A properly sorted set of golf clubs can make a huge difference to a player’s performance and development. It is essential that they are the correct size to suit height and swing mechanics.
To measure a club length, use a straight edge ruler and a sturdy measuring stick. This is much more reliable than using a flimsy tape measure. Here are a few tips offered by Amelia national golf club professionals.
Length
Having the correct length of golf clubs is essential for efficient performance and accurate ball striking. It directly affects your stance, swing and ultimately the distance and accuracy of your shots.
In general, clubs should be around an inch shorter than your height to provide you with the best fit and play. This can be tricky to determine because your body structure and your swing mechanics have a direct impact on what golf club length is right for you.
If you are unsure about the length of your clubs, it’s a good idea to get fitted. It’s a relatively quick process and will help you make the most of your golfing experience.
To measure the length of your club, you need to take it off the bag and lay it flat on a level surface. This ensures that the club’s length is not influenced by gravitational pull, which will result in an inaccurate reading.
Sole
When buying a new set of golf clubs, it is important to know the sole length. It is often overlooked, but the sole length of your club can make a significant difference in the way it performs and how it will interact with the turf.
The US Golf Association recommends measuring a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, iron or wedge from the center of the sole where a 60 degree angle intersects the shaft's axis up to the grip. The simplest method is to use a 48 inches ruler.
This method is very simple, but it is essential that you place the club in your playing position with the center of the sole touching the ground and follow your natural gripping stance. If you do not, the measured length will be off by more than 1/8".
Weight
A golf club’s weight is important to know because it will impact how long the ball flies. Lighter clubs will produce more speed and acceleration for longer distance, while heavier clubs help you control your tempo and maintain consistency.
In the 1930s, Robert Adams created a scale that measured swing weight. It was called the Lorythmic Scale and it had a letter and number system that went from A-F.
While the exact measurement varies from club to club, it’s a good idea to know the swing weight before buying a new set of golf clubs.
It’s also important to consider the type of shaft that you want to use. A graphite shaft will be lighter than a steel one, and it can lower the overall swing weight of your clubs.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the shaft of your golf clubs affects the distance, accuracy and trajectory of your shot. This is especially true when a player swings the club hard and fast.
Shafts come in various flexes (L, A, R, S and X) depending on your swing speed. Generally, slower swing speeds (beginners and seniors) benefit more from flexible shafts while faster players can benefit more from stiffer ones.
For example, a player with a high swing speed might need to choose a stiffer shaft for better control of the club face and improved accuracy.
Choosing the right shaft flex for you is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the club fitting process. This will depend on your swing speed, tempo and your club head - all of which will help you match the right flex with your swing for better play.
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