Most beginners face hurdles buying the right equipment to start their journey in golf. However, the most important items to buy before starting to play golf are golf clubs. Buying the golf club that has the optimal length and suits your game is vital for any player.
Having said that, a golf club has various aspects you should consider before buying. In this article, we discuss all the factors you need to know to buy the perfect golf club.
Why Does Golf Club Length Matter?
The special thing about golf clubs is that there is no set industry standard for how long a golf club should be. However, every manufacturer offers a different length for their golf clubs. Even a 5-iron club can have varying lengths depending on which company had made it. It can range from 37.75 inches, 38 inches to 38.5 inches.
Despite that, we cannot overstate the importance of a golf club’s length on a player’s performance. The length of your golf club determines how much power you exert on the ball when you strike it. Besides that, it can mess with the angles at which you strike the ball. I summary, it determines how successful you are as a golfer.
How to Calculate Golf Club Length for You?
The best way to determine which golf club is ideal for your height is to measure it yourself. Let’s see how you can measure the optimal length for your golf club.
1) Measure Your Height
To know which golf club length is ideal for you, you must match the club to your height, the ground, and the distance between your hands. If you don’t know your recent height measurement, measure it.
It’s better to ask another person to check your height with a scale for an accurate measurement. Ask them to measure it from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Some people think they should be in their swing stance while measuring their height. However, it’s better to stand as straight as possible.
2) Measure the Length from Your Wrist to the Floor
After measuring your total height, it’s time to measure the distance from your wrists to the floor. However, like the previous measurement, you must stand as straight as possible to get an accurate observation. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides and ask someone near you to measure from the top of your wrist to the floor.
3) Try Swinging Standard Length Clubs
Before you finalize on your custom club, make sure that you have the previous two measurements rights. These measurements can give you information like which specific angle is more suitable for you and how much length needs to be added or subtracted from the standard club length.
In other words, wrist-floor and height are the only measurements you need to get a custom club for yourself. After that, you just need to go to a custom fitting store. There, the store managers will ask you to perform your swing on a standard-sized club. They will examine your swing and consider your measurements to suggest which clubs are ideal for your style of play.
Alternatively, the store manager can ask for the clubs you already own or regularly use to get a better estimate. Some store owners consider this necessary because it helps them spot any inconsistencies in your swing and address them accordingly.
Moreover, the standard size in golf clubs for both men and women is different. Every type of the club, from the driver to the wedge has it’s own standard length. Therefore, you must find a golf club that fits you.
Standard Golf Club Size Chart
To get a general idea of what golf club length measurements are ideal for you, you can look at the following table:
| Type of Club | Standard Length for Women | Standard Length for Men |
| 1 Iron | 39.25″ | 40.25″ |
| 2 Iron | 38.75″ | 39.75″ |
| 3 Iron | 38.25″ | 39.25″ |
| 4 Iron | 37.75″ | 38.75″ |
| 5 Iron | 37.25″ | 38.25″ |
| 6 Iron | 36.75″ | 37.75″ |
| 7 Iron | 36.25″ | 37.25″ |
| 8 Iron | 35.75″ | 36.75″ |
| 9 Iron | 35.25″ | 36.25″ |
| 3 Wood | 42″ | 43″ |
| 5 Wood | 41″ | 42″ |
| 7 Wood | 41″ | 42″ |
| 9 Wood | 41″ | 42″ |
| 11 Wood | 41″ | 42″ |
Note:
These measurements are only general estimates for a club with graphite shafts. However, the ideal length for your club might vary from these estimates.
4) Provide Your Handicap
If you are an established player and want to buy a custom clubs derived from your handicap, you need to give it to the store managers. However, if you don’t know for sure what’s your handicap level, then you can make-do by giving the store manager a basic description of your skill level.
Most store managers have the experience to evaluate your skill level and suggest a suitable golf club. Many people don’t buy custom clubs because they think that their skill level is not developed enough. However, these people forego the fact that using a custom club can improve their game drastically.
Find the Right Grip and Flex
1) Measure Your Swing Speed
After finding the ideal golf length, you must also measure your swing speed. Therefore, you have to figure out which kind of grip and flex works best for your style of play. Although the store manager has to examine your swing to get an accurate estimate, you can do it yourself if you have the equipment.
To check your swing speed, you’ll need a radar machine and an electronic launch monitor. These kinds of equipment are often found only at high-end pro shops. Generally, amateur players have a swing between 130-137kmph for each swing.
People who have fast swings generally prefer to play iron shafts when playing with irons and stiff shafts when playing with woods. However, people who have slower swing speeds like to use flex shafts when playing with woods and graphite shafts when using irons.
2) Keeping Track of Your Consistency of Ball Striking
After measuring the swing speed, you must see how consistently you are hitting your drives. If someone is hitting with wooden drivers, keeping track of each average drive helps. However, each of these drives must be measured through different clubs. Doing so will help you find a properly flexed set of drivers.
The type of flex you need will depend on how far you have driven the ball. If your drive was less than 180 yards, then ladies’ flex might be good for improving your game.
On the other hand, if the drive went as far as 181-200 yards or 201-235 yards, then you will need a senior flex or a regular flex respectively.
Players who hit their drives from 236 to 275 yards, then they would find a stiff flex more suitable. However, if you have enough strength to hit the ball beyond 275 yards, then you might need a club with an extra stiff flex.
Our Final Thoughts
Finding a club of an ideal length can be vital for your growth as a golf player. To get a golf club that’s more suited to your style of play, you must make sure that you take all measurements accurately.
However, relying on an expert club fitting shop would be far better than taking these measurements yourself. A professional club fitter will take care of everything from your swing speed to the accurate measurement of your height and wrist-ground difference.
