There are probably a few easy answers:
1. Cost. A top driver will already cost you $399. The best shafts can certainly approach that number, as well.
2. Being naive. If you're paying top dollar for the driver, you're getting the best shaft, right? Wrong.
3. Ignorance. Many people don't know how much a properly fitted shaft can improve their game.
It's easy to blame the consumer. We're sheep, just following the herd, after all. Do you know anyone who decided not to buy the driver of their choice because of the shaft that was included? Do you even know what shaft brand is in your driver, let alone the model?
It's easy to blame the retail outlet. They're making money while sending customers out of the shop with a smile on their face. By a new club - be it a driver, putter or set of irons - and your confidence is bubbling over the top.
How about a third party to blame … the shaft manufacturers? From time to time I get a press release announcing "The winner of X tournament used Y shaft in his/her driver." Sad, but true, readers generally gloss over the information. It doesn't really apply to them, so why take it all in? I've never gotten a release expressing the benefits to Joe Golfer getting fitted for the correct shaft. Ask any PGA Professional … it makes a big difference.
I've been a consumer and I've sold golf clubs at a retail outlets, so I can speak to those angles, but need help from the shaft manufacturers. Why don't you extoll the virtues of the average player buying the right shaft from you? Maybe an ad campaign: You bought the driver last year. This year, get the right shaft. The catchphrase GET THE SHAFT could be plastered in every pro shop in the country. It could be the "Where's the Beef" of the golf industry!
Thoughts? E-mail me at NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com.
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