New Yes fitting system?

by Skip P.
(Springfield IL)

Are you familiar with the new Yes! fitting putter, and if so, what are your thoughts on the importance of fitting for putters? I've had the same Odyssey Tri-Force forever and am looking to finally get something new this year and am glad to see Yes "back in the game". Thank you in advance.

Answer from Will - Best-Putter.com proprietor
Skip, thanks for your question.

I've got to admit to having little specific knowledge about the Yes! putter fitting system, so can't tell you whether it's better or worse than any other of the systems out there, although I believe Yes! to be one of the most advanced putter manufacturing companies and a favorite amongst tour pros, so you're likely to get an excellent fit from them.

In general, I do recommend getting your putter fitted to you, as it can make a huge difference to the way the putter feels in your hands and therefore to the results you're likely to get.

I put feel above all other considerations when it comes to choosing a putter. A fitting is a good way to get you into the right general area of putter length, grip thickness and putter weighting. Very few pro shops have a large enough selection of putters at different lengths, weights and with a variety of grips to allow you to pick the best combination for you, so a fitting with an adjustable putter (which is the standard way) is a great place to start. The fitter should then be able to recommend appropriate models.

My one extra piece of advice is to ask on what terms you can return the putter you get fitted with, if it turns out you don't like it. I have done this on a couple of occasions and always taken a different putter from the same supplier and been happy with it. They're usually happy to offer this return service to you within a reasonable time period, but it's best to have the conversation up front to avoid feeling awkward about asking if you have to change.

I am hoping to pay a visit to Yes! HQ in the next couple of months to review their 2012 range which has just launched and will ask them then about their fitting techniques.