SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- Houston, we have a problem. Your drives are launching left into the weeds. Abort round and proceed to your nearest Max Out Golf Performance Laboratory for launch angle, ball velocity, spin rate, club head speed, and shaft load analysis. If this sounds more like rocket science than golf, in part, it is. Welcome to the brave new world of high tech club fitting.
The brainchild of former US Amateur Champion Mitch Voges, Max Out Golf centers use a proprietary gauntlet of launch monitors, wireless shaft load analysis tools, high-speed cameras, sensors and accelerometers called the Integrated Golf Measurement System (IGMS), manned by a staff of PGA teaching professionals, to help golfers improve their game.
Though the four billion dollar golf equipment industry cranks out new clubs year in and year out, most are designed for the "average" golfer. The problem is, there are no average golfers. This under-publicized truth is the basis by which Voges and his team make equipment recommendations: Everyone's swing is unique and each golfer needs to play with clubs that best address how he or she strikes the ball.
The Experience
At Max Out Golf, club fitting is a dynamic process and that means hitting balls. Lots of balls. Upon arrival, you'll fill out a Player Profile Assessment detailing your game, types of courses you play, ball striking goals, etc., while your existing clubs are measured (many are surprised to learn their "stiff" shafts are actually another manufacturer's "senior flex"). Then on to one of the high tech hitting stalls for a few warm up shots while a PGA pro provides tips on how to improve your natural swing.
Next, a wireless transmitter is velcroed to your left wrist with a cord leading to the shaft of a special club that measures your "shaft load profile." This is the first component of IGMS dubbed ShaftMax, another Max Out Golf innovation. Basically, it measures how much load you put on the shaft including when and where it bends and releases to determine the best flex, bend profile, tip section and gram weight for your swing. Simple enough, right? Don't worry, it really works.
For the next two hours, you're hitting balls while other IGMS components (accelerometers, launch monitor and video analysis) diagnose ball speed, spin rate and direction, launch angle and flight characteristics as you try different club head/shaft combos. A computer plots your progress until you find just the right shaft/head/grip/ball combo (Voges "quick connect" system lets you try out different shaft/head combos in seconds).
Equipment really does matter: most see 20-50 more yards - with the right equipment instantly. Think what ball you play doesn't matter? Think again. Most average golfers can't make use of the popular Titleist ProV1 ball pros use because they don't compress the ball enough. Too much or too little spin means lost distance even if you have a Tiger-like swing.
Getting your clubs
After arriving at recommendations for irons and drivers (and yes, there is a full high tech putter evaluation and fitting service as well) don't expect a hard sell on the latest clubs in stock - Max Out Golf is vendor neutral not affiliated with any one club manufacturer
About Max Out Golf
Founded by US Amateur Champion Mitch Voges, Max Out Golf is the game's most advanced performance laboratory combining high tech custom golf club fitting, PGA teaching services and retail equipment sales. The Official Performance Lab and Fitting Center for the PGA of Southern California, Max Out Golf has locations in Sherman Oaks, Palo Alto, Beaumont, California; White Plains, New York and London, England. Max Out Golf is not affiliated with any golf manufacturer yet can source and tailor customized sets from any of the world's leading golf companies. For more information please visit www.MaxOutGolf.com.
Media contact:
Peter Berk, Partner, Crier Communications, 310-274-1072, ext. 205 peter@crierpr.com
