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Here you will find feedback I have received from some great golfing customers about their new clubs, and the service they have received from Gooder Custom Golf Clubs.  This game just seems to attract a whole bunch of good people - it truly is the best game in the world!

The following is from my friend Les Howard (a single digit handicapper, and a damn funny guy to talk to - he'll leave you laffin' - Les is the originator of the "MOO" term (which stands for Manager Of Operations - aka the wife).  Les was kind enough to offer these words about his 'Gooder Golf' experience;

----- Original Message -----

From: Les Howard

To: Bert - Gooder Custom Golf Clubs

Subject: testimonial

 I have been golfing for about thirty-seven years.  Throughout those years I have used top "name" brand "off the shelf" clubs and twice have had custom fitted clubs, once with Ping irons and once with Callaway irons.  Last year I managed to get my handicap down into the single digits, I thought it was time to look at getting fitted again for clubs.  Living in the Maritimes, it is not easy to find an experienced club fitter.  I went to the internet to see what I could find.

 I accidentally, or luckily, one might say, hit on Gooder Custom Golf Clubs.  What attracted me at first as I read the material on the site was that Bert did not make fantastic claims of improvement in distance with his clubs.  He did explain the benefits of getting "fitted".  He explained the process.  I must admit that I was very skeptical of getting properly fit by this method.  This method being me on the east coast, and Bert being on the Prairies.  I contacted Bert via e-mail and as we talked I began to be more at ease.

To make a long story short I decided to take a chance.  Am I glad I did!!!!  After filling out the fitting sheet.  Three video's of my swing, and several phone calls later, plus a lot of e-mails back and forth Bert and I made a deal.  I decided on the Bang brand clubs through-out.  I went for the whole set rather than my original plan of a combo set of utility clubs and irons.  You can read on the web-site and talk to Bert about the details of what he does especially with regards to the shafts (the most important part of the fitting process).  So this process took a good bit of time.  The work and wait was worth it.  The finished product in terms of workmanship and appearance is superb, down to head covers for every club in the bag!

 Quality of workmanship and a knowledgeable fitter is worth every penny you pay.  Gooder Custom Golf delivers.  If any one has questions I would be glad to answer them, just contact Bert at Gooder Custom Clubs and I'm sure he'll hook us up.

 Les Howard

Here are some quotes from Bill A. (Bill is a repeat customer).  This was a local fitting that turned out pretty darn swell.  Bill's the proud swinger of new irons, an Element driver, FW woods - shafted with Aldila/Accuflex.  The second time around was for a new set of wedges.

"Just got back from a christening of the new clubs........and WOW!  I love the driver as it was going straight and long as well and the feel of the clubs were great also.  Got out Sunday morning and the clubs worked great.  I noticed I was hitting the ball longer as well with all the clubs even into a breeze at times.  For example, I normally hit my 3 iron 200 yds but hole # 8 is 225 yds and I hit it pin high just off the green into a bit of a cross wind, on # 9 (uphill 187 yd par 3), I normally hit my 3 iron but I tried the 5 iron and put it 3 feet from the cup for a bird and on # 12 (150 yd par 3) I normally hit my 7 or 8 iron but I went with the 9 iron and put it pin high on the green.  I ended up shooting 81 which I think might be the lowest I've ever shot there even though it was my 1st round of the year."

Here are some nice words received from Clint Ludtke.  Clint is from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and was out this way visiting family last summer.  While he was here, we spent a couple of hours going through the fitting process and working on his swing.

What a game changing experience! I have golfed my whole life with garage sale, Wal-Mart specials etc. golf clubs leaving the course frustrated hating golf. Since I had my clubs made by Gooder Custom Golf Clubs my game has drastically improved and I no longer leave the course frustrated.

During the fitting process the creator of the clubs (Bert) was sure to take into account all the necessary individual characteristic of my golf game. The quality of clubs is undeniable. The weight, grip , club head and the individual feel are of utmost quality. The clubs feel great and look beautiful.     

Recently I entered into my first golf tournament where I came in second place. I also won the longest drive with 310 yards. I never thought that getting proper clubs would change my game that drastically. Thanks to Gooder Custom Golf Clubs I am confident in my golf game.

Clint Ludtke

Edmonton, Alberta

These are some nice words sent to me by "RRRRRRRRuss from RRRRRed Deer", in Alberta, Canada.  Russ is a single-digit handicap golfer (currently plays to a 7).  Another successful long-distance fitting - after a couple of swing videos sent this way, several emails, and a few of hours on the telephone, we have another customer very pleased with the results.  Russ is swinging an NXS3 square driver, SLR fairway woods (3 and 5), Nexus T-Mass irons (yup, this guy really does play with a 3-iron in his golf bag), and a few of the CNC Milled wedges.  The driver and FW woods are shafted with the Swing Science Hex360, and the irons/wedges with the stepless Accuflex steel shafts.

"This all started when I contacted Gooder Golf Bert to build me a new driver.  After a hundred emails and phone calls, it turned in to a whole new set, square driver, fairways, irons, and wedges.  They are beautiful and they play even better.  My best round ever was 75 shot last summer in 2007.  On my 5th round with the Gooder clubs I shot 74 with a 3 putt.  I'll tell you the ball goes straighter, even a bit longer I think, I hit more fairways, and I hit more greens every round with these clubs.  Thank you Gooder Bert for making me the best set of clubs I ever had.  You covered every detail there is with my clubs.  These clubs make me want to go back to the golf course again and again.  They really are Gooder."

Your friend in Red Deer,

rrrrrrrrRuss

UPDATE on Russ - NEWSFLASH!!!! (FALL 2008)

I received an email update from Russ near the end of the 2008 season.  His official handicap has dropped down to 5.3 - way to go Russ!  Nearly two full strokes over shaved off over a 5-month period - that's HUGE!!!!  This fella might end up on tour.

Here is a letter I received from Ben Rempel - Ben drove down 150 miles from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for a 3-hour fitting session.  The end result was a complete new set of custom fit clubs that fit Ben to a "T".  Ben just took up the game of golf about 6 weeks before our fitting time, and thought it to be wise to start out with custom fit clubs rather than building bad swing habits using ill-fit equipment - VERY wise choice Ben!  We went through a complete fitting, and also worked on his swing (video really helps us out with that).

"My game improved dramatically after I got the clubs.  The mixture of the new swing and the clubs really helped!"
 

I just took up the sport of golf this year.  The set of clubs I was learning on were an old set my Uncle had given me.  Even though they sorta worked I wanted a new set to call my own.  I went down to the local Golf Town to browse their selection.  First thing they asked was how much I was willing to spend on a set of clubs.  After I told them, they immediately went to the set that was the same amount, even slightly more than what I had told them.  They didn't ask me anything about my abilities, but said I could try them out on the main screen.  I browsed their store for over 2 hours that day and didn't come out with any more knowledge than what I went in with.
 
That's when my dad said I should get a custom set like his.  That way the club ACTUALLY fits my swing.  From then on I started looking for a custom set.  My dad ran across Bert's custom clubs website, and 2 weeks later we drove down to Regina (from Saskatoon) and I got fitted.
 
When I got there, Bert's first question wasn't about how much money I had to spend, but wanted me to show him how I was swinging a club.  He even gave me helpful hints that made sense and improved my swing.  He then proceeded to measure me up to make sure the clubs were going to be perfect for me.  There is a lot more to this game than I realized at first.  Thanks to him I now laugh at the people that just go buy off the rack golf clubs and expect that marvelous change in their game.
 
I would highly recommend getting a custom set of clubs, whatever skill level you may be.
 
Ben
 

Ben just sent me updated videos of his swing to run through my swing analysis software - things are progressing well - as we all know the golf swing is a never-ending work in progress, but Ben's is definitely moving in the right direction.  Ben is very dedicated to the game of golf, and takes his practice and improvement very seriously.  With more purposeful practice, in the very near future Ben's scores will be VERY respectable.  I can see that handicap dropping very quickly.  Keep it up Ben!
 

Here are some kind words received from Mr. Robert Allin of Regina (I call him "Ace" now, 'cuz Rob nailed a hole-in-one shortly after getting his new clubs).  After about three hours of fitting and some laughs, we came up with a real nice combination for Rob - Wishon 560MC forged irons with Swing Science FM graphite shafts - MOI matched special to Rob's specs - beautiful clubs.

This was my first custom golf fitting and I did enjoy the one on one attention. I thought the fitting was very professional and complete in every aspect of the stance, grip, swing, sweet spot, loft and lie for the clubs.

I waited to write this as I enjoyed using the clubs VERY much when I first received them. The first few rounds I played with the clubs, my score did drop nearly 5 strokes. I did want to get a good number of rounds in before telling everyone. Well after about thirty rounds I know the clubs helped lower my score by an average of 3.4 strokes per round.

The instant feed back from the clubs at impact helped improve my confidence over the ball. New clubs also allowed me to spin the ball more and stop it from almost anywhere. Having the clubs built at 4 degree intervals also allowed for awesome distance control and accuracy.

Originally, when I received the clubs I made my 1st hole in one. I thought this was incredible, and knew the clubs had something to do with it. Well, after 30 more rounds I can honestly say that all my approach shots are closer to the pin. I used to shoot for a circle of 30 feet around the pin and be happy. Now most shots from within 150 yds are within 15-20 feet. This is incredible as a lot of bogeys become pars and some pars are becoming birdies.

Custom clubs truly have had an impact on game. I'm not tour ready but my handicap will move from double digits into the single digits!!!!

Rob Allin
 

I was able to get out for a couple of rounds with Rob this year, we had a lot of laughs - a great guy, and super fun to play a round of golf with.  If you ever see an ad on the Golf Channel for a hat made out of lead, it'll be Rob's invention (keep your head down!!!).

Here are some nice words from Bob Rempel, the father of Ben (from a couple of stories above).  Bob also made the 150 mile (one way) journey for a fitting.  Bob is the proud owner of some Swing Science 800-Series irons, shafted with FST steel shafts, and a Wishon driver.

When my son took up the sport of golf and was ready to buy his own set of clubs I convinced him to consider getting them custom made. Why not get a set of clubs built to match his swing instead of a set that ‘looked’ nice. We search around, and found the Gooder Golf web site. Bert’s web site emphasised a lot of the same things that I was telling my son about purchasing ‘custom made’ instead of ‘off the rack’. He chose to get a custom set made, and I went along and watched as Bert spent 3+ hours sizing up a set of clubs for him.

I have always used custom made clubs that were swing weighted and the more I read about MOI matched clubs the more intrigued I became.  I had owned the same set for 18 years, and was torn whether to get a new set that would be MOI matched or just re-grip and re-groove my faithful old clubs. It was after Bert had me hit 5 balls with each club and record where the ball impacts were that I realized that my old 7 iron was the only club that hit the ball on the ‘sweet spot’ each time.  (and the 7 iron wasn’t my favourite club) I talked to Bert about this and he explained MOI matching, and that my 7 iron was probably the club that was closest to being a good MOI match for me.

After a few more chats with Bert, I concluded that I should invest in a MOI matched set of clubs and retire the swing weighted set. Bert and I set a date, and I spent the better part of an afternoon hitting golf balls as Bert fine tuned his demonstration 6 iron with multiple shafts with different swing characteristics. Each shaft change improved my consistency, and it wasn’t until I was producing nothing but ‘on center’ hits that Bert was content.

He then took that club and put it aside and promised me a complete set of irons that would match the swing characteristics of that demo 6 iron.

With most my swing characteristics already figured out, it didn’t take long to size up a driver to go with the new set – all I had to do now was wait to take delivery.

Results – I have never hit as many fairways per round as I do now. On the practice driving range I always warm up aiming at the 150 yard marker, and in 18 years I had never actually hit the marker until this year. Now I’m all around the marker and with regularity ring one of it. I keep track of ball imprints on my club faces, and they are consistently around the sweet spot. That has produced a ball that travels a predictable distance with each swing. I would love to say that the new MOI clubs have slashed my score, and that may happen, but for right now the number of “feel good shots” per round is way up! And that’s what the game is all about. Thanks Bert!

Bogey Bob

Some positive words from Derek T, a local former 2-handicap player who has since lowered his index to scratch. Derek's best round with "off-the-rack" clubs was a 68, a month after he got his clubs Gooder-ized he went out and fired a 64.... now that's a pretty stout round!

"I have been an avid golfer for 11 years now. My passion for the game enabled me to get my handicap down to low single digits. I figured one way to gain an edge and to continue improving was to get properly fitted for clubs. This led me to Gooder Golf, and I’m sure glad it did. I’ve seen fitting sessions done before and I knew what took place but Bert takes it to a another level, the use of a high definition camera, launch monitor, precisely made prototypes and a wealth of knowledge ensure no detail is missed. I felt confident that after working with Bert that I would have the best clubs for ME.

 I was not disappointed, in fact the exact opposite. The first round with the new clubs was my first ever bogey free round. Some good, consistent golf followed for some 20 rounds or so and then I shot my career low round of 64 at Tor Hill, a full 4 shots better than my previous best. My handicap has gone from a 2 to a scratch in that time, more importantly, I got over that hump that I was stuck at for years and I’m enjoying the game more now than ever. As long as Bert is in the business there is NO ONE I will trust with my clubs, his attention to detail and knowledge is second to none. Thanks again my friend.

 Sincerely,

 DT"

UPDATE 2011 - Derek carded his first hole in one in May/2011.  Chalk up another who has earned the distinct nick-name of "ACE".

The gals like their golf too!  Leanne R came out to "Gooder-Ville" in Summer of 2010 for a fitting.  After some goodies from Wishon and Swing Science, here's what Leanne had to report back.

"When I made the decision to get new clubs this spring, I certainly wanted to get the best I could find.  Doing my research I discovered that the clubs in the stores are not the clubs you think they are.  The pro's are not hitting the clubs that are being sold in by the retail outlets.  They get all custom made clubs that are fine tuned.  So why would I want a standard box set of clubs when I could get a set of custom fine tuned clubs.  I found Bert and after a some correspondence by email, I was chomping at the bit to get my clubs made.  I spend an afternoon with Bert getting fitted for my clubs.  He was very careful to make sure I was satisfied with each step.  I picked up my clubs a couple of weeks later and they have been nothing but fun!  I had to have a few adjustments made which Bert did as fast as he could.  My golf game has never been better.  The clubs give me confidence to try all the shots and not shy away from anything.  I not only have a great set of clubs but I also have a new friend.  I look forward to spending time with Bert and his wife next year on the golf course.  I have had such a great summer golfing.  Last weekend I had the game of my life - the best round I have ever shot." 

Leanne R

Another gal is out having a ball (pardon the pun) with her new clubs.  Lorraine shares some words on her new clubs.

"I LOVE the clubs.  Had a tournament last weekend out at Avonlea - I had a blast at the tournament, the clubs were fun and it was a good way to see the distance on the clubs.  The best thing - OK I have two best things - my back was not half as sore as it usually is due to the clubs being so much lighter, and the other best thing is that driver sounds SWEEEEEEET. Had several drives that were nice. Glad you went down in the loft on the driver as I would not want anymore ball loft, it is just right.

So Saturday had a another Texas scramble -  Irons, wow I have not hit irons so well. The loft on the irons are really good, good ball flight on all clubs. That gap wedge now that is a fun club, I used it a lot last weekend as we were on the fringe of the green or just off a bit and the gap was working nicely, the more I use it the better I will get.

I was going to email last weekend after the game out at Avonlea as I was very excited about how the new clubs felt and worked.  But I held off as I was not sure if it was a just first time thing with them and what would happen next time I use them. But after the game yesterday definitely know the new clubs are great. They felt so comfortable in my hands and the craziest thing out of all of this is each iron feels the same, doesn’t matter which one I have in my hands it feels the same as the previous one. Just like you had said to me that each club would feel the same.

The markings on the clubs are indicating I am hitting more towards the middle. I checked out my driver and I have white markings on the bottom in the middle area from the tees, so I am thinking this means I am hitting the middle of the club. So not just the markings on the clubs I can see where my balls are going and they are much straighter.

Well I cannot wait to get out again, looking forward to club night and I have a feeling a few strokes will be coming off my score.  With the 7 wood I hit it 170, it felt good. I think this is a good distance for that club not sure but it felt good and soared through the air.  How can you tell I am excited about the new clubs could it be the long email.....lol

Thanks for the email and I will keep in touch and let you know how things are going with the new clubs. Only can get better and I am looking forward to see what happens the next time I am out.

You must of had a good talk with my set as they are behaving quite nicely."  :)



Lorraine

Jean, another local gal offers some kind words a couple of months after playing her new clubs;

"I do love the clubs & have lowered my handicap about 8 strokes, It is just great to pick up a club & have confidence in what it will do."

Jean Johns - Regina

Dr. Malcolm Banks (an eye surgeon from Swift Current) kept me up to date on his new clubs over the course of the summer.  Malcolm is an absolute pleasure to work with - he's a 67 year old doctor who looks like he's 40, and has a fantastic golf swing.  Malcolm is playing an MOI'd set of Swing Science S-800 forged irons, Wishon driver, Alpha FW woods and wedges, shafting by Accra in the woods and FST in the irons;

First round with the new clubs - the maiden voyage (75) June/2011;
"The driver is amazing.  It is "quiet" in that a ball struck off the upper center of the face really flies but with a soft muted sound (hence 3 drives tonight of over 300yds) and even when mishit it goes over 250!
The wedges are soft as butter but really give great spin and feel. The irons - first impressions are incredibly positive and I am already starting to believe in all this MOI matching "mumbo-jumbo".
The only down side is that if I keep playing like this my handicap will take a beating! "

Round two (74) June/2011;
"This MOI matching really does make the feeling from club to club very consistent and I hit the S800's today better than I have ever hit irons in my life.  I am close to calling you a genius but I will know better after a dozen rounds rather than just two. "

Club Championship - August/2011;
 "I won the 3rd flight and the low senior net and missed the senior gross by 1 stroke - not a bad weekend for MRB and Goodergolf!

My handicap index has dropped to 6.6 (my lowest ever), and almost four points lower than it was before I got my "Gooder Golf" custom clubs .  Not bad for a 67 year old who does not have enough time to practice anything like enough.  I have never hit a driver as consistently well and long as my "Wishon" and I have total confidence in the irons.  Everyone I play with is intrigued by my clubs.  No-one has ever heard of Tom Wishon and when I talk about spine, FLO, MOI matching etc , I might as well be talking Swahili !  I am truly a believer - indeed I was from day 1 - but now I am getting accustomed to the clubs I am even more enthusiastic.  Do not hesitate to use me as a reference for anyone who needs advice or encouragement to try Gooder Golf - they can phone or email at any time. Good golfing and thank you for these wonderful sticks,

Malcolm. "