Best Paid Fittings in Chicago Area

Last minute trip down to the western burbs. Anyone get a tour van fitting at PGA Superstore in Downers Grove? How was it?

<EDIT: Decided to change title to incorporate discussion about all Chicago area fitters. Have heard good things about Green Grass and Club Champion. Also, interested in experiences with tour van fitting at PGASS in Downers Grove AND any other good fitting experiences others have had.>

Last minute trip down to the western burbs. Anyone get a tour van fitting at PGA Superstore in Downers Grove? How was it?

I've never done it and I've heard mixed reviews on it. I don't know what the costs are but if it were probably $100 or higher I'd prefer to go dump the coin at a place like Club Champion (yes they are well over $100 for a full bag fitting but well worth it).

Don't do putter fitting there. Got one and it was terrible. No tools used just watched me putt and tried to push an Edel putter on me the entire time even though I mentioned number times I didn't like it. Waste

It all depends on the fitter...

It all depends on the fitter...

There's only one guy who does the tour van fittings. It is a new service they offer this year. Brought in every "upgrade" shaft from major OEMs.

It all depends on the fitter...

 

There's only one guy who does the tour van fittings. It is a new service they offer this year. Brought in every "upgrade" shaft from major OEMs.

Any experience with the fitter? Any second-hand accounts you can share?

Last minute trip down to the western burbs. Anyone get a tour van fitting at PGA Superstore in Downers Grove? How was it?

 

I've never done it and I've heard mixed reviews on it. I don't know what the costs are but if it were probably $100 or higher I'd prefer to go dump the coin at a place like Club Champion (yes they are well over $100 for a full bag fitting but well worth it).

Which CC location and fitter did your fitting?

All, first thanks to everyone who has replied. I decided to change the title of the thread to incorporate discussion about ALL Chicago area club-fitters.

I've been working to hit a draw and stumbled upon an Impact Snap device. I'm now hitting a draw and I picked up an additional club of distance in the process.

As a treat to myself (and to control the dispersion on the draws), I'd like to get a good paid fitting.

Again, thanks to all who respond.

Last minute trip down to the western burbs. Anyone get a tour van fitting at PGA Superstore in Downers Grove? How was it?

 

I've never done it and I've heard mixed reviews on it. I don't know what the costs are but if it were probably $100 or higher I'd prefer to go dump the coin at a place like Club Champion (yes they are well over $100 for a full bag fitting but well worth it).

 

Which CC location and fitter did your fitting?

Torrey at the Willowbrook location. I was very skeptical about doing it indoors but after running through it all the numbers on the clubs I brought in were on to what I normally see outside and what I was fit into those numbers translated back to outside. The fitting was pricey but worth every penny and I believe the knowledge those guys carry is priceless. The only hold up with them is if you buy the clubs through them they are very expensive, I did the fitting, had them bend my irons and bought all the shafts ect from elsewhere and did the work myself.

If you do a full bag fitting with them, I would see if you can break it up because it becomes exhausting after a while, I was there a couple hours pounding away.

Go see Everett at Cantigny Golf. He started EJL golf, sold it and it became Club Champion. Above all, he is honest. Went to see him at EJL and really wanted a Red Board shaft for my driver. We tried all combos of shafts and drivers, including the RB on the same head as mine, and he told me there was no appreciable difference in the numbers from what my driver was giving me. He really knows his stuff!

todd sones does a good putter fitting, can be done as a 1 hour lesson

he can give you length and head weight.

The lesson really helped me on my setup.

Think he's now selling cameron and odyssey putters after closing down his putter company Coutour.

Go see Everett at Cantigny Golf. He started EJL golf, sold it and it became Club Champion. Above all, he is honest. Went to see him at EJL and really wanted a Red Board shaft for my driver. We tried all combos of shafts and drivers, including the RB on the same head as mine, and he told me there was no appreciable difference in the numbers from what my driver was giving me. He really knows his stuff!

Go see Everett at Cantigny Golf. He started EJL golf, sold it and it became Club Champion. Above all, he is honest. Went to see him at EJL and really wanted a Red Board shaft for my driver. We tried all combos of shafts and drivers, including the RB on the same head as mine, and he told me there was no appreciable difference in the numbers from what my driver was giving me. He really knows his stuff!

I will second this. Everett did my first formal fitting and was incredibly detailed in his work. After going through a myriad of head/shaft combinations and thinking an answer was found, he said he could do better and found the perfect shaft for my ugly swing.

Will be having Matt Jones do a putter fitting next week north of Chicago. Will report back. Heard good things.

Last minute trip down to the western burbs. Anyone get a tour van fitting at PGA Superstore in Downers Grove? How was it?

 

I've never done it and I've heard mixed reviews on it. I don't know what the costs are but if it were probably $100 or higher I'd prefer to go dump the coin at a place like Club Champion (yes they are well over $100 for a full bag fitting but well worth it).

 

Which CC location and fitter did your fitting?

 

Torrey at the Willowbrook location. I was very skeptical about doing it indoors but after running through it all the numbers on the clubs I brought in were on to what I normally see outside and what I was fit into those numbers translated back to outside. The fitting was pricey but worth every penny and I believe the knowledge those guys carry is priceless. The only hold up with them is if you buy the clubs through them they are very expensive, I did the fitting, had them bend my irons and bought all the shafts ect from elsewhere and did the work myself.

 

If you do a full bag fitting with them, I would see if you can break it up because it becomes exhausting after a while, I was there a couple hours pounding away.

Thanks. Nice review! I've heard really good things about CC, especially from people who have purchased from them. Said they had a great experience and while the price seemed high, they felt CC goes above and beyond AFTER the sale to ensure satisfaction.

The one downside I have heard is from those who get full-bag fitted in one session. I feel my swing has "grown into" my driver, so I'm focusing on irons, wedges and putter. Never had a putter fitting before, but heard good things from most who say they had one...

Last minute trip down to the western burbs. Anyone get a tour van fitting at PGA Superstore in Downers Grove? How was it?

 

I've never done it and I've heard mixed reviews on it. I don't know what the costs are but if it were probably $100 or higher I'd prefer to go dump the coin at a place like Club Champion (yes they are well over $100 for a full bag fitting but well worth it).

 

Which CC location and fitter did your fitting?

 

Torrey at the Willowbrook location. I was very skeptical about doing it indoors but after running through it all the numbers on the clubs I brought in were on to what I normally see outside and what I was fit into those numbers translated back to outside. The fitting was pricey but worth every penny and I believe the knowledge those guys carry is priceless. The only hold up with them is if you buy the clubs through them they are very expensive, I did the fitting, had them bend my irons and bought all the shafts ect from elsewhere and did the work myself.

 

If you do a full bag fitting with them, I would see if you can break it up because it becomes exhausting after a while, I was there a couple hours pounding away.

 

Thanks. Nice review! I've heard really good things about CC, especially from people who have purchased from them. Said they had a great experience and while the price seemed high, they felt CC goes above and beyond AFTER the sale to ensure satisfaction.

 

The one downside I have heard is from those who get full-bag fitted in one session. I feel my swing has "grown into" my driver, so I'm focusing on irons, wedges and putter. Never had a putter fitting before, but heard good things from most who say they had one...

Regardless of where you go

1. I don't think you could do wrong going with any suggestions you'll get here

2. I would break up the fitting into woods and irons on different days

I've done multiple fittings over the years, when it comes down to it, outside is so much better than indoors.

Do any of these locations, specifically Club champion, do a good job fitting for length of woods? I've been looking into a top of the bag fitting (my hybrids, irons, wedges are already fit to me), but I'm concerned that I'm just going to be handed 45" shafts all day and, in my own trial and error experience, have found much better success with a shorter driver. I feel like my fitting should start with length and weight, and then go from there.

2nd hand info, but I've heard that CC doesn't fit for length in woods

The guys at St Andrews do though (Green Grass?)

todd sones does a good putter fitting, can be done as a 1 hour lesson

he can give you length and head weight.

 

The lesson really helped me on my setup.

 

Think he's now selling cameron and odyssey putters after closing down his putter company Coutour.

Did you buy your putter from Sones? It looks like he only carries Cameron and Odyssey.

 

Torrey at the Willowbrook location.

IIRC, Torrey's name has come up a few times in other threads regarding good fitting experiences.

todd sones does a good putter fitting, can be done as a 1 hour lesson

 

he can give you length and head weight.

 

The lesson really helped me on my setup.

 

Think he's now selling cameron and odyssey putters after closing down his putter company Coutour.

 

Did you buy your putter from Sones? It looks like he only carries Cameron and Odyssey.

I did buy my putter from him 3.5 years ago

Heel-toe weighted punter

Main thing is length and then head weight

Best part of getting fitted by him IMO is work on stance to get length correct

Coutour putter I bought from Todd is essentially the same as a cameron Newport select

2nd hand info, but I've heard that CC doesn't fit for length in woods

 

The guys at St Andrews do though (Green Grass?)

They do...I know first hand of guys coming back anywhere from 43.75"-45.50"

2nd hand info, but I've heard that CC doesn't fit for length in woods

 

The guys at St Andrews do though (Green Grass?)

CC does, I lopped an inch off my driver based on their recommendation.

Matt Jones with Edel did a great job on the putter fitting last week. Spent 90 minutes with me, never rushed and worked until we got it right. Now just the wait.

I just remembered I was playing at Arrowhead last year (really nice course) and saw a nice fitting setup. Anyone have experience with a fitting at Pelican Golf?

I just remembered I was playing at Arrowhead last year (really nice course) and saw a nice fitting setup. Anyone have experience with a fitting at Pelican Golf?

Pelican Golf had a change in fitters a few months ago. I would not recommend them now. Miles of Golf!!

Matt Jones with Edel did a great job on the putter fitting last week. Spent 90 minutes with me, never rushed and worked until we got it right. Now just the wait.

I've been to Chicagoland Club Champion's twice. Once in Willowbrook and once in Chicago. I liked Chicago better based on the facility (really cool building downtown with brick faced walls inside) and the fitter, Matt Knitter. Unfortunately he relocated to a LA location I guess. I had lots of fun at both spots hitting all the different combinations of clubs I wanted to for several hours on a trackman (club nerd/ builder heaven), but the fitter that works best for you will make it better. I don't know how you would find that person though without biting the bullet and just trying one.

CC has the selection and trackman. Those are key fitting check marks in my eyes. I don't think the fitting itself is over priced (if you want to save, they offer half price during holiday season, so sit tight for a couple months), but once you find your custom set and look to build it through them, then it can get pricey. I was looking at a G30 driver w/ an Aldila Green shaft the last time I was there. They wanted me to pay retail for the stock driver and then retail for shaft since it wasn't a Ping option. I get that, but close to $800 for a driver is silly to me. I'd rather play a lot of golf with that money and accept 12 yards and 2 fairways less off the tee. Especially when you consider that as an amateur (or even pros for that matter), our swing numbers can change from one day to another. Yesterdays $800 1W that fit great might be slightly worse tomorrow. It's good to know your range, I know I need low spin, low launch. After that, don't get fooled.

For anyone still looking for a club fitting, I highly recommend TrueSpec Golf in Highland Park (https://www.truespecgolf.com). I just completed a full bag fitting, minus the putter, and had a great experience. They are relatively new to the Chicago market just opening at the end of August.

I had my fitting two weeks ago with Mike. Upon arrival, he measured all myul current clubs for length, loft, lie, and swing weight. While he took notes on each club in my bag, he asked me to tell him about my game. This included strengths, weakness, ball flight characteristics, etc. We also spoke about any parts of my game that I'm currently working on (the importance of this will be highlighted later on). At this stage we also discussed that if a different shaft retrofitted into my current clubs was the best result that is what we would go with. Obvisouly, this is hard to do for irons, but given my current issues (high spin, high launch and ballooning) I new I needed completely new irons. But for my woods, driver, and hybrid we would try new shafts in my current club heads.

TrueSpec uses a Foresight GC2 Quad, which I have never used before. I've used a Trackman in a previous fitting years ago, and I've used a FlightScope with my instructor. While, a bit leary considering Trackman and FlightScope get more publicity, I didn't notice much difference in numbers if any.

Throughout the fitting we moved from irons, to driver, to fairway woods, to hybrids and ultimately wedges. When it came to trying different club heads, Mike asked if I had any constraints, and if there was anything I was interested in trying. I stated that I didn't want any exotics (PXG, Miura, Epon, etc) and that I was interested in the new Mizunos and Srixons. Other than that I told him to use his expertise in picking heads that would give me lower launch and spin. When it came to shafts I let Mike do his thing. Based on the baseline numbers we gathered he chose a handful of shafts that should give me lower launch and spin. At no stage did I feel rushed, or steered in a certain direction. Throughout our trials, Mike would stop and explain the results of each club, while also asking how each setup felt, and what my feedback was. The improvement were staggering. A combination of PX 6.0s and P790s gave the best results. My 6i spin rates dropped to the low to mid 5000s, and launch angle decreased by 5*, all while maintaining a descent angle in the upper 40* range. Combined with about a one club length gain in distance, and great dispersion we had winner. I still had my doubts given previous bad experiences with Taylormade, and what I thought were low spin numbers (more on this later).

Moving on my woods/hybrids, we again used my current gamers to get some baseline numbers. This time I let Mike make his recommendations, even checking to make sure I would be okay with two tone heads (think TayloreMade) before trying them. The experience here was similar to the irons. I never felt rushed or steered towards anything. After each combination we would talk through the results, and how I liked each combination. We were able to settle on a 3 woods/hybrid combination relatively quickly. In regards to selecting a hybrid, Mike asked what purpose that club would have in my bag. I stated that my sole purpose of carrying a hybrid/5-wood was purely for gapping between my 3 wood and 4 iron. Knowing this we looked at my 3-wood numbers and calculated what my approximate 4 iron distance would be given my 6 iron results. As a testament to Mike's experience the first combination we tried was absolutely perfect, and nothing we tried after that came close.

Finally, we got to the driver. I guess I have a unique swing as this took the longest. It didn't take long to settle on a club head, but we struggled with shafts. Apparently, my swing is between two groups of shaft frequencies (think stiff/x-stiff). We kept trying shafts but the lower frequencies created high launch and spin, while the high frequency shafts prevented me from properly loading, and being able to go after it. Eventually we declared a stalemate. Mike recommended we regroup in a few weeks (Thanksgiving weekend interfered with the following week) to finish the driver fitting.

As we went through recommendations, I never felt pressured to buy anything, but Mike did explain their satisfaction guarantee. As we priced everything out I felt like the pricing was fair, but I couldn't be sure until I could do some research at home.

In a few days Mike followed up to see if I had any questions, and to schedule our driver follow-up. After having a few days to reflect on everything, I was still hesitant with the P790s due what I thought were questionable numbers, and my prior experiences with TaylorMade. He answered all my questions, and explained that based on what I was working on swing wise (less in-to-out path) the spin rates would increase to the proper range. He also offered to have me hit them again to make sure the numbers were consistent when I finished my driver fitting.

When I came back from for part two, Mike clearly did some homework. We started by confirmed the P790s were right for me by re-hitting my gamer, the P790 and the second best combination. There was virtually no change from the prior session, and to put my fears at ease Mike walked through the results explaining how they would benefit not only my current swing but where I was going with my swing. Then one we went to finish the driver fitting. Mike had the best combination we could come up with, but also a few other shafts already picked out. This first shaft we tried was perfect. To verify we tried the other two shafts, but also a few others, but we clearly had a winner.

Again we went through the recommendations for my entire bag. Having some time to do some pricing research I was also able to confirm their prices were in line with the OEM websites, and third party sellers. Being quite tall, I knew I needed upright lie angles, and some longer lengths. Also, given that lengthening clubs increases swing weight, I was inclined to go with having TrueSpec build my clubs. While I was fitted for my current clubs almost five years ago, I ordered direct from the OEM given the fitted specs. Not until Mike measured my current clubs, did I realize they weren' built to what I requested. Lengths were longer, lie angles were off, and the swing weight was D6. Also, since none of the recommended combinations were offered at no upcharge from the OEMs, I placed my order.

I've done previous fittings with Club Champion and Cool Clubs, and can honestly say this was the best experience of the three. TrueSpec has a good soft and hard product offering in a service that is rapidly getting crowded.