Building your own driver can seem like a daunting task if you’ve never done it before, but it opens up a world of customization and personalization for your golf gear. This can help you better understand what works best for your game, especially when it comes to your driver. Learning to build a putter is a great place to start, as it requires fewer components and adjustments compared to building an iron set or a driver. Building an iron set usually involves building a full set and ensuring all components are to spec, which takes more time and calculation. That’s why building a driver is a great next step.
When building a driver, it’s important to check your settings to ensure the hosel setting is secured in the position you are going to use. This ensures the shaft graphics are aligned once assembly is complete. Prepping your components is also important – make sure they are clean by using acetone to remove any dirt or oils to ensure a strong epoxy bond. Mixing epoxy thoroughly is crucial to prevent epoxy failure and weakening once the club has been assembled. Using just enough epoxy is key, as using too much can cause issues with the club’s performance and durability.
Cleaning excess epoxy off the shaft and head before it dries can increase productivity and make the finishing steps go faster. This is especially important when working with graphite shafts, as the paint can be easily scratched if you try to remove dry epoxy. Building your own driver can be a rewarding experience that allows you to customize your gear to your liking. By following the key steps in the driver building process, you can create a club that is tailored to your game and preferences. Check out the entire collection of build videos and more at GOLF’s Fully Equipped YouTube page for more helpful advice and tips.
Ryan Barath, GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s senior editor for equipment, has over 20 years of experience in club-fitting and -building, working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. Before joining the staff, he was the lead content strategist for Tour Experience Golf in Toronto, Canada. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your bag or simply want to try your hand at building your own driver, there are resources available to help you along the way. Visit True Spec Golf to find a fitting location near you and start your journey to building your own custom driver today.
