To ensure optimized performance in the course, golf clubs must have lengths suited to the player’s physique and height. So if you’re an avid golfer and you want to take the sport more seriously, best learn how to tell if your golf clubs are too long or too short.
Below is a guide to help you learn how to do just that, alongside a few steps and recommendations to help you find better clubs for your next game. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- To ensure optimized performance in the course, golf clubs must have lengths suited to the player’s physique and height.
- If you’re an avid golfer and you want to take the sport more seriously, best learn how to tell if your golf clubs are too long or too short.
- There are many factors to consider when choosing the right length for your clubs.
5 Signs Your Golf Clubs are Too Long
If you find yourself experience any of the following while playing, chancs are your golf clubs are made too long for you:
You struggle to make solid contact with the ball
If you’re consistently struggling to make solid contact with the ball, it’s a sign that your clubs are too long. When your clubs are the proper shaft length, you should be able to make consistent contact with the sweet spot of the club. If you find that you’re constantly hitting the ball off-center, it’s a good indication that your clubs are too long.
You have a hard time controlling your shots
Another sign that your clubs are too long is if you have a hard time controlling your shots. When your clubs are properly fitted, you should be able to hit the ball where you want it to go with relative ease. If you find that your shots are all over the place, it’s likely because your clubs are too long.
You feel like you have to swing too hard to hit the ball far
If you feel like you have to swing too hard in order to hit the ball a decent distance, it’s another sign that your clubs are too long. When your clubs are properly fitted, you shouldn’t have to swing as hard in order to hit the ball a good distance. If you find yourself having to swing too hard, it means that your clubs are most likely too long.
You get tired quickly when playing golf
If you find yourself getting tired quickly when playing golf, it could be because your clubs are too long. When your clubs fit properly, they shouldn’t require excessive effort to swing. If you find yourself getting winded after just a few holes, chances are it’s because your clubs are too long for you.
Your posture is poor when swinging
Finally, if your posture is poor when swinging, it’s another sign that your clubs may be too long for you. When swinging, you should be able to maintain a relatively upright posture throughout the entire motion. If you find yourself hunched over or slouching when swinging, it means that your clubs are probably too long for your height and build
5 Signs Your Golf Clubs are Too Short
On the other hand, below are the common red flags that your golf clubs are too short for you:
You’re hitting the ground too much
One of the clearest signs that your golf clubs are too short is if you find yourself hitting the ground too much. This can be difficult to notice at first, but if you pay attention to where your club is making contact with the golf ball, you should be able to tell if you’re hitting too low. This is a problem because it will cause your shots to go lower than you want them to, making it harder to hit the green.
Your shots aren’t going as far
Another sign that your golf clubs are too short is if your shots aren’t going as far as they used to. This is especially noticeable if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for a while and suddenly find yourself losing distance. If you think this might be the case, try hitting a few balls with a friend’s clubs to see if there’s a difference.
You’re having trouble hitting your driver
If you’re having trouble hitting your driver, it could be because your clubs are too short. A driver is designed to be hit off the tee, so if you’re finding that you’re struggling to make solid contact, it’s likely that your clubs are too short. This can be a frustrating problem because it will make it difficult to tee off on par-5 holes.
You struggle with your approach shots
Another sign that your golf clubs are too short is if you struggle with your approach shots. If you find yourself consistently leaving your approach shots short of the green, it’s likely that your clubs are too short. This can be a frustrating problem because it will make it difficult to score well on par-3 and par-4 holes.
You missed the fairway more often than usual
If you find yourself missing the fairway more often than usual, it could be because your clubs are too short. This is especially true if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for a while and suddenly find yourself struggling to hit the fairway. If you think this might be the case, try hitting a few balls with a friend’s clubs to see if there’s a difference
4 Steps to Measure Your Golf Clubs
To learn how to tell if your golf clubs are too long or too short, you first need to know how to measure its length. Below are four steps to help you properly measure a golf club. Start with the set of clubs you already own. That way, you won’t have to replace all of them (provided some of them have the right length for you).
- Check the club’s length using a sturdy straight edge ruler. Don’t rely on tape measures since they tend to be too flimsy even when pressed against the club’s shaft, preventing you from making an accurate measurement. In case you don’t have your own straight edge ruler, you can either borrow from someone who does or buy one at your local hardware store.
- Don’t measure your golf club horizontally on a workbench. Instead, you should stand them up vertically and place the club in its proper position. That is, the sole of the golf club must be positioned flat on the ground.
- Place the straight edge ruler near the golf club in such a way that its end is touching the ground. Make sure the club remains in address position while the ruler squares up against the hosel. (Note: The hosel is the part of the golf club where the clubhead and shaft meet.)
- Press the straight edge ruler as close as possible to the golf club’s shaft. Then read the measurement at the bottom of the club’s grip cap. Thus, you’ll know the length of the shaft.
Recommended Length Adjustments for Golf Clubs
Aside from the club’s length, your height will also come into play when learning how to tell if your golf clubs are too long or too short. Below is a table of the recommended adjustments for golf clubs based on height:
| Player Height | Adjustments (to be added to the standard length of the club) |
| 5 ft. to 5 ft. 9 in. | 0 |
| 5 ft. 10 in. to 6 ft. 3 in. | ½ inch |
| 6 ft. 3 in. to 6 ft. 4 in. | 1 inch |
| 6 ft. 5 in. | 1 ½ inches |
| 6 ft. 6 in. and above | 2 inches |
These recommendations can apply to both standard-length golf clubs and their custom-fitted counterparts. By adjusting your golf club lengths according to these recommendations, you can potentially improve your golfing.
Factors to Consider When Finding Your Ideal Club Length
Now that you know how to measure your ideal golf club length, you’ll be able to get fitted with the right equipment for you next game. However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing the right length for your clubs. These include:
Player Height
One of the most important factors to consider when finding your ideal club length is your height. If you are taller, you will need a longer club, and vice versa. The general rule is that your clubs should be about an inch shorter than your height.
Age and Gender
Your age and gender are also important factors to consider when finding your ideal club length. Generally speaking, younger players and female players will need shorter clubs due to their smaller stature. Conversely, older players and male players will often need longer clubs due to their larger stature.
Arm Length
The length of your arms is another important factor to consider when finding your ideal club length. If you have long arms, you will likely need something longer than the standard length golf club so that you can reach the ball comfortably. But if you have short arms, you may be better off with a shorter club so that you can maintain control over your swing.
Wrist Flexibility
If you have flexible wrists, you may be able to get away with using something shorter than the standard length club. This is because flexible wrists allow for greater range of motion, which means that you can generate more power with a shorter club. However, if you have stiff wrists, you may need a longer club to maintain control over your swing speed and swing path.
Your Grip Strength
Another factor that can influence the size of golf grip that’s best for an individual is grip strength . Players with stronger grips can usually handle larger grips without losing any feel or accuracy , while those with weaker grips might benefit from downsizing their grips in order to increase control . In addition , players with arthritis or other conditions that cause pain or stiffness in their hands might find it more comfortable to use smaller grips .
Swing Speed
Another important factor to consider is your swing speed. If you have a faster swing, you will need a shorter club, as a longer club will be more difficult to control. Conversely, if you have a slower swing, you will need a longer club in order to generate more power.
Playing Style
If you are a power player who hits the golf ball hard, you will likely need a shorter club so that you can maintain control. Conversely, if you are a finesse player who relies on accuracy over power, you will likely need a longer club in order to maximize your distance.
Golfing Experience
If you are a beginner, it is important to choose standard length clubs that are forgiving, meaning they have a larger sweet spot and are less likely to produce hooks or slices. As you become more experienced, you can start to experiment with different club types in order to find what works best for your game.
Type of Club
The type of club you choose will also affect the length. For example, irons are typically shorter than woods, as they are designed for accuracy rather than distance. Hybrids are somewhere in between, as they combine the best features of both woods and irons.
Lie Angle
The lie angle is the angle between the shaft and the ground when the club is at rest. A higher lie will produce a higher ball flight, while a lower one will produce a lower ball flight. The lie angle can be adjusted on most clubs, so it is important to get fitted by a professional before purchasing any clubs.
Grip Size
Your grip size is another important factor to consider when choosing your clubs. If your grip is too small, you will have difficulty controlling the club; if it is too large, you will have difficulty generating power. The best way to determine your ideal grip size is to get fitted by a professional.
Shaft Flex
The shaft flex is the amount of flexibility in the shaft of the club. A stiffer shaft will produce more power but less accuracy, while a more flexible shaft will produce more accuracy but less power. Most beginners should opt for a regular flex shaft, as it offers a good balance between power and accuracy
Course Conditions
The conditions of the course you are playing on will also play a role in finding your ideal club length. If the course is wet or muddy, you will likely need a shorter club so that you can maintain control. Conversely, if the course is dry or hard-packed, you will likely need a longer club in order to maximize your distance.
Other Things to Know About Golf Club Lengths
Lastly, you should know that other factors can affect your golf clubs’ lengths, including:
Standard Club Lengths
Standard golf club lengths vary depending on the type of club. For example, iron clubs typically measure around 36 to 40 inches, while standard drivers and putters are 45 inches and 34 inches long, respectively. Knowing these standard lengths will help you more effectively adjust your clubs’ length in case they’re too long or too short for you.
Club Material and Construction
Differences in lengths can also occur due to club’s material. For instance, steel shafts are typically one inch shorter than graphite shafts. Construction will come into play as well. Take center-shafted putters for example. To accurately measure its shaft length, you need to measure it along the shaft where it enters the head (instead of at the hosel).
Driver Flex
Driver club flex depends on the player’s swing speed and swing path. The faster your golf swing speed is, the stiffer your driver must be. If you have a swing speed of 95 or higher, then best make sure your driver clubs are stiff enough to handle the pressure. This is especially helpful if your golf clubs measure longer than the standard length drivers.
Customized Clubs
Custom-made golf clubs usually have proper length that match the users’ height, play style, and other preferences. So in case you want to alter the lengths of your customized set, keep in mind that doing so can potentially change the feel and flex of your golf clubs. If you’re already comfortable with your clubs’ current weight and flex, then best not make any adjustments at all.
Golf Club Length Matters
Like it or not, the length of your clubs will affect how you play golf. Too long, and your swings will lose their accuracy. But too short, and the ball might not fly at long distances. By learning how to tell if your golf clubs are too short or too long, you can improve your stay on top of your game at the golf course.
