For a proper perspective, I have played golf off and on for around 46 years. I am self-taught and currently a 6 index, up from my low of 1.4 from 8 years ago. When I started golf as a junior, my clubs were a mix of various manufacturers. Only three were of the same manufacturer - Power-Bilts with aluminum shafts. This taught me how to adapt my swing to whatever club I used. As it turns out, that was both good and bad. It helped me learn "feel" at what I would consider a very high level; however, it also created a misguided belief that it really didn't matter which clubs I used - I was a good golfer and could learn how to hit whatever was in my bag.
Roughly 10 years ago, I was fitted by a higher end company. What I received was the most effective clubs I ever had and that allowed me to play at the highest level I have ever played. I guess that should have been evidence enough to permanently change my thoughts going forward. It didn't.
Knowing I was getting older, although still with a swing speed above 110, I thought my game wasn't worth the additional investment and over the next number of years I went to big box companies, used their version of a fitter and like in the past, ultimately adapted my swing to the clubs.
A while back, I decided to compare my current clubs to what I thought may be a quality fitter. Dubiously, I chose Club Champion an I worked with a fitter named Austin Lail. One thing he did that gave me greater assurance, was getting a significant understanding of my game - where I was at, my practice habits, my commitment to improve my game, etc. He then checked my existing clubs and started me through the process of shafts, then heads.
My concerns included more accuracy, and the ability to have a club that I could practice with rock hard range $@!#% enough without injuring this aging body. His recommendation was a forged head (with a cavity back) and steal shafts. I was pretty concerned that this may add accuracy in theory, but how would I be able to get the reps to see that result?
I was currently using more of a higher end game improvement iron with graphite shaft - believing this was the configuration I was delegated to because of my age and the physical limitations. But he assured me that I would be fine on the range.
The numbers seemed impressive and I committed to the purchase.
Conclusion, he was right, I was wrong - and in a big way. With only a quick trip the range day before I played (to get an idea of distance), I had 5 birdies and only two of those were from two puts - it has been quite a while since I have done that.
I have continued to play with a set that was adapted to my swing, not the other way around and I couldn't be happier with the results and with repeated range time, with NO PAIN IN MY HANDS, WRISTS OR ELBOWS.
Yesterday I was fitted for a driver with components I would not have chosen - I had never even heard of the shaft. And once again the numbers speak for themselves.
If you are serious about your game, and willing to invest financially and physically to improve it. I now believe this process is the foundation for that level of motivation and the resulting success.