How Does the Shaft Length Impact on Your Game?
Improving your driving technique, the length of the shaft can have a considerable impact on your game.
If you’re at that stage of your golfing career where you’re looking to hone the finer details of your technique, you may be interested in how the length of the shaft of the driver affects the accuracy and distance of your shots. Yes, you say? That’s just what you’ve been wanting to know? Well we’ll be happy to help.
Our experts at A Golfing Experience aren’t just there to organise your bespoke holiday –we’ve also got a wealth of knowledge to impart. Here’s a quick and dirty explanation on the measurement of the shaft and why you should care.
Does Length Really Matter?
There’s been a lot of research and testing done on this issue, the bulk of which is far too wordy for a blog post, but to cut a long story short, yes, there is reciprocity between shaft length and distance gain. So, in theory, if you want to hit the ball further, a longer shaft will get you there.
One would wonder, then, why everyone doesn’t just lengthen up to the maximum and be done with it? Well, those in-the-know understand that while distance is one consideration, control is another. In fact, many champions actually choose to lose the length in order to favour their gains in accuracy, because their skills already assure them of the power they need to get the most power out of their driver.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
The issue of whether to prioritise distance, accuracy or clubhead speed depends entirely on the individual player, which lends a lot of weight to the practice of getting custom-fitted clubs. A player’s personal style will determine whether that extra length is worthwhile for an uneven payoff.
The Takeaway
The truth is, that unless you’re a pro or semi-pro, opting for a longer shaft may not be worth it for what you’ll lose in control.
If you’re an ‘average’ player, an extra inch or so will definitely give you some more speed and distance. However, if you’re not up to the job of handling that extra length, what you lose in control will mean a lot more mis-hits on the clubface. When that happens, you’ll actually lose both distance and accuracy on the shot.
It comes down to knowing your skills, knowing your driver and most importantly, understanding the old saying that for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, there’s a payoff for everything.
Don’t rush in and get a longer (or shorter*) driver based on what someone else’s experience has been. Talk to an expert, get a custom fitting if possible and don’t make any changes in your equipment just for the sake of it.
*A final wise tip is not to be tempted to get an existing driver shortened and think that will immediately give you more accuracy. There are certain compensations that need to be made when shortening clubs, so always leave it to the professionals.
Is it time to start planning a dedicated golf holiday? Why not get in touch with us and we’ll help craft your bespoke break to Spain, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey, France or even further afield. Let us take care of the details and you take care of your handicap.
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