IMO, go to Manchester Lane and get fitted...  I've never been but I've heard NOTHING but great things about it..  And everyone has said it's worth the money... 

Next time I need an upgrade, that's where i'm heading...

There is the full bag price and you can get just woods, irons, or wedges. A full bag will be 2-3 hours. So just being fit enough is one criteria. You're getting fit with the same equipment by the same people that fit the pros. Standing outside next to the Trackman and seeing the hundreds of options behind you can be intimidating. But when you get finished, there is no question that you have the best options for you. Even just the stock shafts are not always available at local small shops/retailers and then all the custom options. Not to mention your fitting is done with your choice of ball, not some over-beaten range ball. This is it. You have the full and undivided attention of the person fitting you. You are royalty for a day. If you seriously want only the best for you and your game, you can't beat Manchester or California.

I would concur with the others in the group about getting fitted at the Titleist facility. I have been to the Oceanside facility and the experience was awesome and I have heard the same from folks visiting the Manchester Lane facility. If you can swing it, I certainly would. Regarding how long to keep your clubs, I think this is based on both personal preference and wear. I always like to have the newest product out there, so for my irons (914 AP2's) and my woods (915's) I replace these on a two year cycle when the new products come out. On the irons, especially the shorter irons, they seem so have a considerable amount of wear by the time they are replaced. I replace my wedges more frequently, at least once per year or sooner, based on their wear. My 60 degree Vokeys get replaced more quickly than the 55 degree because it is my go to club and gets a lot of use as well as practice time. Bottom line, take a look at the wear on your clubface to judge when it is time for a new club.

Mike C,

In your opinion does the technology change in the irons and woods every couple of years and is that the reason that you like to have the new products?

I have noticed a considerable amount of wear on my lower irons as well as my two wedges. I believe it is about the time to set up fitting and get my entire bag fitted. 

Patrick H

Mike C,

In your opinion does the technology change in the irons and woods every couple of years and is that the reason that you like to have the new products?

I have noticed a considerable amount of wear on my lower irons as well as my two wedges. I believe it is about the time to set up fitting and get my entire bag fitted. 

Patrick H

Hello Patrick; I was fit 3 weeks ago for my driver and fairways and I can tell you it is an awesome (don't like to use the word awesome, since I hear it 1,000 times a day, but this time it's fitting) experience and worth every penny. All I can tell you is about my fitting, and things may be a little different at different locations, so keep that in mind. I was fit by the Titleist fitting van at a local golf course. Don is right about a 3 hour fitting for a full bag. My fitting for the woods lasted 1 hour and a little change. The fitting for the irons is usually 1 hour. Titleist had a tent set up on the practice range, and there were 6 golf bags full of shafts (no heads, just shafts) and it so happened that my fitter had to go back to his van to get the shaft that I needed so he had more in the van. My fitter was a great guy and treated me like I was the only person within 10 miles. I was his only concern, and priority. He showed me everything that the trackman was telling us and what all the numbers meant. He also helped me with a couple swing flaws that I had. Can't say enough good things about my fitter. There's no doubt that you'll know that you have the best equipment for you when you leave, and you will enjoy every minute of it. The experience alone is worth the price.

Patrick, something else I wanted to relay to you since your planning on a fitting, and switching to Titleist equipment. I've played just about every brand known to man kind, but when I switched to Titleist I realized the quality was by far superior to anything I'd played before, and I can just about promise once you get fitted, and go to Titleist, you'll never go back to any other equipment. I know I'll play nothing but Titleist from now on. To tell you the truth though, it was the folks at Titleist that are the #1 reason that I'll never play any other brand but Titleist. Everyone from Titleist Corp. to Team Titleist officials and members to fitters are the best folks you'll ever know. Once you get fitted and purchase your equipment, Titleist will stay with you for anything you need from advice to any issues that might come up. Most (if not all) other companies get the sale, and that's it, but not Titleist. I look at it like being in the Titleist family because everyone at Titleist treat you just like you were family, and will bend over backwards to help you in any way they can, and I know you'll agree whit me once you join the family. Good luck Patrick, and welcome to Team Titleist. Norris:

how do you schedule a fitting in Manchester?

As long as you change your grips every season, and were fit for your irons to begin with, there is no reason you cannot keep playing modern irons (in the last five years) for ten years or more, provided they still fit your game, handicap, style of play, etc. Some people switch from Game Improvement irons to more of a "Player's" iron, then go back to GI once their skills decline/age creeps up/practice time decreases. Modern drivers have (in the last few years, with adjustability/higher MOI, etc) reached the limit of what they can legally provide us in terms of distance and forgiveness. There is no need to switch drivers every year anymore. Get yourself custom fit into an adjustable driver like the 915D2/D3 with which you can easily swap out shafts, and there is no reason you can't play it for the next 10+ years. Getting yourself into the correct -shaft- is the most important thing you can do with your driver. As for your irons, being custom fit for loft and lie is key, as is having a set that complements your game (ie, do you like to work the ball, etc). As for wedges, if you practice much at all, you should get new ones about every two years.

Patrick.  Get fitted.  If you are serious about golf.  I like to get new products as they come out.  I get fitted every two years and get all new equipment.  But I play a lot.  So go out and hit the new clubs.  There are demo days all the time.  Check this website.  You will know when to change up as soon as you get excited about the new products Titleist is putting out.  Good luck!  Vern