Dan Burnfield is a professional health physicist and formerly was a licensed professional engineer and a certified safety professional. He is also a retired naval officer and an avid golfer. For years, he has been building and repairing his own clubs. Now, Dan is combining his passion for golf and science to help you improve your score from tee to green. He is proud to be certified by The Titleist Performance Institute as a Level 3 Golf Coach, by Golf Lab as a Clubfitter and Engineer, by Golfworks through the Maltby Clubmaking Academy Fitting, Assembly & Repair course, The Golfsmith Complete Clubmaker Training, and Advanced Clubmaker Training School. He is also certified by NASM as a Golf Fitness Specialist. Not to mention his other certifications through True Temper, Grafalloy, and KBS shafts.
Dan believes that you cannot work on golf clubs to the best of your abilities unless you understand the science behind the golf swing and human performance. Consequently, Dan is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) as well as by the USGTF as an associate teaching professional.
Dan uses the Tom Wishon philosophy of “Common Sense Clubfitting,” and works primarily with TWGT components. He is an active member of the Association of Golf Clubfitting Professionals (AGCP), and The International Clubmakers Guild (ICG) and the Association of Golf Equipment Professionals.
Dan works in the greater Central Savannah River Area. He is proud to make the Mecca of Modern Golf (Augusta, Georgia) his home.
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We offer the finest technology for custom golf club fitting to produce the best possible results.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to revolutionize the golfing experience by providing personalized analysis, instruction, and equipment tailored to each individual golfer. Through our comprehensive swing analysis, expert lessons, and custom-fitted golf clubs, we aspire to empower golfers of all levels to achieve their fullest potential on the course. Our long-term goal is to become a global leader in golf innovation, setting new standards in performance and personalization, and fostering a community where every golfer has the tools and knowledge to excel.
Vision Statement: Our vision is to revolutionize the golfing experience through our unique blend of personalized service, technological innovation, and expert craftsmanship. We stand apart in our ability to integrate detailed swing and physical analysis with individualized instruction, creating a holistic approach to golf improvement. Our custom-built golf clubs, meticulously tailored to each golfer's unique specifications, embody our commitment to precision and quality. We envision a world where every golfer has access to the tools, knowledge, and personalized equipment necessary to play their best game. Our dedication to individual growth, technological advancement, and the art of golf sets us apart as we strive to be the global leader in personalized golf performance and enjoyment.
Core Values:
Augusta Custom Clubs, located in Augusta, GA, offers a unique approach to golf improvement that focuses on the connection between the mind, body, equipment, and swing. Here's a summary of what makes them different:
The Mind-Body-Equipment-Swing philosophy at Augusta Custom Clubs posits that the swing is not an isolated element but rather the outcome of a synergistic relationship among the mind, body, and equipment. Here's a more nuanced explanation:
The mental state directly influences the swing by affecting decision-making, focus, and emotional control. Whether it's choosing the right club, visualizing the shot, or maintaining composure under pressure, the mind sets the stage for the swing to occur.
Your physical attributes—strength, flexibility, and balance—determine the range and quality of your swing. The body provides the mechanical force and precision required to execute the swing, and its condition can either limit or enhance your performance.
Custom-fitted equipment acts as an extension of the body, designed to maximize the effectiveness of your physical capabilities. The right club can amplify the strengths of your swing and even compensate for its limitations.
In this philosophy, the swing is the manifestation of the mind's intent, the body's capability, and the equipment's function. It's the end result of these three components working in harmony. When one of these elements is out of sync, it can throw off the entire swing. Conversely, when all are aligned, the swing becomes a powerful, precise, and consistent expression of your golfing potential.
By understanding that the swing is interconnected with the mind, body, and equipment, Augusta Custom Clubs offers a holistic approach to golf improvement. Custom fittings, mental coaching, and physical assessments are all geared towards optimizing this complex relationship, thereby enhancing the quality and consistency of your swing.
No, clubfitting is not only for good or professional golfers. It can benefit golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Here's how clubfitting can be advantageous for different types of golfers:
1. Beginners:
2. Intermediate Golfers:
3. Advanced and Professional Golfers:
4. Special Considerations:
5. Investment Value:
6. Enjoyment of the Game:
In summary, clubfitting is a valuable process for all golfers, not just the highly skilled ones. It personalizes the equipment to match the individual's unique characteristics and needs, enhancing performance, enjoyment, and overall development in the game of golf. Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, clubfitting can provide insights and adjustments that make a meaningful difference in your game.
The six ways to improve your golf game is through taking lessons, practicing what you are taught, getting the correct exercise, correcting your mental attitude, getting the right equipment, and playing the game.
Dan has studied each of these areas so that you do not have to do so, and he continues his education to this day.
He is a certified TPI level 3 golf coach, and a US Kids Golf Coach, so he can define the right routines for your golf game.
He Is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified golf fitness specialist so he can help you understand the TPI exercises and why they are being assigned.
He is certified by Golf Lab as a Clubfitter and Engineer, so he knows how to fit you with the proper equipment and build the clubs to match your game.
He has studied under Dr Greg Steinburg and has obtained a Certificate in Golf Psychology from the International Golf Psychology Association.
He understands the game of golf and can assist you with golf course management.
All in all if Dan only had the time to play the game he would be a better golfer.
A TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Certified Professional is an individual who has completed specific training and certification through the Titleist Performance Institute. TPI is a leading organization in the golf industry that focuses on the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing.
Here's what being a TPI Certified Professional entails:
In the context of Augusta Custom Clubs, a TPI Certified Professional like Dan would use this expertise to conduct physical screenings, analyze swings, and create personalized solutions to improve a golfer's swing and overall performance. It's part of their holistic approach to connecting the body, mind, equipment, and swing for optimal golfing results.
The TPI Level 1 Screen is more than just a preliminary assessment; it's a foundational tool that guides the entire process of training and club fitting. By identifying individual physical characteristics and limitations, it allows for a personalized, effective, and safe approach to improving golf performance. Whether it's enhancing swing mechanics, selecting the right clubs, or preventing injuries, the insights gained from this screening are invaluable for any golfer looking to elevate their game.
First off, if a retail golf store or a “pro” claim they can fit you properly in 20-30 minutes, they’re speaking in forked-tongue. My average iron fitting is between 3 - 4 hours long, and in some cases, even longer. Your fitting is not complete until we (both you and I) are satisfied with our best performing prototype. I will not build a set of clubs until I am confident we have acquired sufficient and satisfactory data to base our on which to base the build.
Fittings are by appointment only. During the golf season (mid-April through mid-October around here), I am typically booked anywhere from 2-4 weeks in advance. At the start of the golf season, I can be as much as eight weeks booked. I book fittings by appointment only. Please keep this in mind when you contact me for your fitting - contacting me earlier is better than later. It is not very likely you’ll be able to call me on a Thursday and come out for a Saturday fitting the same week - I have an obligation to the customers who have pre-booked their fittings, sometimes many months in advance. Thank you for understanding.
Also, note that “long-distance” fittings (where you cannot come for an in-person fitting) are an option, but you will have to purchase the Blast Motion sensor and follow my instructions for its use. The quality of the fitting experience, however, is greatly enhanced by an onsite presence. The only accurate way to get ALL the important details right requires your presence for a fitting session. There are too many variables that we cannot measure without you being here. Along the same note - I will NOT build a set of clubs “on-spec” (where you ask me to build a set with this head, and that shaft, to this swingweight). If that’s what you’re after, you might want to do some online searching - I’m sure you’ll be able to find an “order taker” online who will be glad to sell you something that most likely is wrong for you. The purpose of getting fit is to determine the best performing combination for YOU; many times, it’s not what you think it will be. Remember, nothing is pre-determined in custom fitting - we’ll let your body, your swing, and the data we collect tell us what is best for you.
Now, on to the meat & potatoes of clubfitting.
What’s involved in “Performance-Based” Iron and Driver fittings;
Please keep this in mind with regards to custom fittings; In nearly all cases, I can make a positive difference and help a golfer attain greater distance, consistency, accuracy, etc. I do this by experimenting with our fitting prototypes (different shaft length, flex, weight, head weight, total weight, head design, loft, etc). There are rare instances where due to an inherent swing habit/flaw, a golfer has formed or developed into a habit over the years, where these “habits” take charge and overpower any changes/adjustments we make on our prototype fitting clubs. I’ve seen a few cases (I can count them on one hand) where no matter what changes we make to our prototype fitting clubs (and in some cases very drastic changes) we did not see any change or improvements. Things like a very pronounced “over the top” move, severe outside-in swing path, severe inside-out swing path, body balance/swaying issues, inconsistent swings, etc. In cases with severe swing flaws, you may want to consider having your swing worked on by a qualified teaching professional to get some help for your swing ailments before undertaking the fitting process. When it comes to the GOLF SWING, think of me kinda like an X-ray technician. I am qualified to make some swing recommendations and may recommend coaching. However, in some cases, I will recommend you to a more qualified instructor.
Putter Fitting
Putter Fitting – The Most Important Club to Custom Fit
Golfers use the putter more than any other club in the bag, yet proper putter fitting rarely gets the attention it deserves. The average golfer strikes 43% of their shots with the putter. Yet how do most golfers buy a putter? By trial and error, with the emphasis put almost entirely on the “look” or the design features of the putter head, instead of the 5 critical putter fitting elements, which, if properly fit, could strip strokes off your score.
Granted, it’s a fact – if the golfer isn’t confident with the look of the putter behind the ball, they won’t have the confidence or the ability to line up the putt accurately. On the other hand, if the putter’s Length, Loft, Lie, weight, balance are not matched to each golfer’s style of putting, there is little chance the putter will lower your score.
Putter Length - When you think that golfers are so different in their height, arm length, and putting posture, it’s logical to think that the putter’s length must be custom fit to ensure a smooth putting stroke. Arms scrunched up into the body or stretched out to the point of tension while stroking the putt are not conducive to consistency.
Putter Loft – We must match the loft of the putter to the golfer’s hand position at impact to ensure the ball rolls smoothly. Does the golfer forward press to start their stroke or position the ball back of center in their stance? If so, they need more loft. Is the golfer a wristy putter or position the ball ahead of the center to front of their stance? If so, they may need less loft
Putter Lie Angle - Since putters do have loft, that means if the toe or the heel of the putter is off the ground at impact, the face is pointing somewhere other than the intended target line. For consistent accuracy, we must adjust the putter’s lie angle for each golfer, so the putter sits perfectly in the center of the sole from heel to toe.
Putter Weight and Balance - THIS IS HUGE!!!! There is a weight balance for putters that will allow every golfer to be more consistent - Whether it be weight at the head, or at the butt of the club, or partway down the shaft - we have seen significant improvements in putter consistency and control by finding the right weight balance of the putter for the golfer. One of the most exciting developments in modern putter fitting is adding weight to the putter’s grip end. Counterweighting, as it is called, with usually a 60 to 100-gram weight installed in the grip end of the shaft, proves to allow many golfers to develop a smoother stroke, which results in more on center hits with the putter and more consistent distance control of the putt. We have used anything from as little as 20 grams counterweight, all the way up to 150 grams.
Thanks to Tom Wishon for his contribution to putter fitting.
2021 Fitting Fees;
Irons only fitting - $165.00 + taxes
Driver only fitting - $165.00 + taxes
If you’ve done one of the above, and come back for the other **within 60 days** - $150.00 + taxes
Putter fitting (or optimize your existing putter) - $165.00 + taxes.
· If you have done either an iron or driver fitting in the last 60 days, the putter fitting is $115.
· If you have done both a driver and an iron fitting in the last 60 days, the putter fitting is $115.
· The fitting fee does not include incidentals such as a new grip, shaft, weights, counter-weights
I charge the above fees to do a custom fitting session - payable the day of the fitting. This fee pays for all the expensive gear and equipment we use. Equipment such as the launch monitor, computers, numerous demo heads, demo shafts, demo grips, swing speed and ball speed meters, high-def video capture equipment and swing analysis software are absolutely required to do a proper fitting.
NOTE: The fitting fees are a separate fee for the fitting only. Fitting fees are not included in club prices. The price for clubs is in addition to the fitting fees. During a club fitting, I measure your swing and match a set of clubs perfectly to that swing. Throughout the process, we hit balls and I measure your swing speed tempo time while taking high-speed photographs. We decide on the best head design and I measure shaft characteristics to arrive at the correct shaft flex profile. We ensure you have the correct length of the club and grip size. A club fitting is very similar to tailoring a suit. It cannot be done online. It typically takes 2-3 hours for irons or woods, and only 1 hour for the putter.
Augusta Custom Clubs Payment Policy
Effective 12/2/23:
At Augusta Custom Clubs, we are dedicated to delivering custom-fitted golf clubs of the highest quality, tailored to each golfer's individual needs. To ensure an efficient and effective service from the initial fitting to the final delivery, the following payment policy will be in effect from 12/2/23.
Payment for Components, Fitting Fees, and Final Product:
We at Augusta Custom Clubs are committed to providing exceptional service and products. This payment policy is designed to facilitate a smooth transaction process, ensuring that we can continue to offer high-quality, custom-fitted golf clubs.
For any inquiries or further information regarding our payment policy, please contact us at danburnfield@augustacustomclubs.com
A putter fitting is the most neglected fitting in the bag and often times the most important. We often hit half of our shots with the putter. It is also the most personal of the clubs that we select and in fact we sometimes name our putter. So let’s talk about what we at Augusta Custom Clubs do for a putter fitting.
Your putter fitting starts with a dialogue to determine your preference in head style (blade, mid mallet, mallet), your miss tendency, the types of greens you play, etc. This is often done as your fitter observes you rolling a few putts.
We will determine your eye dominance and best ball position based upon your aim characteristics.
Once we know the best ball position, we determine the length. The length is determined by having the golfer assume a comfortable stance with the ball in the correct position. The arms should not be to scrunched up at the top nor hanging too straight. We use a fitting putter to best determine the putter length.
Only after completing the above three steps can the correct lie angle of the putter be determined. It is usually best to have the putter sit parallel to the ground when the golfer assumes the correct stance.
The loft angle is determined with a fitting putter and a roll board. The ideal loft should be such that the angle of attack of the putter is greater than the loft angle.
When determining loft and lie angle we also use blast motion technology as well as high speed photographs of the ball to best determine how the ball is leaving the putter face.
Research has also shown a performance correlation between putting-stroke tempo and putter head weight. Players with a quicker tempo tend to perform most consistently with a traditional or lighter putter head weight, while players with a slower tempo perform most consistently with a heavier or counter-balanced putter.
OEM clubs do not provide the best performance. You can test your clubs against the brands I typically order. I have no inventory, so I am not trying to push a product out the door, and I have no agreements that require me to sell a specific number of clubs and shafts per year. I sell the clubs that fit and nothing more.
The process includes hitting your current clubs and using a launch monitor and other technology to track and store data. After evaluating your swing, I select one or two of the clubheads I have and allow you to hit them with several representative shafts. From this data, I use a computer program to select the optimum shaft for the selected clubhead. Additional weight may be added or removed to allow you to have optimum performance.
At Augusta Custom Clubs, we understand that cost is an important consideration when it comes to customizing your golf clubs. Our pricing is competitive and tailored to each individual's specific needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive excellent value for your investment. Our team will work with you to create a custom club that fits your budget while meeting your playing requirements. We offer transparent pricing and a range of options, allowing you to personalize your clubs without breaking the bank. Visit us in Augusta for a consultation and let us help you find the perfect custom club at a price that suits you.
Have you ever purchased a club or set of clubs that the company "guaranteed" to add 20 yards to your drive, change your game, or help you sink more putts, only to be disappointed?
Have you ever tried to claim that 'guarantee' only to discover that it was nothing more than a hollow promise to get a quick sale?
Who in their right mind would promise to make you clubs that will meet or exceed their promised performance- and back it up with a money-back guarantee if they don't?
Yes; We will. We can do so because we do not fit or build your clubs as others do.
We start with no preconceived notions. We will work with you to determine what head, shaft, and grip combinations work for you. In addition, together, we will select a mix of roughly 15 distinct assembly specs such as:
· length,
· weight,
· flex,
· loft, and
· face angle
to satisfy your goals while staying within your budget. We'll tell you if your goals are unreasonable because it's simply not in our best interests for us to try to sell you equipment that can't accomplish them.
If you purchase a single club and it fails to meet your expectations, we will work with you to enhance it until you are delighted. If we cannot resolve the issue, we will return your money minus the funds required for the fitting session.
We vow never to try to sell you clubs you don't need or won't help you improve your game.
This is a question that only seasoned custom clubmakers can answer. However, most golfers who have this experience after purchasing the latest new model from a retail golf store or pro shop don't really understand why they hit one club better than its twin that was also fit for them.
Furthermore, suppose a golfer hits it poorly or worse than their previous club(s). Then, the golfer might conclude that the new club is a "bad design. " They will be unaware that the reason for their lack of success has nothing to do with the clubhead or shaft design but are more than likely from the way they were assembled.
Why do golfers frequently purchase new clubs only to discover that they perform no better or sometimes worse than the clubs they previously used?
Regardless of the club, the response to this question is always the same. Because something about the lesser performing clubs doesn't adequately FIT the golfer's specific mix of size, strength, athletic ability, or swing characteristics. It's very typical for golfers to hit one club well and another not so well.
Numerous parameters explain why one golf club performs differently than another. Loft, Lie, Face Angle, Length, MOI/Swingweight, Total Weight, Shaft Overall Flex, Shaft Bend Point, Shaft Weight, Set Make-Up, Grip Style/Size, and Clubhead Design are all factors to consider. Some of these have sub-spec modifications, according to skilled custom clubmakers.
Out of these parameters, there are the 12 KEY clubfitting criteria. When a custom club fitter correctly matches a golfer's size, strength, physical ability, or swing characteristics, ensure that they can and will play to their full potential. Similarly, if one or more of these 12 are not well matched to the golfer, the answer to the query of Why Can I Hit This Club But Not That Club can be found there.
The key is - figure out which of the 12 fitting specs are correct and which are incorrect. And hiring the services of a qualified, experienced professional custom clubmaker is the only way to properly get to the bottom of that search. If you are not in the CSRA and would like to find a club fitter near you, I suggest contacting the ACGP or ICG. Alternatively, you can visit my virtual site. We can do an online fitting that is only slightly less accurate than an in-person fitting.
At Augusta Custom Clubs, every golfer is screened using the TPI physical screen (level 1 Screen) and undergoes a TPI swing analysis. This will help the fitter know the best way to correct any issues. We do not try and fix a problem with golf clubs that can only be corrected by exercise. For other problems, we work with the golfer to ensure there is a holistic approach involving equipment, swing techniques, practice regimen, and mental coaching.
At Augusta Custom Clubs, Dan uses a proprietary program to ensure that the correct shaft is used in each and every club. This involves taking measurements of swing speed, strength, tempo time, and high-speed photographs of the swing to determine when the hands release. These measurements help determine the flex profile of the shaft. It is not adequate to only use swing speed.
At Augusta Custom Clubs, we use different-length clubs and not a 48-inch ruler. This technique lets us determine the length that allows you to consistently strike the ball with a pattern on the club face. We compare this data with the posture of the client using TPI techniques to ensure that the client is not sold clubs that are too short.
The golf club's weight depends on the weight of the shaft. Weight can have a significant effect on the flight path. We use shafts of different weights to determine how best to select the weight of the shaft.
We use a figure of merit that we call the quality factor. The quality factor is the distance divided by the dispersion. Any increase in distance or decrease in dispersion will increase the quality factor. The higher the quality factor, the better the club.
Dan builds each and every club at Augusta Custom Clubs. He has built clubs since the 80s first for himself and then professionally, beginning in 2014. He is a member of the Association of Golf Clubfitting Professionals and the International Clubmakers Guild. He has been certified by Golfworks and Golfsmith as well as the TPI, Golf Lan, USGTF, the Seemore Putter Institute, and golf club component vendors.
At Augusta Custom Clubs, we are brand agnostic. We assemble clubs from highly engineered components. Our clubheads come from Tom Wishon Golf Technologies, Epon, Tour Edge, Epon, and Alpha. Each component is selected based on the needs of the golfer. We can select from more than 150 iron shafts, and an equal number of wood shafts, and 30 iron and wood heads.
In my shop, each shaft is sorted based on the individual flex profile of the shaft, and the most flexible shaft is placed in the longest club that will be built. This makes it easier to get the ball airborne.
Golf shaft tipping refers to the process of trimming or cutting a portion of the tip of the golf shaft. This customization technique is used to modify the characteristics of the shaft to better suit a golfer's specific swing and performance needs. Here's a closer look at what golf shaft tipping involves and why it's done:
1. Stiffening the Shaft:
2. Changing the Trajectory:
3. Altering the Feel:
4. Customization Process:
5. Professional Guidance:
6. Not for Every Golfer:
In summary, golf shaft tipping is a customization technique used to alter the characteristics of a golf shaft, particularly its stiffness and responsiveness. It's a specialized process that can enhance control and consistency for certain players but should be done under the guidance of a skilled club fitting professional.
I am sure the few clients that I turn away think that I am an ornery old cuss because I refuse to take someone else’s opinion of what to do with their clubs. Let me give you a couple of examples. Golfer 1 comes into the shop and wants the clubs lie angles adjusted to match his swing. This is fine but he already know how much he wants them bent and he refuses to take my opinion that he should leave them alone and instead seek out the services of a physical trainer to help with postural problems. I choose not to bend the clubs and tell him where in town to go where they can be bent. Golfer 2 wants me to lengthen the clubs by ½ inch. He does not want me to fit him because “his pro” has told him to make them ½ inch longer. Now the pro has not tested the golfer with different length clubs to see whether the clubs are the right length or if they should be ½ in longer or maybe an inch longer. I am also certain that he pro has not bothered to give the golfer a physical screen to even determine where the root of his swing problem is.
So why do I not do this work. Instead of just saying sure I can do that. It is quite simple the risk reward simply is not there. If I modified the clubs without a proper analysis I would risk having my name on a product that did not perform. The risk is too high. The reward in financial terms is not very high. A few dollars per club. I would rather have the golfer tell his buddies that I am ornery rather than tell them that I do not know what I am doing.
Can frequent play cause the lofts and lies on my irons to change?
Yes, regular play can cause changes to the lofts and lies of golf irons. These adjustments are frequently small, but they can significantly impact your game over time. These modifications could happen for several reasons:
Play: Regular use over time can cause a modest alteration in the loft and lie of golf clubs. These adjustments are particularly relevant if you play a lot on hit-off mats or hard fairways.
Fundamentals and Mechanisms of Swing: The lie angle of the clubs may need to be adjusted if your swing mechanics change.
Modifications in Your Game's Performance: If you see shifts in your performance, either gains or losses, it may be time to inspect and modify the loft and lie of your clubs.
Enhanced Clubhead Speed: Improving your clubhead speed can change how well your existing loft and lie settings work.
Playing Conditions: Unusual weather and variations in the terrain (such as moving from a mountain golf course to a humid one) may affect your clubs and necessitate adjustments.
Club Material: Compared to cast clubs, which are often more robust and less susceptible to specification changes, forged clubs may be more susceptible to alterations over time due to their softer nature.
Considering these things, having your clubs tested regularly is a good idea, particularly if you play a lot or see improvements in your game. By doing this routine maintenance, you can ensure that your clubs continue to fit your style and function at their best.