How Long Should My Golf Clubs Be?

The right length of the golf clubs can make all the difference in a golfer's game.

Each club's length can greatly influence how far a golfer hits the ball and how straight they can hit. By following these simple steps, you can help get the right clubs for you.

Driver

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart with a slight bend in your knees. Let your arms hang down and interlace the fingers in front of your belt buckle.

1. Have a friend or the salesman measure the distance from your wrists to the floor. This is the length of the golf shaft you will need. The average male has a measurement of 43 inches.

2. Depending on your arm length and height, this may vary but it should be around that number. If you get a number that is wildly off from this one, check your stance and remeasure.

1. Select three or four drivers that are within 1 to 2 inches of your measured length.

2. Be sure to include graphite and metal shaft clubs. Graphite clubs will be a bit longer for the same weight club because graphite is a lighter material.

1. Practice swinging with the clubs. If the store has a golf simulator, that will work, otherwise visit a driving range.

2. It is important to hit balls with the club before you buy one to get a feel for how the different lengths affect your shot. The longer the club the more power you can hit with, but it will also be harder to control. Always give up distance for accuracy when choosing the club.

Irons

1. Using the measurement you got in step 2 of the driver process, select 2 or 3 different iron types to swing.

2. When deciding which irons to select, use the middle irons (5, 6, 7) as a guide. Those irons should be the closest to your ideal club length.

1. As with drivers, shaft length will determine how much control you have over your shot but you do not want to be hunched over or out of good hitting position. So stand with your feet again shoulder width apart and hold the club with your arms extended so your hands are again in front of your belt buckle.

1. From here, check how the head of the club is resting on the ground. With your middle irons, the toe of the club should be slightly raised, about 1/2 to a 1/4 of an inch. With longer hitting irons (2, 3, 4) the club head will rest completely on the ground, while with your others (8, 9, PW) the toe will be more elevated.