When it comes to golf, we often obsess over the perfect swing, the latest club, or the pristine course. But what if I told you the secret to unlocking your best game (and a more satisfying golf life) isn’t just about what happens on the green, but how you approach the human connections within the sport?
As the Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for those “aha!” moments that bridge the gap between the pros and us everyday golfers. Recently, I got a peek behind the curtain of Tour-level club fitting, and what I discovered was far more profound than just shaft flex and loft angles. It was about trust, empathy, and a deep understanding of human nature. And honestly, it’s a lesson we can all apply, both on and off the course.
The Human Element in High-Performance Golf
I had the incredible opportunity to observe Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade’s master fitter, working his magic. This isn’t just any fitter; AD, as he’s known, is trusted by the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Tommy Fleetwood – the top three players in the OWGR. While you might think his process is all about cutting-edge tech (and it is, to some extent), what truly stands out is his human-centric approach.
Adrian’s process, at its core, is a master class in active listening and personalized problem-solving. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding the player as a whole. And honestly, this philosophy resonates deeply with how I believe we should all approach our own golf journey – and even our daily lives.
Here are three invaluable takeaways from Adrian’s Tour-level fitting process that can transform your game and your approach to life:
1. Start from an Honest Point: Self-Awareness is Key
One of the first things Adrian does is meticulously “spec out” a player’s current clubs. He measures everything – loft, lie, swing weight, total weight, face angle, grip size – to create a completely objective baseline. There are no “ideas” or “whims” involved; just hard data.
“His goal is to get any club on offer as close to the gamer as humanly possible — and not just loft, shaft and swing weight. Think total weight, exact loft and lie, face angle, scoring lines vs. actual lie, shaft tipping, grip size, etc. This allows that “first hit” to inform the fitter what direction the player needs to go.”
This isn’t just a technical step; it’s a profound metaphor for life. How often do we, as golfers and as individuals, truly take an “honest point” assessment of where we are? Before we try to fix something or chase the next big trend, do we understand our current strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies? This rigorous, honest self-assessment is crucial. It’s about understanding your natural self first, before trying to become something else.
- Start from an HONEST point: The first part of the video shows Adrian doing something I’ve seen frequently on Tour trucks. He gets the bag of the player in his hands and starts to spec them out to create apples-to-apples circumstances. There’s no “ideas,” “whims,” etc. His goal is to get any club on offer as close to the gamer as humanly possible — and not just loft, shaft and swing weight. Think total weight, exact loft and lie, face angle, scoring lines vs. actual lie, shaft tipping, grip size, etc. This allows that “first hit” to inform the fitter what direction the player needs to go.
- Ask players what they see: EVERY player reacts differently to how a club sits. For example, I love to see loft. When I see loft, it tells my brain that I can stay on top of the shot and trust that the club and the setup will be there with me when I need them. When I don’t see loft, I start to “help it,” which has a diminishing-returns effect through my bag. I begin to have a “woods swing” and an “irons swing.” It’s impossible to play that way. Adrian (or any great fitter) will ask those questions: “How do you like the look?” “Do you see the loft you want to see?” I don’t hear this in typical fittings, but I always hear it with Tour fitters.
- Ask players what they’d like to see: In the video, Adrian asks me, “What kind of ball flight do you want to see?” In my case, I want the ball to start straight and fall left with a left miss, i.e., I don’t want the driver going to the right — ever. These are ball flights that a fitter can control. Once AD knows I fear a right miss, it eliminates a variable and he can start to focus on fitting me into a driver that starts left and goes left. As a player, I can then step up to any tee trusting that regardless of what swing I make, the flight of the ball will stay in a sandbox I can live with.
2. Ask Players What They See: The Power of Perception and Comfort
Beyond the numbers, Adrian delves into the player’s subjective experience. He asks questions like, “How do you like the look?” and “Do you see the loft you want to see?” This might seem trivial, but it’s incredibly powerful. As the article points out, every player reacts differently to how a club sits. Some need to “see loft” to feel confident; others prefer a different visual.
“When I don’t see loft, I start to “help it,” which has a diminishing-returns effect through my bag. I begin to have a “woods swing” and an “irons swing.” It’s impossible to play that way.”
This highlights a crucial point: your comfort and confidence are paramount. It’s not enough for the club to perform optimally on a launch monitor; it has to feel right and look right to you. This applies to so much more than just golf clubs. Whether it’s your golf attire, your fitness routine, or even your daily work environment, if it doesn’t align with your personal perception and comfort, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle. Pay attention to what feels good and what feels forced, and prioritize your inner alignment.
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3. Ask Players What They’d Like to See: Defining Your “Sandbox”
Finally, Adrian asks about desired ball flight. For example, the author expressed a fear of the right miss and wanted a driver that starts left and falls left. This gives Adrian a clear objective: fit the player into a driver that stays within their “sandbox” – that range of outcomes they can live with.
“Once AD knows I fear a right miss, it eliminates a variable and he can start to focus on fitting me into a driver that starts left and goes left. As a player, I can then step up to any tee trusting that regardless of what swing I make, the flight of the ball will stay in a sandbox I can live with.”
This is a powerful concept not just for golf, but for setting intentions in any area of your life. What are your non-negotiables? What are the boundaries within which you feel safe, confident, and capable? Identify these “sandboxes” in your fitness goals, your professional aspirations, or your personal relationships. When you clearly define what you want (and what you *absolutely don’t* want), you empower yourself and others to help you achieve it. It’s about proactive design, not just reactive problem-solving.
Beyond the Fitting: The Cultivation of Trust
What truly struck me about Adrian’s process is that it’s not just a transaction; it’s the cultivation of trust. He approaches his craft with a deep sense of care and ownership, which is exactly why players at the pinnacle of golf rely on him.
I find this mirrored in other areas of my life. I have a stylist who asks me, “Where do you want your hair to be in 6 months?” or “What do you like and dislike about it now?” That level of thoughtful inquiry builds a connection that transcends a simple service. It builds trust because you know they genuinely care about your outcome.
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Bringing Tour-Level Wisdom to Your Game and Life
While most of us don’t have Adrian Rietveld on speed dial, we can absolutely adopt his mindset. When you’re looking for new clubs, approach the fitting with self-awareness. Communicate openly about what you see, feel, and desire. Don’t be afraid to voice your preferences, your fears, and your “sandbox.” The best fitters, like Adrian, are Jedis of their craft, not just technicians. They listen, adapt, and build trust.
And beyond golf, consider how this philosophy can enrich your lifestyle. In personal training, finding a coach who truly listens to your body, your goals, and your “comfort zone” is transformative. In fashion, a stylist who understands your true style rather than just slapping trends on you will make you feel your best. In all aspects, seeking out those who take ownership, express genuine care, and work to build trust will lead to more satisfying, fulfilling outcomes.
Golf, like life, is a journey of continuous improvement. By embracing this human-centric approach – starting with honesty, valuing perception, defining your desires, and cultivating trust – you’re not just fitting clubs; you’re crafting a lifestyle that’s perfectly suited to you, both on and off the course.
