Fitting for proper length is the beginning of any club fitting process. Many golfers can have a static fit for length and get fairly close to what they need. See my post on Static vs. Dynamic fitting. In a full detailed fitting, a golfer needs to get dynamic fitted for length.

Why does length matter?

The length of a golf club determines many factors. Longer shafts can generate more clubhead speed resulting in greater distance, but they are also harder to control. Think about your current clubs. You tend to have more control with the shorter shafted clubs because your swing is shorter, and it is easier to return the club to it’s starting position. Proper dynamic club fitting for length is NOT based only on your physical height.

Club length is also determinant on your playing ability. If you are just beginning, then shorter clubs might be the answer to you problems. If you are already a consistent swinger of the club and you are looking for more distance, a longer club might be part of the solution.

Golf club shafts are measured in inches. Although there are no definite standards, most manufactures fall within a range. For some strange reason, almost all club fitting systems deploy a 6 iron as the standard fitting club. The typical range is from 37.25″ to 37.75 inches. The clubs within a set of irons is stepped. Meaning the club one loft up (5 rion) would be +.50″ longer, while a club down (7 iron) would be -.50″ shorter. The stepping relates to playability. As the lofts increase or decrease, the lengths follow suit. This allows for predictable outcomes of distance.

Length and Impact

When fitted for length, the idea is to find consistency. Consistency is the key to improvement. To measure length you will need to hit various clubs with differing lengths. The clubs should be -.50″, std. , +.50″ and +1″. Impact tape will be placed in the face of the club. Impact tape leaves a mark where the ball has made contact. 4-5 shots per club should show a grouping.  When a club is too long, you will notice marks closer to the heal of the clubhead. If the club is too short, you will notice groupings towards the toe. The perfect length club will have groupings towards the sweetspot portion of the clubface. If your markings are not grouped, meaning they are on the toe and heal even after trying the three variations of length, then it shows that your swing is not consistent, and maybe lessons are required. It should be noted that your best grouping is more likely the shorter club. Club manufactures can also custom fit shafts in .25 inch increments. So if you are stuck somewhere between a length, by all means split the difference.

The club fitter should also make note of where you set up to hit golf balls. If you move closer to the ball it can effect the outcome, remember, club fitting is not really a lesson…it’s a method to provide the best equipment for your current swing.

Effect of Length

The effect of length is a MAJOR Factor in

• Distance
• Accuracy
• Feel

When You have been Fit for Length

The next set is to find the proper lie angle. Click on this link to see more.