One of the most asked questions when it comes to buying golf clubs is how to measure golf club length. Well, the same way you wouldn’t walk into a clothing store and buy a suit off the rack without checking the specifications is the same way you shouldn’t buy golf clubs without checking their length. This is especially true if you’re shorter or taller than the average height.
A properly fitted golf club not only impacts your accuracy but also hitting distance. Getting the wrong size could result in an inconsistent performance which is why you need to determine how long your club needs to be. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about measuring your golf club length, including the main components of club length.
There are several reasons why you should measure your golf club length. For starters, if you play with a club that’s too long or too short, you could end up changing your swing or stance in a way that could impact the outcome negatively. It can also result in inconsistent ball striking when you subconsciously make compensations for your swing.
If you’re taller than average height and you’ll end up getting a club that’s too short, you’ll end up bending more than usual. On the other hand, if your golf club is too long, you’ll need to stand erect. Both of these positions will not only be uncomfortable, but you’ll also end up making subconscious adjustments. This will ultimately result in infective swing motions.
By choosing the right club length that has been calibrated to your height, you’ll be better placed to assume a proper stance. This will then allow you to make the correct swing action, ultimately allowing your ball striking to be consistent.
When it comes to choosing the best driver and irons, there are several factors that you should consider. Here’s a quick overview of the components of club length.
The optimal shaft length in drivers is very critical as it plays a key role in your angle of attack, the club’s path, and how fast you’re able to swing the club. Typically, when your driver has a longer shaft, the clubhead speed is usually highest. This partly explains why the maximum length of driver shafts has been increasing over the years. It’s also why clubmakers always market their products by selling distance which is highly impacted by club speed.
When you take a closer look at the history of golf equipment, you’ll realize that the golf club length is constantly changing. For instance, between 1970 and 1980, the maximum driver length was 43 inches, and currently, it stands at 48 inches, and some manufacturers use 45.5 inches as their norm. This is because clubmakers have invested a lot into researching human psychology and how the club lengths impact gameplay.
You should, however, note that while the length of your driver plays a huge role in creating distance, ultimately, your ability to hit the golf ball using your club’s sweet spot will help you increase your driving distance. What most golfers don’t realize is that the taller their golf diver’s shaft is, the more difficult it is to locate the sweet spot. This is why golfers on PGA tours use drivers with shorter lengths compared to amateurs and recreational golfers.
You’re probably wondering, what is the ideal shaft length in drivers? Well, the best option would be to get the longest length that you’re comfortable with, as long as it doesn’t stop you from making solid contact with the ball.
When it comes to irons, the main elements that impact the optimal club length include your posture, arm length, and overall height. This means that tall players have to get golf clubs that are specifically designed for them and vice versa. The good news is that there are standard club lengths that can be used by a specified range of player heights. However, if you fall outside this range, you’ll have to get shaft length modifications so that your iron length suits your stature.
This brings up the question; how long do you need to cut your shaft if you’re a short player? And how much extra length would you need to get as a tall player? Well, the only way to determine this is by using the correct method to measure the club length.
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There are two main methods of measuring club length, discussed below.
This method was designed by the United States Golf Association, and it requires a measuring apparatus. These devices are a great alternative to ruler readings as they help you get accurate measurements.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure golf club length using the USGA method.
Step 1: Use a calibration device to calibrate the measuring tool. This will help you place the apparatus in an accurate position, which then results in a more accurate reading. If you don’t have a calibration device, you could use a flat surface or calibration apps.
Step 2: Make sure your clubhead is resting on the apparatus. These measuring devices usually come with clubhead support, so this step should be easy.
Step 3: Confirm that the sole plate comes with a 60-degree angle, and then place your clubhead against it.
Step 4: Place your grip on the grip support.
Step 5: Use the scale point to take your readings. It should be making contact with the end of the grip.
You should note that this method doesn’t apply to measuring putters.
The LDA (Long Drivers of America) is one of the easiest measuring methods of measuring your golf club length and can be used at home. For this exercise, you’ll require a 48-inch ruler or longer and measuring tape. You should, however, note that if the measuring tape is too flexible, it could affect the accuracy of your results. We recommend that you use a golf club measuring rule instead.
Step 1: Place your golf club in your normal gripping position.
Step 2: Confirm that the club’s sole center is making contact with the ground.
Step 3: Place the ruler behind the club.
Step 4: Ensure that the back of the club’s heel and the center part that’s touching the ground are in alignment.
Step 5: measure the distance between the grip cap’s edge and the ruler’s end to take the final reading.
To get an accurate reading, ensure that your club lie is correctly positioned.
Whether you’re a high handicapper or are an expert player, the success of your gameplay begins with the length of your golf clubs, so ensure you take the measurements correctly.
There’s no standard length of golf clubs which gives clubmakers the freedom to make golf clubs that they assume would be appropriate. You should, however, note that while there is no ideal club length, the USGA has placed a limitation on the maximum length; 48 inches. With this in mind, you can easily get the club size that you feel would suit your style of play and height.
Here’s a quick table of the ideal club lengths.
| Players Height | Driver | 3 Wood | 3 Iron | 5 Iron | 7 Iron | 9 Iron | Sand Wedge | Putter |
| 50″ | 36″ | 35″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30″ | 29″ | 28.5″ | 28″ |
| 51″ | 36″ | 35″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30″ | 29″ | 28.5″ | 28″ |
| 52″ | 36″ | 35″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30″ | 29″ | 28.5″ | 28″ |
| 53″ | 37″ | 36″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30″ | 29.5″ | 29″ |
| 54″ | 37″ | 36″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30″ | 29.5″ | 29″ |
| 55″ | 38″ | 37″ | 34″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30.5″ | 30″ |
| 56″ | 38″ | 37″ | 34″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31″ | 30.5″ | 30″ |
| 57″ | 39″ | 38″ | 35″ | 34″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31.5″ | 31″ |
| 58″ | 39″ | 38″ | 35″ | 34″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31.5″ | 31″ |
| 59″ | 39″ | 38″ | 35″ | 34″ | 33″ | 32″ | 31.5″ | 31″ |
| 60″ | 40″ | 39″ | 36″ | 35″ | 34″ | 33″ | 32.5″ | 32″ |
| 61″ | 41″ | 40″ | 37″ | 36″ | 35″ | 34″ | 33.5″ | 32″ |
To sum it up on how to measure golf club length, the ideal length varies based on the player’s height. We have highlighted 2 simple methods that you can use to measure your ideal length, but if for a more thorough fitting, we recommend that you contact a professional. The beauty of golf clubs is that since there’s no standard length, you can easily get customized clubs. You just need to go for a length that doesn’t impact your ability to make accurate hits.
