By: Aron Levinson

In December 2022, after years of playing baseball and thinking that golf was a waste of land and water, I decided it was time for a new challenge.  The transition from the baseball diamond to the golf course wasn't just about switching sports—it was about finding a game that aligned better with my changing lifestyle and physical and mental needs.  As I got older, the stress on my body from playing catcher, pitcher, and shortstop began to take its toll.  My wife would often remind me that when I was in pain, my attitude wasn't great.  It became clear that as much as I didn't want to disappoint my baseball teammates, I needed to find a sport that was easier on my body, mentally and physically — something I could play and improve on well into my 80s.

At the same time, I noticed that many of my colleagues at work played golf and weren't interested in my baseball stories.  I was often invited to charity golf tournaments to represent the company; however, I didn't own any clubs, didn't know the etiquette, and didn’t have the attire.  I wore baseball turf shoes during my first tournament and borrowed my neighbor's clubs, arriving without a driver.  Surprisingly, I discovered that over half of my Crown City Cubs baseball teammates were also golfers.  It seemed like everyone around me was hitting the links, and the more I thought about it, the more golf seemed like a perfect fit.  It offered a competitive outlet with less physical strain, a way to connect with colleagues and friends in a new setting and work on something challenging and outdoors.  Growing up in Southern CA, I find that the outdoors, especially the ocean, offers solace.

So, I decided to dive into golf, bought some used TaylorMade M6 irons from a co-worker, an M2 driver, and a 3W, and was given a PING putter.  I purchased some professional-looking golf clothes and had three in-person lessons with Coach Dan.  I also started @bogey2putt on Instagram to engage the global golfer community, ask questions about the game, spread my creative wings, and create a sense of community for something new in my life.  After driving by the Club Champion in Torrance multiple times, I was curious; I did some YouTube research on club fitting, so I stopped in.  Jacob, the Master Fitter, welcomed me and answered all my questions.  I was new to the game and needed to learn more about the equipment. Still, I knew that if I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right by following the Trackman data and not letting equipment advertisements or what the tour pros are playing influence my decision-making.

Since it was around the holidays, I asked the family for Club Champion gift cards to help pay for a full bag fitting.  I initially landed on wedges and a putter, which would become the foundation of my short game.  Jacob recommended the Vokey Tour Chrome SM9 54 and 60 wedges and a Bettinardi BB8 Wide putter based on my swing data.  This fitting wasn't just about buying clubs; it was about getting clubs that were optimized for me.  Jacob analyzed my swing, stance, and preferences using advanced technology to ensure every club in my bag suited my needs.

One of the biggest lessons I learned during this process was the importance of an optimized putter.  The putter is the only club I use on every hole, accounting for about 40% (sometimes more) of my strokes.  It's too important to leave it to chance.  Club Champion uses SAM PuttLab technology, which analyzes 28 parameters of the putting stroke.  It provides detailed insights into aim, rhythm, toe hang, loft, lie, and face balance, allowing for precise adjustments that can significantly impact performance on the greens.

With my new Betti, fitted to my exact specifications, I started to see improvements in my putting accuracy and consistency.  This was the beginning of understanding how vital it is to have the right equipment to lower my scores and increase my enjoyment on the golf course.

As my golf journey continued and I knew I was falling in love with the game, I was fitted for TaylorMade p790 irons with KBS Tour V shafts and added some flair with blue No 1 grips and BB&F ferrules called "dorks," which fitted my personality to a tee (pun intended).  Each component was carefully selected to match my swing dynamics and enhance my performance on the course.

I recently added a VA Slay shaft to my Cobra Radspeed XD driver, a VA VYLYN shaft to my Callaway Paradym HL 3W, and a VA Slay shaft to my PING G425 3 hybrid.  Each club was tailored to my needs, enhancing my distance, accuracy, and control.

Adding the VA VYLYN shaft to my Bettinardi putter was a game-changer.  It provided a better feel and stability, helping me maintain a consistent putting stroke.  This comprehensive fitting process transformed my bag into a collection of tools ideally suited to my game.

The results of this fitting process speak for themselves.  When I started, my handicap was 20+. After over two years of working on my game and playing a round a week, I've lowered it to 14.2. This improvement didn't happen overnight; it resulted from consistent practice, mental focus, and the right equipment, which gave me confidence over the ball.

I recently achieved a personal milestone by breaking 80 for the first time: I shot a 78, quickly followed by a 79. The week before that, I shot an 81. These scores were beyond my wildest dreams when I first started, and they wouldn't have been possible without the guidance and expertise of Club Champion, plus a ton of work at the range or indoors at GolfShac.

Golf has been easier on my body than baseball, but it's also significantly boosted my mental well-being. The focus and discipline required on the course have translated into other areas of my life, helping me stay calm under pressure and maintain a positive outlook.  Plus, no one is trying to strike me out or take me out at second base, breaking up a double play—just me, the course, and the game's challenges.

As I continue my golf journey, I'm excited to see how far I can push my game.  With a fitted bag, I'm more confident than ever that I can lower my handicap to single digits, continue to break new personal records and compete in SoCal Golf Guys tournaments.

Club Champion has been an invaluable partner, providing me with the tools, knowledge, and support to become the best golfer I can be.  If you're new to golf, like I was, or a seasoned player looking to improve, I highly recommend visiting Club Champion.  Their expertise, technology, and commitment to customer satisfaction are unmatched, and they'll work with you to build a bag suited to your game.

Get fitted, get confident, and watch your scores drop. Golf is a journey, and with the right tools, I'm enjoying every step.