The Differences Between Men's & Ladies' Golf Clubs

Men's and women's clubs often differ in length, weight and flexibility.

Similar technology is applied to men's and ladies' golf clubs, but ladies' clubs are generally shorter, lighter and more flexible.

These differences play to ladies' smaller stature and slower swing speed while allowing women to get the most out of their clubs.

Though color does not affect how you play, a key difference between is color. Ladies' grips or shafts often come in pastels.

Overview

Similar technology is applied to men's and ladies' golf clubs, but ladies' clubs are generally shorter, lighter and more flexible.

These differences play to ladies' smaller stature and slower swing speed while allowing women to get the most out of their clubs.

Though color does not affect how you play, a key difference between is color. Ladies' grips or shafts often come in pastels.

Drivers

Ladies' drivers have a minimum 12-degree loft vs. 9 to 11 degrees for men's drivers. Higher loft helps women get the ball in the air more easily off the tee. Ladies' drivers are usually also lighter than men's. These differences allow women to get better distance, speed and a higher trajectory off the tee.

Woods

Ladies' woods have a higher degree of loft and are lighter than men's woods. In addition, there is a bigger range of ladies' woods, going up to a 13-wood, which is a great replacement for a long iron because it is easier to hit with.

Irons

Ladies' irons have a softer flex and the club head might be slightly heavier (though the club is lighter overall). The shafts are also shorter as women are shorter in stature than men. This combination is designed to make the most of ladies' slower swing speeds.

Shafts

Ladies' clubs tend to have graphite shafts, which are much lighter than steel.

Men's clubs usually come with a choice between graphite and steel shafts. Graphite shafts allow for a softer flex which, in turn, leads to better club head position.

Grip

The grips on ladies' clubs are smaller in diameter and shorter in length than on men's clubs. This is because ladies' hands are smaller than men's, and the smaller size allows for a proper grip.