The Best Golf Clubs for 80 MPH Swing Speed

The average PGA Tour professional swings over 110 miles per hour and carries a driver at least 275 yards, according to Golf Spyder. Though a swing speed of 80 mph is on the low end, you can still maximize your distance and lower your scores by choosing the correct equipment. There are several club characteristics you should look for in order to get the most out of your swing speed.

Shaft Flexes

Choosing the correct shaft is the most important factor in producing maximum distance. A swing speed of 80 mph requires a more flexible shaft to increase clubhead speed. Golfers with swing speeds of 75 to 90 mph should choose an A-flex shaft. A shaft with a lower kick-point, or the point in the shaft that experiences the most bending, will help you get the ball up in the air with slower clubhead speeds.

Shaft Weight

A lightweight shaft can help you increase your clubhead speed and hit the ball farther. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel and have the added benefit of reducing vibration during impact. Driver shafts typically weigh between 50 and 125 grams, while long-drive competitors often use shafts of less than 50 grams. Choose a graphite shaft of less than 75 grams to increase your clubhead speed.

Loft

Lofts in irons remain fairly constant and don't need to be adjusted, but as a slower-swinging golfer, you will benefit from choosing a higher-lofted driver. Most new drivers are designed to launch the ball high in the air with little spin. With a swing speed of 80 mph, you should choose a driver loft of about 12 to 15 degrees.

Clubhead Type

A set of clubs with a low center of gravity will help you achieve higher trajectories. Drivers that are made of titanium allow for extremely thin clubfaces that produce a spring-like effect upon impact and are ideal for slower-swinging golfers. Titanium is also lighter than steel and can help you increase your clubhead speed. Oversize clubheads can help you maximize your distance on off-center hits as well.

Recommendations

Hundreds of manufactures boast game improvement features for slower-swinging golfers, and choosing a set of clubs can seem overwhelming. The best thing is experiment with several sets of clubs and choose one that instills a feeling of confidence. You should also have the clubs custom-fit to match your swing speed, height and launch angle. Avoid purchasing clubs from generic sporting goods stores because those stores often don't offer this clubfitting service.