Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Tommy Fleetwood are three of the top players in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) who rely on expert fitting to enhance their game. TaylorMade fitter Adrian Rietveld, known as “AD,” plays a crucial role in optimizing their equipment. His unique approach offers valuable insights that can benefit golfers of all skill levels.
Key Aspects of the Fitting Process
Adrian Rietveld emphasizes a systematic approach to club fitting. He initiates fitting sessions by meticulously assessing the player’s current equipment. This includes examining the total weight, loft, lie angle, face angle, shaft tip rigidity, and grip size. The aim is to replicate the player’s preferred clubs as closely as possible.
- Initial Assessment: Rietveld starts by analyzing the player’s bag to create consistent conditions for testing.
- Player Feedback: He engages players with specific questions about their preferences, including how the club looks at address and desired ball flight.
- Trust and Communication: Establishing rapport with players is key to a successful fitting.
Focusing on Individual Needs
Adrian’s process is centered on understanding each player’s unique preferences. For instance, he may ask, “What kind of ball flight do you want to see?” This information directs the fitting to focus on clubs that align with the player’s desired outcomes.
Introducing the TaylorMade Qi4D Driver
The TaylorMade Qi4D driver is designed for optimal performance with several advanced features:
- Improved Aerodynamics: The re-engineered head profile enhances ball speed through advanced simulations.
- 60x Carbon Twist Face™: This technology provides weight savings and increased consistency, surpassing traditional titanium faces.
- Adjustable Performance: A 4° loft sleeve allows for adjustments in loft, lie, and face angle to fine-tune flight characteristics.
- Multi-Material Construction: This design allocates weight strategically for maximum speed and stability, with enhanced sound quality.
Developing Trust Between Players and Fitters
The successful fitting process relies on a strong partnership between the fitter and the player. A fitting is not merely a transaction; it is a commitment to improving the player’s game. Rietveld’s dedication to understanding player needs has helped him build trust and rapport.
The Future of Club Fitting
Rietveld’s methods set a high standard in the fitting industry. As technology in golfing equipment continues to evolve, Rietveld’s processes illustrate the importance of adapting fittings to individual player requirements. This focus on personalized fitting could inspire advancements across the board.
Golfers of all levels can benefit from understanding the optimization of their equipment through expert fitting. As the industry progresses, the principles employed by fitters like Adrian Rietveld will play a vital role in enhancing player performance.
