Planning to get new golf clubs for yoyr next game? Get properly fitted by following our golf club measurement guide!
Having properly-fitted golf clubs is essential because it can significantly impact your swing mechanics, ball flight, accuracy, and overall performance on the course. It can also improve your comfort, control, and confidence, leading to better shots and a more enjoyable golfing experience. In stark contrast, using clubs with the wrong length, loft, or flex can cause swing faults and inconsistencies, leading to frustration and lower scores.
The golf club measurement guide below will cover the critical aspects of getting correctly fitted with golf clubs. It will explain in-depth how things like golf club length, loft and lie angles, and shaft and grip material can impact a golfer’s overall performance. Also included will be step-by-step instructions on measuring these factors, as well as a series of lists containing the things to consider when doing so. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Getting adequately fitted with golf clubs can help you play golf better and improve your overall experience.
- There are several important factors to consider when getting fitted with golf clubs.
- You can measure some of these factors on your own. However, you must ask a professional for the most appropriate and accurate measurements for your golf clubs.
Part I. Golf Club length
Club length affects swing mechanics and accuracy because it impacts a golfer’s posture and balance during the swing. If the golf club is too short, you’ll have to hunch over, potentially leading to less consistent contact. Meanwhile, if the golf club is too long for you, you might lose your balance and swing off-plane, leading to inconsistent shots.
How to Measure Golf Club Length
To measure the correct golf club length for you, you will need a measuring tape or ruler. Then follow these steps:
- Grip the golf club as you normally would, with the club’s sole resting flat on the ground.
- Stand up straight with your arms hanging straight and relaxed at your sides.
- Measure the distance from the ground to the top of your wrist, where it meets your hand. This is your wrist to floor measurements.
- Subtract 1 inch from your wrist-to-floor measurement to find your recommended golf club length. For example, if your wrist-to-floor measurement is 34 inches, your recommended club length would be 33 inches. Again, you can refer to a golf club size chart for this.
- Measure the length of your current golf clubs or try out those with different sizes to determine the best fit for your golf swing. You can also use a golf club size chart that matches your correct club length with your height and arm length.
Factors to Consider When Measuring Golf Club Length
It’s important to note that the measurement method above provides a general recommendation for standard length (i.e., for players with average height). Other factors like the ones listed below should also be considered when selecting the correct size. You can also use a golf club length chart as a reference.
- Wrist to floor measurements. This is the most critical factor when determining the proper club length for your swing. Your wrist-to-floor measurement will help you choose the shaft length that will best fit your swing mechanics.
- Swing style. Your swing style also plays a role in selecting the right golf club length. A more upright swing may require shorter golf clubs, while a flatter swing may require longer clubs.
- Comfort. Your comfort level with the golf club length is essential. If a club feels too long or short, it can affect your golf swing mechanics and accuracy.
- Flexibility. Your level of flexibility can also impact your desired length. A shorter club length may be more suitable if you have limited flexibility.
- Skill level. Beginners may benefit from slightly shorter golf clubs, which can be easier to control and provide better accuracy.
- Ball flight. The desired ball flight can also impact golf club length selection. For example, a longer club may be more suitable if you prefer a higher ball flight.
Considering these factors is essential when selecting the right golf club length for your game. Getting fitted by a professional is the best way to ensure the correct golf club size for your individual swing mechanics and style.
Part II. Loft and Lie Angles
Next in this golf club measurement guide are the loft and lie angles, two of the most critical factors affecting golf ball flight. Loft angle is the angle of the clubface concerning the ground, while lie angle refers to the angle between the clubhead sole and the shaft. The right combination of loft and lie angle can impact ball flight by affecting spin rate, launch angle, and shot direction. Golf clubs with the correct loft and lie angle can produce straighter shots with optimal distance and trajectory.
How to Measure Your Loft and Lie Angles
Measuring loft and lie angles requires a unique tool (called a loft and lie angle machine), which professional golf club fitters typically use. However, there are some general steps you can take to check the lie angle of a club:
- Place a lie board on a flat surface, such as a hitting mat or hard ground.
- Place the clubhead on the lie board, ensuring the club’s sole is flat against the board.
- Make a mark on the club shaft with a dry erase marker where it meets the board.
- Place the clubhead back on the lie board, ensuring it is in the same position.
- Check the mark on the club shaft. If it is pointing to the right of the clubhead, the lie angle is too upright. If it is pointing to the left of the clubhead, the lie angle is too flat.
The professional golf club fitter will bend the clubhead to the appropriate angle to adjust the lie angle using a specialized machine. Beginners are not recommended to attempt to measure or adjust loft and lie angles independently.
Factors to Consider When Measuring Your Loft and Lie Angle
It’s also important to consider all of the factors below when measuring your loft and lie angles:
- Swing mechanics. Your swing mechanics can impact your the optimal loft and lie angles of your golf clubs. A flatter or more upright swing may require a different lie angle than a more neutral swing.
- Shot shape. The desired shot shape can also impact the optimal loft and lie angle. For example, if you tend to slice the ball, a more upright lie angle may help you produce straighter shots.
- Ball flight. The desired ball flight can also impact the optimal loft and lie angle. A golf club with more loft may be more suitable if you prefer a higher ball flight.
- Clubhead design. Different clubhead designs may have varying optimal loft and lie angles. For example, a clubhead with a deeper cavity may require a more upright lie angle.
- Club type. The optimal loft and lie angle may differ between golf clubs, such as irons versus hybrids or fairway woods.
Part III. Clubhead Size and Shape
The size and shape of a clubhead can significantly impact ball flight and forgiveness. A more oversized clubhead typically provides a more prominent sweet spot, which can result in more forgiving shots and reduced spin rates. Meanwhile, a smaller clubhead may offer better control and workability. The shape of the clubhead can also affect ball flight, with specific figures producing more or less spin, launch angle, and shot direction.
How to Measure Your Clubhead Size and Shape
Measuring clubhead size and shape can be a bit trickier than measuring your golf club length or loft and lie angles, as it requires specialized equipment. However, here are some general steps you can take to assess your clubhead size and shape:
- Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the clubhead.
- Use a scale to weigh the clubhead.
- Observe the clubhead shape to assess the design features, such as the size and placement of the sweet spot, the shape of the sole, and the curvature of the face.
You should visit a professional club fitter who can use the specialized equipment needed to get a more accurate assessment of your clubhead size and shape.
Factors to Consider When Measuring Your Clubhead Size and Shape
Here are some factors to consider when measuring your clubhead size and shape:
- Swing style. Your swing style can impact the type of clubhead best suited for you. For example, golfers with a slower swing speed may benefit from a more oversized clubhead with a higher moment of inertia (MOI), which can help with off-center hits.
- Playing ability. Your playing ability can also impact the type of clubhead that is best for you. Players with higher handicaps may benefit from a more oversized clubhead with a more forgiving design, while more skilled players may prefer a smaller clubhead with more workability.
- Shot type. The type of shots you prefer or need to hit can also impact the best clubhead for you. For example, if you like to hit draws or fades, you may want to look for a clubhead with a more curved face.
- Course conditions. The course conditions you typically play on can also impact the best clubhead for you. For example, if you frequently play on courses with thick rough or firm fairways, you may benefit from a clubhead with a more curved sole.
- Personal preferences. Ultimately, your choices will also play a role in determining the type of clubhead that is best for you. You may prefer a brand, color, or shape that makes you feel confident and comfortable on the course.
Part IV. Shaft Flex and Material
The shaft flex and material can significantly impact ball flight and feel. A stiffer golf club shaft may produce a lower ball flight with less spin, while a more flexible shaft may produce a higher ball flight with more spin. The material can also impact feel, with graphite shafts providing a lighter and more comfortable feel than steel shafts.
How to Choose Your Shaft Flex and Material
Choosing the proper shaft flex and material is vital for improving your performance on the golf course. Here are some steps to pick the correct shaft flex and material for your golf clubs:
- Use a launch monitor or get a swing speed measurement from a professional to determine your swing speed. This is a critical factor in determining the appropriate shaft flex.
- Consider the type of shots you prefer or need to hit. A more flexible shaft may be appropriate if you need to hit a high ball flight. A stiffer shaft may be more suitable if you need to hit a lower ball flight with less spin.
- Try hitting shots with graphite and steel shafts to determine your preferred material. Graphite shafts are lighter and more comfortable, while steel shafts provide more control.
- Work with a professional golf club fitter to analyze your swing and provide recommendations for the appropriate shaft flex and material based on your swing style and individual needs.
- Ultimately, your preferences will also play a role in determining the type of shaft flex and material that is best for you. Consider factors such as brand, color, and feel to find the golf clubs that make you feel confident and comfortable on the course.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Shaft Flex and Material
When choosing the appropriate shaft flex and material for your golf clubs, it’s essential to consider several factors:
- Swing speed. Your swing speed is a critical factor in determining the appropriate shaft flex. A slower swing speed may benefit from a more flexible shaft, while a faster one may benefit from a stiffer shaft.
- Shot type. Consider the kind of shots you prefer or need to hit. A more flexible shaft may be appropriate if you need to hit a higher ball flight. A stiffer shaft may be more suitable if you need to hit a lower ball flight with less spin.
- Material. The material of the shaft can also impact your performance. Graphite shafts tend to be lighter and more comfortable, while steel shafts tend to provide more control.
- Swing style. Your swing style can also impact the type of shaft flex best for you. A smoother swing may benefit from a more flexible shaft, while a more aggressive swing may benefit from a stiffer shaft.
- Personal preferences. Your personal preferences, such as brand, color, and feel, can also play a role in determining the type of shaft flex and material that is best for you.
Part V. Grip Size and Material
Lastly in this golf club measurement guide, grip size and material can significantly impact a golfer’s comfort and control over their swing. A grip that is too small or too large can affect the golfer’s grip pressure, leading to a lack of control. The material can also affect comfort, with softer grips offering more cushioning and a firmer grip offering more control.
How to Choose Grip Size and Material
Following these steps, you can select the right grip size and material to optimize the performance of your golf clubs and enjoy playing the sport better.
- Use a tape measure to measure the length of your hand from the wrist to the tip of your most extended finger. This will give you an idea of the grip size you need.
- Consider the type of shots you prefer or need to hit. If you need more control, a firmer grip may be appropriate. If you want more comfort, a softer grip may be suitable.
- Try hitting shots with rubber and synthetic grips to determine your preferred material. Rubber grips offer more control, while synthetic grips offer more comfort.
- Work with a professional golf club fitter to analyze your grip pressure and provide recommendations for the appropriate grip size and material based on your swing style and individual needs.
- Again, your preferences will also play a role in determining the type of grip size and material best for you. Consider factors such as brand, color, and feel to find the grips that make you feel confident and comfortable on the course.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Grip Size and Material
When choosing the appropriate grip size and material for your golf clubs, it’s essential to consider several factors:
- Hand size. Your hand size will play a significant role in determining the appropriate grip size. A grip that is too small or too large can affect your grip pressure and lead to a lack of control.
- Swing type. Consider the kind of shots you prefer or need to hit. If you need more control, a firmer grip may be appropriate. If you want more comfort, a softer grip may be suitable.
- Material. The material of the grip can also impact your performance. Rubber grips offer more control, while synthetic grips offer more comfort.
- Weather conditions. Consider the climate where you play golf. If you frequently play in wet or humid conditions, a grip with a more textured surface may be more appropriate to maintain your grip.
- Personal preferences. Your preferences, such as brand, color, and feel, can also play a role in determining the type of grip size and material best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size golf clubs I need?
You can determine the size of golf clubs you need by considering your height, arm length, and swing speed. It is recommended to get custom fitted by a professional club fitter or to try out different sizes at a golf store before making a purchase.
What length should my golf clubs be for my height?
The length of your golf clubs will depend on your height, as well as other factors like arm length and posture. As a general guideline, golfers who are shorter than 5’6″ may benefit from clubs that are 1 inch shorter than standard length, while golfers who are taller than 6’2″ may benefit from clubs that are 1 inch longer than standard length. However, it’s important to get custom fitted by a professional club fitter to ensure the best fit for your individual needs.
Follow This Golf Club Measurement Guide
A properly fitted golf club can help you hit more accurate shots and solid contact, improve your swing mechanics, and reduce the risk of injury. So it’s essential to take some time to measure the factors outlined above.
By following the steps listed in this golf club measurement guide and considering the factors mentioned, you can select adequately fitted golf clubs to help you enjoy the game more and perform at your best. So, don’t hesitate to use this golf club measurement guide and start the journey to better golfing today!
