“The Short and Long of It”
When you buy a shirt do you just pick up a regular size automatically? Hopefully not. We all have different sized arms, chests, necks, etc. When it comes to hitting a solid shot consistently (on the sweet spot), the importance of proper length is paramount. So why are so many players using standard length clubs? The answer of course is that golf club companies believe that most of the golfing population fits into this category.
Some golfers believe that their height dictates their club length. That’s not entirely true. A lot depends on arm, torso and leg length. So it’s possible for example that a tall person with long arms may not need over-length clubs. The more important measurement is the distance from the wrist to the floor. Most clubmakers will have a chart that provides a good starting point for iron and driver length. This length can then be adjusted up or down based on the golfer’s skill level, swing plane and pattern of impact around the sweet spot of the club face. A player with an athletic, smooth swing may be able to go up one-half inch while a player with a steep swing plane may need to go down one-half inch. To make sure the correct length is found, the clubmaker will have the player hit balls using impact marking tape on the club face to ensure a tight pattern.
OK, let’s talk about drivers. Most drivers bought off the rack are 45” to 45.5” long. Did you know that the average driver length on the PGA tour is 44.5 inches? They just know they have better control with a 44.5” driver. According to club design expert Tom Wishon, missing the sweet spot on your driver by only one-quarter inch will cost you 5 yards in carry distance. Missing by a half inch will cost 10 yards and so on. But what about the distance gained using a longer driver? Robotic testing with a 90 mph swing speed only yielded a half-yard gain in carry distance going from a 44” to 46” driver!
When evaluating your driving distance try to think in terms of average distance and fairways hit and NOT the ONE TIME you pured it with a swing so hard you had spit flying out of your mouth! Next time on the range, try choking down one-half inch. The grip will feel a little smaller (you can temporarily build it up with Gauzetex tape if you like) but notice how much more consistent your drives become with little to no loss in distance. The next step is to visit your clubmaker who can do an impact test and change your club length for a small charge.
Tom Wishon’s designs have won on the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, and Ryder Cup. Check out his book Search for the Perfect Golf Club.
Patrick Blair
Blair Golfworks
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