Do I Need Longer Golf Clubs? (How To Tell If Yours Are Too Short)

Despite all the testing we do in a year, we always recommend golfers get a custom fitting. Even if we can tell you that one driver outranks all the rest, you still need to check on things like the length of a golf club. Those handy fitting charts that have you measuring your height and arm length don’t always tell the whole story. If you’ve been wondering if you need longer golf clubs, you are in the right place. Here are the things to look for.

Height isn’t everything

Height matters when you are looking for the best golf clubs for your game but it isn’t everything. Proportions also matter. Body proportions like leg and arm length, torso height and even flexibility play into the length of the golf club that is right for you.

Two golfers who are both 5’10” may not fit into the same length club. Some have shorter arms or a longer torso and this all plays into your club-fitting requirements.

Posture and flexibility can influence club length

Your posture will affect how you address the golf ball. Some players feel better standing upright and closer to the ball while others like to reach. If you’ve lost flexibility because of age or injury, you may hunch over a little at the ball.

In this instance, slightly longer clubs can help you maintain a more comfortable posture while striking the ball with a square face.

When you go for a golf club fitting, take your typical stance and posture so you don’t end up with a club that doesn’t work for your game.

Golfers with longer arms need shorter clubs

Golfers with longer arms need shorter clubs. If you address the ball normally, do you need to hunch over in order to feel comfortable? Even if you are playing standard-length clubs for your height, your arm length could be throwing this equation off.

Athletic ability matters

Here is a factor that people don’t talk about often enough: athletic ability in golf club fitting. I’m only 5’2″ but I play a standard men’s length golf driver. My irons are a bit short to accommodate my height but when it comes to the driver, the extra length of the club actually helps me generate more yards.

Once, I was fitted (using a golf club fitting chart) for irons that were three-quarters of an inch shorter than standard instead of half an inch and I lost game-changing distance in the short irons. If that distance loss was compensated by increased accuracy, I might have accepted it, but I did not.

Better players need to consider dozens of fitting factors before deciding on a set of clubs. You may be able to play with a club with a little extra length and actually hit more consistent and longer golf shots.

Common signs your clubs are too short

If you feel like your clubs could be too short and some of the above points about club fitting resonate with you, here are a few additional signs your clubs are too short.

• You feel like you have to crouch to make solid contact with the ball.
• You hit shots out on the toe too often.
• You struggle to make consistent, solid contact.
• You have lost some clubhead speed.
• You pull the ball.

Hand position adjustments versus length adjustments (What makes sense?)

Does it make sense to get custom-fitted clubs, retrofit your own clubs or just move your hands on the grip a little and deal with it?

The problem with changing your hand position instead of getting custom fitted for the proper length is that other aspects of the club may also need to be adjusted based on your fitting metrics.

Most importantly, the lie angle becomes a concern.

If you find your clubs are too short, don’t try and grip the very butt end of the club. Get them extended to match the specifics of your game. Then, if you want to choke up to hit certain shots, you have the option.

Static versus dynamic fitting: Understanding the difference

One of the reasons we stress club fitting so much is the static versus dynamic fitting concept. Static fitting considers things like height, wrist-to-floor distance and hand size. These measurements can be used to give you a basic estimate of the club length and lie angle you need.

However, as any custom fitter will tell you, static fitting doesn’t tell the whole story.

Dynamic fitting considers how you move through the swing. Things like ball flight, launch angle and swing path all come into play. If you think you need longer golf clubs, move away from the static fitting chart and get a dynamic fitting to be sure.