The market is flooded with different golf clubs that all feature their own unique designs and characteristics. In addition to having to choose between which brand of golf clubs to play with golfers also need to ensure that they play with the right golf club size for them.
Golf club size is about more than just the length of the shaft. Below we are going to take a closer look at the different characteristics that impact the size of a golf club, and we are also going to take a closer look at what size club you should play with.
Golf Club Size Factors To Consider
When it comes to the size of a golf club a variety of different factors need to be considered. Shaft length is arguably the most important as well as the most obvious factor to consider, but grip size and club head size should not be ignored when it comes to the size of a golf club.
Below we are going to take a closer look at each of these factors individually to ensure that you know exactly what size club to buy when you do decide to add a new club to your golf bag.
Shaft Length
Shaft length is arguably the most important factor to consider when buying a golf club. If a club is either too short or too long for you it will force your body to adapt to this which in return can cause issues with your swing as a result of compensating for the wrong length club.
The debate about the correct shaft length is ongoing after Bryson Dechambeau completely changed the face of the game when he introduced the golfing world to the concept of single-length irons. According to Bryson, all your irons should be the length of your 7 iron. Traditionally irons with less loft are longer and vice versa as loft increases.
In addition to shaft length lie angles are equally as important, always make sure that the lie angles are optimized for your golf swing based on the length of your shafts. To learn more about the importance of the correct lie angle click here.
Grip Size
Most amateur golfers are unaware of the fact that golf grips are available in different shapes and sizes. I’m not talking about putter grips here but regular grips that are used on irons and woods.
When it comes to shape grips are available in either round or ribbed options. Round grips are completely round and ribbed grips feature a narrow rib that runs from bottom to top. Golfers that use ribbed grips normally utilize this as an aid to grip the club consistently which is why this rib is also known as a reminder.
Still unsure about what a ribbed golf grip is? Watch this video.
In terms of sizing, grips are available in a variety of different sizes. Sizing systems differ from one brand to the next, but across most brands, these different sizes can be broken down into four categories namely undersize/junior, standard, midsize, and oversize/jumbo.
To measure which grip size you should play with, open your hand and stretch out your fingers, measure the distance from the top of your middle finger to the crease at the bottom of your palm on your wrist. Apply that measurement to the table below to find out which glove size is best for you.
| Undersize/Junior | > 7 inches |
| Standard | 7 – 8 ¾ inches |
| Midsize | 8 ¼ – 9 ¼ inches |
| Oversize/Jumbo | < 9 ¼ inches |
Iron Length
A variety of different ways can be used to measure which iron length you should play with. Height is a key factor but in addition to height swing characteristics and arm length should also be considered. First and foremost your irons should be the correct length to ensure a good address position, furthermore, the lie angle of the club should also be optimized according to the length of the club at address.
As a general rule of thumb, the following principles apply when it comes to the length of your irons based on your height.
| Height | Deviation from Standard Length |
|---|---|
| 6ft 9″ – 7ft 0″ | Add 2″ |
| 6ft 6″ – 6ft 9″ | Add 1 1/2″ |
| 6ft 3″ – 6ft 6″ | Add 1″ |
| 6ft 0″ – 6ft 3″ | Add 1/2″ |
| 5ft 9″ – 6ft 0″ | Standard Length |
| 5ft 6″ – 5ft 9″ | Subtract 1/2″ |
| 5ft 3″ – 5ft 6″ | Subtract 1″ |
| 5ft 0″ – 5ft 3″ | Subtract 1 1/2″ |
| 4ft 9″ – 5ft 0″ | Subtract 2″ |
In addition to height, a club-fitter will also measure the distance from the floor to the crease above your wrist when standing upright with your arms hanging down your side. This measurement ensures that the length of your arms is consistent with your height.
This system of measurement which includes both your height and the length of your arms will be more consistent than simply just deciding which size irons to play with based on your height.
In the market for a new set of irons, check out our 5 Best Irons Sets article.
Driver Length
When it comes to driver length it is all about finding the perfect combination between clubhead speed and control. With a longer shaft, you will be able to swing the club faster given the extended arc. This added clubhead speed and a bigger arc are great in terms of distance but on the downside, it leads to inconsistency in terms of strike and accuracy.
Bryson Dechambeau recently added a longer driver to his bag in his quest to add more distance, but other top professional players such as Ricky Fowler uses a shorter-than-average driver to ensure maximum accuracy off the tee.
Standard driver shafts are 45.5” but don’t be afraid to go with either a longer or a shorter option depending on whether you want to add accuracy or distance off the tee.
Looking for more distance off the tee? Check out our The 5 Longest Golf Drivers On The Market Right Now article.
Putter Length
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to putter length. Technically taller players should use a longer putter and vice versa for shorter golfers. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your stroke and to how you address the ball when putting.
Regardless of whether or not a putter is technically too long or too short for you if your eyes are over the ball at address then that putter works. In addition to your eye line also make sure that the putter head sits squarely on the ground. If the toe or heel is off the ground at address because a putter is too long or too short for you will have a direct impact on the arc of your putting stroke and it will also impact your aiming.
FAQs
Can I change the size of a used golf club?
Shaft length can be adjusted by either cutting off a piece from the butt end to make it shorter or by plugging it with a piece of shaft to extend it and make it longer. Plugging can only be done with steel shafts, to lengthen a graphite shaft the shaft will have to be replaced with a longer shaft.
When you change out the length of your shaft, always make sure to check the weight of the club, it might be necessary to add lead tape to the clubhead to optimize the swing weight of the club.
To learn more about swing weight and how it impacts your golf swing click here.
Can I play with a driver that is too long for me?
If a driver is too long for a player they will have to change their address position which in return will throw off the entire plane of their swing. Furthermore, longer drivers tend to be slightly heavier, this doesn’t affect fast swinging players too much but slow swinging players will lose clubhead speed when playing with a longer/heavier driver.
What happens if my putter is too short?
If your putter is too short it will force you to increase your hip hinge which in return will put a strain on your back and will also alter the positioning of your eye line over the ball at address.
Final Thoughts
The size of a golf club is about more than just the length of the shaft. Shaft length is very important but grip size is equally as important to consider when looking at which size golf club is right for you.
Playing with the correct size driver, irons and putter are very important to ensure optimal performance out on the golf course. If a club is too long or too short it will affect the lie angle which in return will have a direct impact on how the club interacts with the ground at impact.
Golf club size isn’t top of mind for most amateurs, but it does make a difference in the long run and it is definitely worth the time and effort to ensure that all your golf clubs are the correct size for you personally.
This article was last updated on March 25, 2021 .
