pick us up. Just such nostalgia.

[@sinaazimi7328]

Great timing. Right as I started drinking my morning coffee. Keep up the great work Guy and Rick. Hello from Toronto Canada. If you're ever coming here for a trip, hit me up and I'll be happy to show you around. Be my guests.

[@Ricardo-ur5os]

Emaculate vibes, have a blessed day bro

[@aphilly141]

Rick! These videos are phenomenal. The color correction and camera quality is top notch

[@RichardJohnson-me1kk]

Great show although you two really made me feel old talking about the golf clubs from the early 2000's. I started playing golf in the 70s with my Dad's laminated 3-wood and driver, 4 irons, and a putter. When I was in High School my uncle was not using his clubs due to health problems and I got to use if full set of clubs with H&B persimmon wood driver, 3-wood and 5-wood. Now if i found a persimmon wood set in a second hand shop that would really take me back.

[@tylerbaker2380]

I still use the black and red Taylormade Burner driver to this day. My bag still includes the Burner 3-wood and 3 hybrid from that club line. Can't seem to get away from them

[@martinhoskins57]

Another great podcast, good luck for the marathon on Sunday .... Get folk to shout "FOUR RICK!!!!!" if they see you en-route

[@ianpibworth4861]

The passion for old clubs is awesome, I totally feel the same. The joy of a new club as a 12/13/14 year old is unrivaled in adult life!

[@robyzf4829]

Running next to Scuba Steve! haha epic do well Rick! Thanks Guy for being involved with the FB groups!

[@rodney6045]

April 18 is the perfect day for International Caddy Day...18 holes...4 rounds...18/4

[@markreid9810]

Rick, greetings from across the pond. I really enjoy the content you and Guy put together. It's always like getting together with good golf friends. On the putter fitting issue, I am a firm believer that you should not worry about putting big money into a putter until you have developed a solid consistent stroke with the one you normally play with. You can play decently with just about any putter if your stroke is solid. Get a putter fitting once you are confident you can repeat a good swing. Keep up the great content.

[@JohnDoe-qv2sn]

The “mindset” entering a playoff reminded me of the 1979 Masters. Ed Sneed leading going into Sunday and then having an awful round and Fuzzy having a great showing on Sunday. I’m sure the mindset of the players had an impact on the results. It’s incredibly entertaining when playoffs take place.

[@mn240s14]

I grew up listening to my father's metal spikes as we walked across the parking lot to the "hit your own balls" driving range and the practice green. It's a sound I will never forget. Golf aside, the memories mean more to me than the rule changes.

[@station214]

Once again guys; excellent content!!

[@chrisc353]

LIV players accounted for 60% of the top 5 in The Masters this year. That has to account for someting.

[@DomMonaco1]

You’d think it would. Only speaking for me personally, doesn’t change the fact I have zero interest in watching the LIV tour events. Brooks could have won and it wouldn’t make me want to watch those events.

[@wallywinglepop7379]

@@DomMonaco1this is the answer for most people I feel, some of the LIV guys doing well doesn’t change the fact that I don’t care for their format and don’t have any interest in following it, the idea that because Phil made a run and brooks was in contention until he wasn’t doesn’t make their product any better

[@nicknick6788]

​@@DomMonaco1 you may not like watching LIV tour but it will be a travesty if the best LIV players are excluded from majors simply because PGAT bully WGC into not giving sensible ranking points to nonPGAT events

[@ronyoung66]

I actually just refurbished a pretty sweet set of old MacGregor Jack Nicklaus bladed irons and some Ben Hogan woods with wooden heads. Really looking forward to trying to play with them and some super soft modern golf balls in order to try and protect the woods a bit. There is something about old clubs.

[@Nikelaos]

Rick says we have been even handed about LIV. 2 minutes later “I am interested to see how they play in a few years after not playing against the best.”

[@Kur0y4m4]

Love old clubs. I play Ping Eye2s. Could not afford them in my youth. Got a set 1-LW in horrendous condition for $60. Sent them to factory for refurbishment and new shafts & grips. Flawless time machines.

[@TomsDinosaurOpinion]

If you're going to Harbor Town, Hilton Head next year. Taking your family with you is a must. Imo - the most chilled and highest quality family beach vacation in America. BTW - the golf course is incredible!

[@chriscarson2456]

I’d love to see a Pete/Rick challenge with hickory shafted clubs!

[@ZN2411]

I feel the same way about old clubs. I found a 2nd hand Titleist 983K the other day and it took me right back to my teen years and experiences.

[@txterbug]

Was a club fitter at a really popular shop here in the USA for over a year. Couldn’t take it any longer than that. It was too much about numbers. A guy could be hate the club but if we don’t fit the numbers perfectly they “could” come back a week later and say “well these numbers weren’t even good for me, so I can just return it, you guys don’t know how to fit” etc etc. so we would HAVE to get the numbers dialed in. Not to say they shouldn’t be, but you gotta realize most people who come in for fittings are complete hacks who can’t put up 10 consistent shots to begin with. Not to mention the spiffs for selling callaway or other certain brands. It’s all a big gimmick IF you don’t know what you’re doing there.

[@wajwo]

Agree; most of us hacks can't be consistent from one hole to the next, let alone one day to the next, or a week or a month, so "fitting" is way overrated. Also note that a top golfer could defeat you easily with poorly fitted clubs, as it is far, far more about the golfer and talent.

[@MattTheFlyerFan]

Andale Rick! Good luck buddy!!!! I’ll be thinking about you this weekend. BTW I am getting my first professional golf lesson on Saturday. Can’t wait!

[@douglaskimbell6096]

Your comments about American's treatment of Fitzpatrick were spot on. Concerning your video productions. I don't understand the technology of the tracer but it needs to be used more. When its not used we have a difficult time following a ball flight.

[@ejeezy_23]

TSR line is very good. 1-4 for all speeds and forgiveness. TSR3 is very fast and long. But whats sets it apart is the fully adjustable hosel - upright, flat etc. Also the brand holds resale value very well, I think better than any other drivers.

[@chrissurridge6628]

What I loved about LIV Vs PGA was exactly that. The competitive side is elevated it's not just player Vs player it added a extra dimension. Almost Ryder cup style and for the masters it just makes it even better for me. As LIV grows I can see it become more of a thing.

[@ACMRisk]

Caddie Appreciation Week started June 2019 and runs from June 10 to June 17 annually

[@ACMRisk]

Good luck with the 🏃‍♂️

[@timoconnor9434]

Funny you should mention country music on the golf course. I had a friend who attached a speaker to his bag and played it whilst carting around the course. I asked him what type of music it was. His reply, “Both kinds…….country and western.” 😂

[@KeepUpTheFPS]

I think fittings are good to figure out what you like, its very arkward to test our 30-40 clubs in a golf shop, different shaft, differrent settings etc. I just got fitted and i realized that really like very stiff shafts (thats what she said?) i also hit very shallow with irons and deliver a lot of loft and that causes my ball flight to be very high and relatively short for my speed. got fitted in 2* strong p790 and that gave me a perfect trajectory and a lot more distance (like 30 yards) and if a change my swing to deliver less loft then i can still bend them back a little later to increase the launch.

[@elliottduck4778]

I thought the same about the titleist drivers then I got fitted for one, feels so much nicer than anything else out there at the moment

[@StevelandCleamer]

Agreed. I find the head doesn’t matter all that much, but once I got fitted for my speed and ditched my shit top flite regular flex clubs, I quickly was able to dial my game in much more

[@Ricardo-ur5os]

All personal preference . I loved the 3 wood hated the driver

[@StevelandCleamer]

@@Ricardo-ur5os I’m the same with the cobra stuff. Love the woods, can’t hit the driver if my life depended on it

[@paulinelock592]

Love the podcast very early Wednesday morning here in Western Australia. Good luck in the marathon Rick.

[@dannycarlyle1092]

Love the country music admission Guy. I'm a UK lad who loves country music. Welcome to the club!

[@jimmccoys5778]

I have to agree with the old club fascination!! It is really hard for me to part with drivers and putters after I have decided they no longer “work for me” lol. I have a callaway tour bag that I put them in when I want to reminisce about the old days!! Lol

[@JParker12]

Love the idea of the golf club log book!! Definitely something I'd do ❤

[@bm5192]

I’ve done a putter fitting and was helpful but you still have to read the greens. I’d rather take demo putters on actual outdoor green to test.

[@bingogolfer]

I’m using the same clubs I got fitted 17 years ago as a junior and still hit them better then new clubs Taylermade buner driver Nike dymo 3 wood Titleist 704 cb forged irons Every game is a trip down memory lane

[@joshholmes]

I literally just bought my putter with Rick's method. Went around and putted with every putter in the store, ended up holing every shot with my now new to me Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12. :)

[@geoffroberts4113]

I love old drivers. I probably have 15 drivers that I occasionally rotate into the bag just for fun and nostalgia. Might bring the Ping Si3, maybe the Titleist 907, maybe the aluminum baseball bat called Callway FTi

[@MugiwaraRuffy]

Good luck with the Marathon. Had to abort my annual half-marathon run couple of weeks ago, because I didn't really train much the year prior. Got instant karma for that during the run. I don't think that club fitting is overrated. Quite the contrary. As a 5'3" guy, I am obviously not the tallest of persons. And especially shortening the driver shaft 1/2" helped me so much finally hitting this darn thing more constantly somehow.

[@shawntaylor7442]

I have 4 older sets of irons in my garage. Ping i3 Blades were my dream set when I was a kid. Finally got a set couple years ago. Not easy to find in lefty and reasonably priced

[@justinhance1700]

Putter fitting was one of the best things I have done. I did drop overall handicap as a result but I can still put fairly bad but I feel that is my reading greens and speeds and not because I can put the right stroke and contact / aiming.

[@lewisnicholls5734]

I think that LIV Players should be allowed to play on PGA tour because: 1. It forces PGA to host the best possible event they can to make LIV players choose to play over LIV events. 2. The best players should be given opportunity to play in Masters regardless of tour choice. 3. Is it any different to a PGA player going to the DP tour for certain events. The ranking points should NOT be given at LIV events as 1. You can't give them everything otherwise they'll take over everything (including majors) 2. It's even more incentive for players to play PGA events. 3. The alternate format/rules set should be treat differently anyway.

[@michaelp2259]

I'm American. Sheffler speith and rahm. Are my favorite 3 golfers. I wanted speith to win of course but Fitzpatrick deserved it. He made clutch putts and shots when he had too. Speith had his 2 chances to put him away on the first and second playoff holes. Didn't capitalize on the opportunity. At the end of the day there all great players and hit some amazing shots. Nice to watch there shots and see how elite these players are.

[@Ricardo-ur5os]

100% agree with guy. Tiger has changed this sport and he’s an idol for so many of us, but also you start to realise that he’s made the game overall better for all of us, even if he’s not a part of it for much longer. The fields are full of big names now compared to how than they used to be in Tigers prime, and when he does eventually retire maybe we won’t miss him as much as we thought we may do

[@geoffbanting4836]

I've always thought that Seve and Tiger were that great because of their ability to see and execute shots when they were in trouble. They could be wayward but the way they dealt with that was usually out of this world.

[@brianclark3503]

Good luck with the Marathon Rick! For the Review channel: 3 reviews per week? That's very ambitious, indeed. One or possibly two in a week ought to keep us all happy. For the International Caddy Day, might be better suited to have it mid-Summer? Best.

[@smithy20vt]

Still would love to see a build your bag series for finding and piecing together your perfect ‘Junior Players Bag’ from your youth. Followed by 18 hole shot by shot break 75

[@Shift2375]

Good luck running Rick! 🏃

[@4wheelliving132]

As far as the marathon goes, I did a half marathon a couple years ago, and my advice would be drink plenty of water and don't stop for very long and walk, it's very hard to get going again. When I did mine, I was thinking I would be one of the slowest runners, so I started in the back and ended up passing about 2500 runners out of about 8000 something that started. Having a small rag in your pocket to wipe off the sweat is nice too. Big feeling of accomplishment

[@jamespaterson4822]

Think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the new Titleist drivers….recently got the TSR3 and it’s been fantastic!

[@alastor1052]

Tried it out in a club fitting a few days ago. I was launching it incredibly well in comparison to the G435, Paradym. Funnily enough, the Wilson Dynapower was up second in launch and feel, the spin was just a little too high with my swing.

[@jamesmclaren5435]

Was the podcast talking about the masters removed? Didn't get round to listening! Enjoying the pod guys!

[@arthurvriesman4297]

I was thinking the same. Watched the first30 mins but didn’t finish it. Anyone know why?

[@sebstones6498]

Is the last pod about Rick's August round not there anymore ?

[@lawbinson]

Could be a good send-off for Ole’ Bluey. Augusta being its last course.

[@roberttolbert3535]

LIV golfers should not receive WRP’s. There are a dozen legitimately competitive golfers who play 54 hole exhibition matches against a washed up/over the hill field. They are prepaid entertainers participating in glorified silly season events. It’s more of an ensemble cast than a tour. These guys made a choice between money and legacy. Who’s to judge what’s right for someone else. I’m happy for them. But, they should move on down the path they’ve chosen. Take your massive check, play your cheeky little team events and spend your extra day off on your yacht.

[@kevinhogg9494]

Thank you for the name check and the question

[@eckathewrecka]

As Guy says, “golf is in a good place” (17.35). Greg Norman and LIV have captured the minds and attention of golf lovers all around the world in such a short period of time, up against the PGA tour that has been around for so many years - and no one can take that away from LIV. The PGA has now lifted the winnings at tournaments, now also looking at their player schedules as well as now arranging future exhibition events to name just a few changes due to LIV, with some of the players leaving the PGA because they got sick of being used as cash cow's. I like both tours, because they both have a lot to offer, just watching Matt Fitzpatrick and Jordan Spieth at the 2023 RBC Heritage clearly showed that, it was wonderful golf to watch. By the way how good was Jon Rahm chasing down Brooks to win The Masters, he is a class act who calls it as he sees it. Many people weren’t surprised to see Rory have a melt down after failing badly at The Masters (and The Open) and pulling out of the 2023 RBC Heritage. Rory has plenty of money and when a person does not care about losing $3mil by not attending an event, you know he is not in the right frame of mind - and having live interviews while playing the Masters, just does not sit well with me. Why can’t golf be enjoyed on both the PGA and LIV tours and for the record having LIV about to play in Australia will ignite the golf public like nothing else seen in 30 years, especially having an Aussie team, The Rippers with Cam Smith. A brilliant move by Norman to have teams representing different parts of the world and not just the USA. A sole winner and a team’s event, what’s not to like? As Guy said, “golf is in a good place” and I agree.

[@MarkArnold92660]

LIV is unwatchable but I’m glad you have a paid gig from the Saudis

[@ricardoabeyta4099]

It amazes me, the PGA fan buying, and the LIV hate. Everyone is making more money. Congrats everyone.

[@jimmyrial77]

Best of luck with the marathon rick 🏃👍

[@aniesdad1168]

TSR Driver is the best driver this year. I’m a callaway guy but switched to TSR 3 this year. Best driver I’ve ever hit.

[@raydearne3220]

Hi Gents a great podcast as usual ref getting new clubs my son took me to the golf show at the nec a few months back I tried 3 scooty Cameron putters the third putter I sank 3 putts on the trot , it had been reduced in price not cheap but reasonable my putting has improved no end is it the putter or sociological?Rick good luck for the marathon you'll knock it out of the park 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@C4m4r0]

That sounded like a putter fitting from someone who had a fitter who didn't know how to use SAM putt lab properly. It makes suggestions for the style of putter (mallet/blade) and how that putter should be built to best suit your stroke. It's the fitter's job to get something in your hand that suits your eye and gives you confidence from the information given. A good putter fitting should find you a putter that lasts for life and unfortunately there's a lot of fitters out there that use the SAM putt lab as a crutch instead of a tool.

[@Kid_Senekal]

Fascinating discussion about Rory and the Masters. At 33 he's still way off the age of the oldest winners... Jack at 46, Tiger, Crenshaw 43, Gary Player 42. The fields are so strong nowadays but if he puts together 4 good rounds he'll be in the chat on Sunday more often than not. Personally I think he's got at least 3 major wins in him, 1 of them a green jacket.

[@Ricardo-ur5os]

It’s an interesting topic. I really thought he had a chance this year and I’ve never been on the Rory masters bandwagon. I can really see him not getting it done now, it must be hard for him seeing scheffler and rahm win the last 2, being the two guys of the so called current big 3 alongside rory

[@Kid_Senekal]

@@Ricardo-ur5os agree... Plus Rahm and Scottie are both still younger than 30. As is Fitzpatrick, JT, Spieth, Cam Smith, Bryson, Hovland, Zalatoris etc etc. Then there's the 30-something guys like DJ, Koepka, Cantlay, Matsuyama...the list goes on. Golf is actually in a great space depth wise.

[@SpeedSMGolf]

The only thing that’s not Callaway in my bag is the driver. Tsr2 is my favorite driver by far. Worth the review

[@EriksBarbering]

I love the idea of International Caddie Day being April 18th every year Rick. I've saved it to my phone calander to come up every year!

[@saint_leonard74]

Good luck in the marathon Rick! Go smash it.

[@WilliamWright-hf8ob]

So many good driver lines out there but the Titleist TSr line is right at the top with the best , that Ping G425 is a good driver if you like short and straight not to mention insanely loud but there are so many good ones in 2023 !!!

[@grahamwatkins3604]

Rick out here looking out for all us caddies. What a guy!

[@benn0723google]

Afternoon Rick I feel your pain for the Marathon Training, I was suppose to be training for the Leeds Rob Burrow Marathon, I've been out a little but haven't run much, but I'll give it my best shot too, 14th May for me! GOOD LUCK 👍

[@Chris.H7]

I’m with you guy. Stumbled on country and it’s class.

[@giuseppesavaglio8136]

51:50 Guy is so spot on about Rick's game here, it's scary.😂

[@alexpeebles]

I got a TSR ad break the second you started talking about Titleist drivers

[@A1BASE]

I agree that putter fittings are less critical for the average golfer, but iron fittings are crucial IF they're done the right way. For a golfer who plays semi regularly you need to get a fitting in conjunction with coaching or a deliberate improvement plan - not just with the idea of 'I'm going to buy a better game'.