shaft length

[time_vans]

having viewed many films of golf swings with drivers i am of the opinion that shaft length plays an intrinsical part in distance as the big hitters seem to have a longer shaft and flatter plain. is there an optimal length as i persume too short a shaft will rob you of distance??

 

[John_Findlay]

Yes, Tim, but it'll also radically change your swing plain. At the end of the day we're all trying to control the golf ball. It's much harder with a longer shaft (no fnar, fnars please)

When I was custom fit for my driver I got a shorter shaft than my old one and I'm hitting it further and straighter. Leave the extra long shafts to the Long Driving Contest boys if you want it to stay on the green stuff.

 

[Viper]

There is no 'optimal length' as such, it is what each player can handle. Yes, a longer shafter driver will (in the right hands) hit slightly further but most players consider that the increased difficulty factor outweighs benefits gained.

Such is likely generally a sound view but it need not be the case with an intelligent golfer willing to take lessons and practice constructively.

If a male player can drive 280 yards then that is sufficient. Big hitters tend to regularly get into off the fairway trouble simply by being slightly out on direction.

the Viper

 

[def]

being on the short side i had two inches taken off my standard lenght shaft now find no diference in distance but much more accurate and confidant

 

[time_vans]

i am only 5ft 8" is that classed as short and should i need a bit trimming off the length ??

 

[MVP]

i am only 5ft 8" is that classed as short and should i need a bit trimming off the length ??

possibly. see a fitting pro he can suss that out for you!

 

[Viper]

I am only 5'9" and was advised by a master club builder that it was ridiculous to compete at Long Drive with 50" drivers as they would be far too long for me, particularly as I was then 56 years old.

I LOVE advisors to tell me that things are too difficult! I went on to take three international L.D. titles (in a younger age category) with 50" drivers with a longest hit of 345 yds., and in my first year of golf.

Far more important to whether or not one is 5'2" one-armed, or blind, is one's attitude and approach to golf. Most of today's 'golfers' rarely ever practice, never take lessons, and are afraid of their drivers. Yes, afraid.

If a golfer is willing to spend at least as much time on the practice ground and driving range as on the golf course, say a 50 / 50 ratio, and have a golf lesson at least once every couple of months then what is achievable for him / her is generally massively different to what is possible for the other 99% of 'golfers.' My practice / golf ratio is well in excess of 25/1. Most of my practice is done with an eight iron and pitching wedge on grass. Once it gets warmer I spend many hours on the practice putting green.

The harsh reality of today's golf is that most 'golfers' do not take their game seriously and therefore a driver of any length is arguably better left in the boot of the car.

For an intelligent hard practising golfer who takes an occasional lesson, and is willing - if necessary - to make fundamental change, then there is little difference between a 45" and 48" driver. I have yet to find any high handicapper on my local driving range who, after five minutes instruction, could not at least match their present driving length using one of my 50" competition drivers. Most improved their distance, and with few bad hits.

My advice depends on whom I am advising and may appear to be, simply on face value, totally contradictory.

the Viper

 

[Pinhal_Pete]

I have slightly longer shafts in my irons, but only due to my height and an upright stance; Herself, on the other hand, uses normal mens clubs as ladies are too short !