The impact of Artificial Intelligence (A. I. ) on golf, specifically in club fitting, is revolutionizing the game. A. I. -powered systems, developed by leading brands like Mizuno, Titleist, Ping, Cool Clubs, and GolfTec, are streamlining the fitting process and providing golfers with optimized recommendations. For over a decade, computer-driven analytics have enhanced the process of finding the perfect club shaft, head, lie angle, and even ball recommendation. Independent fitters, such as Dan Sueltz, Wade Heintzelman, and Chris Wycoff, are also developing brand-agnostic methods to sort through the vast options available for golfers. Additionally, Club Champion, the leading clubfitting brand in the U. S. , has introduced their A. I. system called Co-Pilot, developed in collaboration with Inspire11. This system utilizes machine learning and A. I. technology to provide fast and accurate fitting recommendations based on a golfer's current equipment and launch monitor data. Co-Pilot, together with skilled club fitters, aims to enhance the fitting process rather than replace human intelligence. By inputting millions of swings per month into the system, Club Champion's Co-Pilot learns and adapts with every fit and adjustment made by fitters.

The system's primary goal is not to achieve a perfect fit solely through A. I. , but to make fitters smarter and more efficient. The benefits of A. I. -assisted fitting extend to customers as well. With fewer swings required, fitting sessions can be significantly shortened, reducing fatigue and making the process more efficient for both the golfer and fitter. Co-Pilot recommends a selection of shafts and heads based on a golfer's initial swings, and the system learns and adjusts based on Trackman data and Club Champion's extensive fitting database. During a recent experience at Club Champion, the Co-Pilot system provided targeted recommendations that aligned closely with the fitter's intuition. While the final choice may not have been the system's top recommendation, it resulted in significant improvements, including an additional 19 yards in distance and a 75% reduction in dispersion. The fitting process, including dialing in fairway woods and hybrids, and potentially even wedge and putter fittings, was completed in under an hour. This new era of data-driven fitting, leveraging the power of A. I. and human expertise, is transforming the golf industry. The abundance of golfer data available now allows for better and more efficient fitting solutions, significantly benefiting average golfers. With A. I. , optimized performance can be accessed quickly and effectively, improving the game for golfers of all skill levels.