The world of golf can be a confusing place to navigate for the uninitiated. Not only do you need to decide what brand to go with, but you also need to make sure you’ve picked a set that’s the right length for you. On this page, we’ll be answering the following question – ‘what if my golf clubs are too short?’
If you’re yet to buy your first set of clubs, we strongly recommend giving this article a read. We’ll cover how to pick the right length of club and a few ways to make sure you’re getting clubs that work for you.
If it’s too late and you’ve already got clubs that are too short (or too long for that matter), we also discuss how to put things right.
How to Tell if Your Golf Clubs Are Too Short
“Wait, what if my golf clubs are too short?” If this sounds like you, this section is worth a read. There are a few diagnostic checks you can go through to see if you’re using the right length of club. Check them out below.
Your Back Bend
When you position yourself up for the address portion of your swing, you shouldn’t be hunched over the ball with an overly bent back. If you’re hunching too far to the ground to reach the ball, this is usually a pretty clear sign that your club is too short for you.
Heel Contact
Another indication that your club is too short is how its head makes contact with the ball on each swing. A shorter club generally leads to excessive levels of heel contact. If the lower part of your club’s head is the part that most often hits the ball, you may be too tall for the club you’re using.
Too High Off the Ground
At address, your club shouldn’t be particularly far from the ground. If it is, it’s time to get your club adjusted or replaced. Even an inch or two can make a huge difference to your game so it’s worth taking this stuff seriously.
Is it Better to Have Golf Clubs too Short or Too Long?
Ultimately, the only ‘correct’ length for a golf club is one that suits your height as a player. In general, however, it’s better to use a club that’s slightly too short over one that’s too long. It’s significantly harder to compensate for a longer club, especially once the discrepancy has exceeded an inch or two.
What if My Golf Clubs Are Too Short? Our Tips
So, you’ve established that your golf clubs are too short. Question is, what can you do about it? In this section, we explore the main options that will work for both people.
Measure First to Double-Check
It’s a good idea to actually measure your clubs and cross reference these measurements against the recommended lengths provided by your manufacturer. If you’re between 5”7 and 6”1 tall, it’s generally advised to get a club that’s about 1 inch shorter than your manufacturer’s ‘standard’ size.
Information about your specific brand’s ‘standard’ sizes should be available on their site or in-store wherever you’re shopping. Talk to a sales associate or get a custom fitting if you’re unsure.
How Long Should My Golf Clubs Be?
The only honest answer to this question is, ‘it depends.’ That said, there are a few rules of thumb to follow that might help. Generally speaking, there should be a 1-inch change in length for every 6 inches of height for a given player.
Let’s say you’re 6”7 (six inches taller than the ‘standard’ 6”1 height mentioned above. You’d want to get a club that’s 1 or 2 inches shorter than your manufacturer’s standard size.
Have Them Lengthened
If your clubs are indeed too short and you want to do something about it, your best option is usually to get them lengthened by a professional. While this can take a bit of time and effort, it’s well worth it in our opinion.
Your shaft will usually be replaced or extended using industry-standard tools and you’ll get back a club that’s the perfect length for your height!
How Much Will it Cost?
This can vary from store to store but around $10 per club is fairly standard. You’ll also have to pay for each club to be re-gripped which can increase costs slightly.
While it may seem unfair to have to pay yet more money on top of the hundreds you’ve already spent on your set, playing with clubs that are the wrong size is rarely a good idea. You’ll entrench ‘bad habits’ that will impact your performance as a player.
Get New Clubs (This is a Last Resort)
If resizing simply isn’t an option for you, it’s probably time to consider a new set of clubs. At the very least, you should make sure that your drivers and fairways are the right length. You’ll be using these clubs by far the most often so it’s critical you make sure they’re suitable for you.
More: What to do with old golf clubs?
How to Get the Perfect Set of Clubs
Follow these tips to get the right clubs for you every time.
Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, try to actually hold the clubs in your hand and get a few practice swings in before you buy them. We appreciate that this isn’t always possible, but it makes a world of difference – trust us.
There are tons of stores in the US that offer ‘test zones’ where customers can try out products before they buy them. We strongly recommend giving them a go when you can.
Get a Custom Fitting
It’s a little pricey, but a custom fitting can be a great way to buy new clubs if you trust the person doing the fitting. Your swing, height, and several other factors are all assessed and a recommendation is made about which clubs will work best for you.
Click here to learn more about custom fittings
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped clear up any confusion. If your clubs are too short, it’s best to have them lengthened or replaced. To avoid buying the wrong set of clubs, get a custom fitting or follow the guidance provided by your brand of choice.
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