how do I find a good club fitter? or lessons instead?

Most places to get fitted have a PGA pro there. I would ask and see what they think is most important.

There are two primary schools of thought,

1. A good set of clubs will practically last a life time. You need to learn to play with your long term equipment.

2. You need to have good swing technique to assure the fitting will be set to your technically correct swing from lessons.

Personally, I subscribe to the first school of thought. I was fitted for Ping G5s then purchased lessons. It seems to be working well for me.

I believe if one is going to play a sport, then proper equipment is a must. How to use that equipment comes next. Get a set of used clubs modified to fit you and then head over to the practice area for a lesson with a competent golf professional that can demonstrate what they want you to do with your well-fit clubs.

Don't you think it is backwards to take lessons using ill-fitting clubs that causes all sorts of swing flaws and compensations?

By the way, the most important club in the bag to get fit properly is the putter. Then, the wedges should fit perfectly. Otherwise, you'll be fighting the clubs on every swing and every putt! It is amazing how much easier putting is when the putter fits the player. Not only is a well-fit putter easier to aim, it also builds confidence more than any club in the bag. Golf is all about confidence.

I have always found lessons to be better for people with your ability level.

I am 6' 1", and I use "off the rack" clubs. My average score is about 90.

The reason I say lessons are better for you is because with a consistent swing that you can constantly repeat, you can swing almost anything. Club fitting helps a great deal, but my opinion is that it helps better players a little more than beginners.

So, do both if you can...but I think lessons are more important.

I taught myself in high school I can shot par now i shot low 80's 30+ years later people want me to teach them,first go to the driving range take wedge 9,8,iron than keep head down,left arm straight,you don't have to keep your head still so don't worry about that,make sure that the grip not tight,loose,make sure you hit the ball on the upswing,my father -in law took lesson did not help him at allyester day we play in shot 48,two weeks ago he shot 62 so just stay in therego to the driving range golfsmith is a good golf fitter