- Golf Driver Shaft Length
- Driver Shaft Length For Height
- Golf Driver Shaft Length
- Golf Driver Shaft Length Guide
- Golf Driver Shaft Length Chart
In our experience over the last twenty years, we have seen off-the-shelf driver lengths go from 43 inches to 48 inches, the maximum allowable by the USGA, and back to somewhere around 45 inches. The holy grail for most golfers is increased distance off the tee. With the USGA governing the rebound effect off the face of the driver (CT), it seems logical that adding length to the driver creates a longer swing arc and therefore more club head speed. But, if you do not hit the sweet spot on the face of the driver, you will actually LOSE distancebecause the efficiency (smash factor) will drop and you will generate less ball speed. In fact, the winner of the 2018 Masters used a driver that is 44.5 inches long and the 2nd place finishers driver length was 44.5 inches as well. Check out our list of 2018 stock drivers at the end of this blog.
So, how do you determine YOUR optimum driver length? There are several factors that you should consider:
Golf Driver Shaft Length
Arm length and Posture.
Shafts on the professional golfing tours are on average 44.5” while the average shaft length fitted to drivers that you buy off the shelf is approximately 45.5”. A custom fitting is the best way to best way to ensure that your driver shaft is the correct size.
In both our BGF Fitting System and the TrueFitClubs Fitting Wizard, we use wrist-crease-to-floor measurement to determine a good length. Our system is designed to give the “average” length for a driver of 44.5 inches. We have found in thousands of fittings that a driver that is too long will result in more hits off the heel of the club causing higher spin and loss of distance. Another factor is posture at address. If you stand very tall and have a steep swing plane, you could use a slightly longer driver.
Impact of Length on Shaft Weight
- Using TrackMan my idea was to test the same golfer, clubhead and golf ball, but change the shaft length. I took my current driver, which is the Titleist D3 8.5 degree (B1) with a 45' Motore F3 70 gram stiff shaft and tested it alongside the same head (B1) with a 43' Project X 82 gram stiff shaft. Essentially a driver shaft versus a 3 wood shaft.
- For putters, length can be measured a number of ways because of the position of the hosel and/or golf shaft in relationship to the heel.As mentioned before, the length on heel-shafted putters can be measured the same way as an iron or wood. Let’s look at two other options.
If you are playing a shorter driver, say 44 inches instead of the “standard” 45 inches, you should consider a slightly heavier shaft, say 10 grams heavier. This will help create a more balanced feel and gain back some of the swing weight lost when cutting down the length of the club. Also, we add head weight to bring the swing weight back up to a more comfortable feel for more consistency.
Impact of Length on Shaft Flex
Driver Shaft Length For Height
As you go shorter in length, you should consider a slightly softer flex. Also, if you go longer in length you should consider a slightly stiffer flex. Our BGF Fitting System and TrueFitClubs Fitting Wizard take this into account when making our initial recommendations.
So What is the Right Driver Length?
To determine your optimum driver length, look at where you hit the ball on the face of your driver. If your hits are mostly towards the heel, your driver is too long. Another possibility is that the shaft is too light. Try choking down on the shaft and see if your contact improves. If you have difficulty seeing where your ball makes contact on the face, you can use Dr. Scholl’s Foot Powder or some face tape. If your hits are mostly on the toe, your driver could actually be too short.
The Short Answer is Shorter is Better
For most golfers we fit, a shorter driver creates more consistent contact on the face and actually helps not only gain distance but accuracy and consistency. In our opinion, driving for show is fine if you can hit great shots out of the rough or from behind a tree. If your fairways hit are less than 50% and you have an OB or two off the tee during a round, it is time to get your driver fixed!
Golf Driver Shaft Length
Dan Sueltz and Eric Touchet