Golf club fitting and testing aren’t what they used to be. They’re exponentially better. We have categories like high spin, low spin, low handicap, high handicap, low launch, high launch and many more.
Yet, even with all these options, there’s still one broad category labeled “women’s.”
Typically, this means a lightweight graphite-shafted set, slightly shorter than standard with one loft profile, swing weight and flex option.
The problem? There’s no way all women golfers fit into the same category.
Too many women are playing clubs that don’t match their swing speed, spin rate, launch angle or distance gaps. Here’s what they’re getting wrong about club fitting and selection and how to fix it.
Mistake #1: Sticking to women’s golf clubs only
Walk into most golf shops and you will see one or two “women’s” sets, maybe in a couple of different color options, all grouped together. The lofts, shaft flexes and lengths are predetermined.
While these sets work for some players, they are not for everyone. New golf equipment is not designed exclusively for men. It can easily be adapted to fit a wide range of players including women.
Going for a fitting is a smart move. Let your fitter know you are not limiting yourself to women’s clubs. You want clubs that match the specifics of your game.
Mistake #2: Limiting yourself to one brand
I like to see what golf clubs professional players use. It is interesting when they make changes but maybe even more interesting is when they don’t and keep a club in their bag year after year. I also like to take a closer look at what brands they choose to play.
Most professionals do not stick with one brand from the driver to the putter. Sometimes, they will have four or five brands in the same set.
This is smart. Some companies excel at distance technology one year (look at the 2025 driver test results and the Titleist performance) and, the next year, they lead in wedge spin.
When you go for a fitting, choose a multi-brand fitting center so you have a broad selection.
Mistake #3: Not paying attention to the hybrid/fairway wood balance
Like just about any golfer, most women golfers are constantly searching for more distance. That’s why you will see a lot of players with three fairway woods or three hybrids in the bag.
The problem is that many women are not testing all the available options. Package sets may come with a hybrid and two fairways or a fairway and two hybrids but that does not mean the setup is right for you.
A fitting is the best way to make sure your hybrids and fairway woods are not flying the same distance and offering the same performance. It is also important to check dispersion rates to see which clubs are more accurate.
Do not rule anything out until you have tested it and seen real data.
Mistake #4: Assuming club fitting is not necessary because of clubhead speed
Swing speed matters. The more you have, the easier it is to generate distance. However, choosing golf clubs based on swing speed alone is an oversimplification. Spin dynamics, attack angle, tempo and how you “load” the shaft also play a role.
Use a reputable launch monitor to measure spin rate, smash factor, launch angle, etc.
Do not rely on numbers alone. Pay attention to your actual ball flight.
Mistake #5: Testing putters only on short putts
If we talk about playing with the right and wrong equipment, we cannot leave out putters.
Tap-ins can feel good with a lot of different putters. However, when you have 30 or 40 feet to the hole, which is a more common distance for most amateur players, you need a putter you can trust.
If you buy based on your ability to tap in putts, you will struggle with speed control on the course. Women’s putters often come in 33- or 34-inch models. You may need a custom fit if you are shorter or taller than average.
Mistake #6: Worrying about upgrading without looking at specific performance attributes
Getting a new boxed set or replacing your driver just because it is old does not make much sense. It also does not give you any real direction when choosing your next clubs. A better approach is to identify specific issues in your game and fix them one at a time.
For instance:
- All of your chips and pitches roll through the green
- Most of your drives end up in the right rough
- Your driver has no roll-out but your fairway woods do
These issues can often be improved by using the right equipment. Once you move past the beginner stage, the characteristics of your game tend to remain the same from year to year. Investing in quality equipment that addresses these problems will help you reach your goals on the course.
Final thoughts
Finding the right golf equipment is an ongoing process for every golfer. You have to put the pieces together and that sometimes means looking beyond the women’s section. Some companies make great women’s equipment but that does not mean it is the right fit for every player.
The key is to focus on what works for your game. We have more data and technology than ever to help with that. Instead of being grouped into a single category, use the tools available to find clubs that match your swing.
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