how to tell if golf clubs are too short

3 min read 12-01-2025

Are you struggling to consistently hit good shots? One often-overlooked culprit could be golf clubs that are simply too short for you. Using improperly sized clubs can significantly impact your swing, leading to lost distance, accuracy problems, and even physical discomfort. This article will guide you through how to determine if your golf clubs are too short and what to do about it.

Why Proper Club Length Matters

Before diving into how to measure, let's understand why correct club length is crucial. Clubs that are too short force you into compromised swing mechanics. This can lead to:

Reduced Distance: A shorter club restricts your full backswing and follow-through, limiting the power you can generate.
Loss of Accuracy: A cramped swing leads to inconsistent contact and less control over the ball's trajectory.
Increased Risk of Injury: Overcompensating for short clubs can strain your wrists, shoulders, and back, potentially leading to injury.
Frustration and Poor Performance: Struggling with your swing due to incorrect club length is demoralizing and impacts overall enjoyment of the game.

How to Determine if Your Golf Clubs Are Too Short: The Simple Measurement Test

The most reliable way to check is through a simple measurement test:

Find Your Unbent Arm Length: Stand tall and relaxed, extending one arm straight down. Measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist. This is your unbent arm length.
Measure Your Clubs: Use a measuring tape to determine the length of your current clubs, specifically measuring from the bottom of the grip to the end of the clubhead.
Compare the Lengths: For most golfers, the ideal club length is approximately equal to their unbent arm length. There is a slight variability depending on the type of golf club (drivers being longer than wedges).

Beyond the Simple Measurement: How Your Body Feels

While the measurement is crucial, paying attention to how your body feels during your swing is just as important:

Are you feeling cramped or rushed during your backswing? A feeling of restriction often indicates your clubs are too short.
Do you feel like you’re reaching excessively for the ball? This is a classic sign that clubs are too short.
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your wrists, elbows, shoulders or back after playing? Pain is a serious warning sign and often caused by inappropriate equipment.

What to Do if Your Clubs Are Too Short

If your clubs are too short, don't despair! Here are your options:

Get Properly Fitted: The best solution is a professional club fitting. A qualified fitter will analyze your swing and recommend the optimal club lengths and specifications for your body type and playing style. This is a significant investment but well worth it for long-term improvement.
Purchase Clubs with Longer Shafts: Once you know the correct lengths, buy new clubs with the appropriate shaft lengths.
Extend Your Existing Clubs: In some cases, you may be able to have your existing clubs lengthened by a professional club repair shop. This is generally less expensive than buying new clubs, but the quality might not be as high.

Common Questions:

How much longer should my clubs be?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. A professional club fitting will determine the precise length needed.

Do I need new clubs for every club in my bag?

Typically, yes. While you could adjust a few, it’s advisable to have the correct length across your entire set for consistent performance.

What if I am a junior golfer or a very short adult?

Juniors and short adults will need clubs appropriately sized for their height and strength. Junior golf clubs are specifically designed to accommodate younger players.

Conclusion:

Using correctly sized golf clubs is essential for improving your game and preventing injury. By following the simple measurement test and paying attention to how your body feels during your swing, you can determine if your clubs are too short. Investing in a proper fitting or purchasing the correct clubs will significantly enhance your enjoyment and performance on the course. Don't let the wrong club lengths hold you back; take control and optimize your game today!