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Determining the Correct Golf Club Length

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • Club length is a combo of your height and swing plane.
  • The right length helps you hit straighter, more consistent shots.
  • Getting fitted is the gold standard for finding your perfect clubs.

Who This Is For

  • Anyone who feels their golf game is a bit wild and unpredictable.
  • Golfers who stand way taller or shorter than the average Joe.

Understanding How Long Should Your Golf Clubs Be

What to Check First for Golf Club Length

  • Your Height: Stand tall. No slouching.
  • Your Inseam: Measure from your crotch to the floor. Barefoot is best.
  • Wrist-to-Floor: Measure from your sternum to the floor. Keep it relaxed.
  • Current Clubs: What are you playing with now? Irons? Woods? A trusty putter?

Step-by-Step Plan for Determining Golf Club Length

1. Measure your height. Stand barefoot against a wall. Make a mark at the top of your head. Use a level to ensure accuracy. Mistake: Wearing shoes. This throws off your whole measurement.

2. Measure your inseam. Stand barefoot with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place a book or ruler between your legs, pressing it up firmly into your crotch. Measure from the top of the book/ruler to the floor. Mistake: Not measuring from the correct point. Get that book snug.

3. Determine your wrist-to-floor measurement. Stand relaxed, letting your arms hang naturally at your sides. Measure from the sternum (the bone in the middle of your chest) straight down to the floor. Mistake: Bending over or tensing up. Stay loose.

4. Consult a chart. Use your height and wrist-to-floor measurement to find a general guideline for club length. Many golf websites have these. Mistake: Guessing. Charts are your friend here.

5. Check your lie angle. This is how the club sits on the ground. Too upright or too flat can mess with your swing, even with the right length. Mistake: Ignoring this crucial detail. It’s tied to length.

6. Test it out. If possible, try clubs of different lengths. See how they feel and affect your swing. Mistake: Buying without a test drive.

Common Mistakes in Golf Club Length

  • Using standard length clubs regardless of height — Why it matters: This forces you into an awkward stance, leading to poor posture and inconsistent shots. You’re fighting the club instead of swinging. — Fix: Get fitted or use measurement guides to find your proper length.
  • Ignoring wrist-to-floor measurement — Why it matters: This is a key indicator for proper club length, more so than just height. It accounts for torso and arm length differences. — Fix: Measure accurately before consulting charts or talking to a pro.
  • Not considering lie angle — Why it matters: An incorrect lie angle, especially when paired with the wrong club length, exacerbates length issues and can cause hooks or slices. — Fix: Check lie angle in conjunction with length. A club that’s too long or too short will affect how the sole sits.
  • Assuming all clubs need the same length adjustment — Why it matters: Different club types (woods, irons, putters) have different fitting considerations. — Fix: Get recommendations for each club type individually.

FAQ About Golf Club Length

  • How does my height affect golf club length?

Your height is the primary factor. Taller golfers generally need longer clubs, while shorter golfers need shorter ones to maintain a proper swing plane and posture.

  • What is the wrist-to-floor measurement and why is it important?

It’s the distance from your sternum to the floor when standing relaxed. This measurement is crucial because it accounts for variations in arm and torso length, providing a more accurate guide to club length than height alone.

  • Can I adjust the length of my existing golf clubs?

Yes, you can often adjust the length of your existing clubs by adding or removing extensions, or by having them professionally reshafted. However, it’s essential to consider the lie angle adjustment as well. [1]

  • What’s the difference between club length and lie angle?

Club length refers to the physical length of the shaft, while lie angle is the angle between the sole of the club and the ground when the club is addressed. Both are critical for a consistent swing.

  • How often should I get my clubs checked for length?

It’s a good idea to check your club length if you experience a significant change in your physical condition (like weight loss or gain) or if you notice a consistent drop-off in your game’s accuracy. [2]

  • Do putter lengths matter as much as iron lengths?

Absolutely. The right putter length helps you establish a consistent setup and stroke, which is vital for sinking putts. [3]

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