Finding the right length for your golf clubs is very important. It is not just about how tall you are. Height matters a lot. But it is not the only thing. A key measurement is from your wrist to the floor. We call this the wrist-to-floor height. Using both height and wrist-to-floor helps you get clubs that fit well. Clubs that fit let you stand in a good way. They help you swing the club right. This guide will help you figure out what is right for you. We will look at height, wrist-to-floor, and other things that matter.
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Why Proper Club Length Matters
Having golf clubs that are the right length is a big deal. It changes how you stand. It changes how you swing. It affects how you hit the ball.
If your clubs are too long, you might:
* Stand too far from the ball.
* Stand up too straight.
* Hit the ground behind the ball a lot (a “fat” shot).
* Swing the club on the wrong path.
* Have less control over the club head.
If your clubs are too short, you might:
* Stand too close to the ball.
* Bend over too much from the waist.
* Hit the top part of the ball a lot (a “thin” shot or “topping” it).
* Feel like you are reaching for the ball.
* Not hit the ball as far as you could.
Using clubs that are the proper golf club length height helps you set up correctly. It helps you swing the club on the right path. This means you hit the center of the club face more often. Hitting the center sends the ball farther and straighter. Good length helps your body work right during the swing. It makes the game easier and more fun.
Getting Started with Height Charts
Height is the first thing most people think about. Club makers make clubs in standard lengths. These lengths are for average heights. If you buy clubs off the shelf, they are usually made for someone of average height.
What is average height?
* For men, it is often around 5’9″ to 5’10”.
* For women, it is often around 5’5″ to 5’6″.
A simple golf club length chart by height can give you a first idea. These charts look at just your height. They tell you if you might need clubs that are standard, a little longer, or a little shorter.
Here is a simple look at how height alone might suggest club length:
Golf Club Size Guide Height (Based on Height Only)
| Player Height | Suggested Club Length Adjustment (from Standard) |
|---|---|
| Under 5’0″ | -2 inches or more |
| 5’0″ to 5’3″ | -1.5 inches |
| 5’3″ to 5’6″ | -1 inch |
| 5’6″ to 5’9″ | -0.5 inches |
| 5’9″ to 6’0″ | Standard Length |
| 6’0″ to 6’3″ | +0.5 inches |
| 6’3″ to 6’6″ | +1 inch |
| Over 6’6″ | +1.5 inches or more |
Note: This is just a starting point based only on height. It does not tell the whole story.
These standard golf club length height charts are useful as a quick check. But they do not look at other parts of your body. Your arm length is very important. That is why we need another measure.
The Key Measurement: Wrist to Floor
Measuring from your wrist to the floor is much better than just using your height. It tells you how long your arms are compared to your total height. Someone tall might have short arms. Someone shorter might have long arms. This affects how they stand over the ball. It affects how far down their hands hang.
This wrist to floor measurement golf gives a clearer picture of where your hands should be at setup. This is a key factor in finding the proper golf club length height.
How to Measure Your Wrist to Floor Height
You can do this measurement at home. You need a helper.
- Put on the shoes you wear for golf.
- Stand straight up with your arms hanging relaxed at your sides. Do not try to stand extra tall or slouch. Just stand naturally.
- Have your helper measure from the crease in your wrist (on the palm side) straight down to the floor.
- Use a metal tape measure for the best result. Make sure the tape is held straight up and down.
- Do this a couple of times to make sure the number is right.
The number you get is your wrist-to-floor measurement. It is usually given in inches or centimeters.
Putting Height and Wrist-to-Floor Together
Most good golf club size guide height tools use both your height and your wrist-to-floor measurement. Combining these two numbers gives a much better idea of the right club length for you.
Fitting charts that use both factors look at the difference between your height and your wrist-to-floor measurement. This difference helps tell how long your arms are for your height.
Here is an example of a chart that uses both numbers. This is still a general guide. A real custom fitting looks at even more things.
Golf Club Length Chart by Height and Wrist-to-Floor
| Player Height | Wrist to Floor Measurement (approx.) | Suggested Club Length Adjustment (from Standard Men’s) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5’0″ | Under 27″ | -2.5 inches |
| 27″ – 29″ | -2 inches | |
| 5’0″ – 5’3″ | Under 28″ | -2 inches |
| 28″ – 30″ | -1.5 inches | |
| 5’3″ – 5’6″ | Under 29″ | -1.5 inches |
| 29″ – 31″ | -1 inch | |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ | Under 30″ | -1 inch |
| 30″ – 32″ | -0.5 inches | |
| 5’9″ – 6’0″ | Under 31″ | -0.5 inches |
| 31″ – 33″ | Standard Length | |
| 6’0″ – 6’3″ | Under 32″ | Standard Length |
| 32″ – 34″ | +0.5 inches | |
| 6’3″ – 6’6″ | Under 33″ | +0.5 inches |
| 33″ – 35″ | +1 inch | |
| Over 6’6″ | Under 34″ | +1 inch |
| 34″ – 36″ | +1.5 inches | |
| Over 36″ | +2 inches |
Note: Women often use clubs about 1 inch shorter than men’s standard. The adjustments above can be applied from that starting point for women’s clubs.
This table shows how wrist-to-floor measurement makes a big difference. Two people the same height might need different length clubs because their arms are different lengths. This is a much better guide for proper golf club length height than height alone.
Clubs for Different Players
Club length needs can be different for men, women, and junior players.
Men’s Golf Club Length Height
Standard men’s clubs are made for men around 5’10” with average arm length for that height. The chart above using both height and wrist-to-floor is a good starting point for men. Remember that a custom fitting is the best way to know for sure. Men’s clubs are generally heavier and have thicker grips than women’s clubs.
Women’s Golf Club Length Height
Women are often shorter than men. Their wrist-to-floor measurements are also often different compared to their height. Women’s standard clubs are usually about 1 inch shorter than men’s standard clubs. They are also often lighter and have smaller grips. The same principles using height and wrist-to-floor apply to women. You can use the chart above and subtract about 1 inch from the suggested men’s adjustment. Or, look for charts made specifically for women golfers.
For example:
* A woman 5’6″ with a 30″ wrist-to-floor might look at the men’s chart. It suggests -0.5 inches.
* Starting from a women’s standard length (which is already -1 inch from men’s), she might need clubs that are -1.5 inches from men’s standard (which is -0.5 inches from women’s standard).
The key is that women’s clubs are shorter to start with. Finding the right women’s golf club length height still needs you to look at both height and wrist-to-floor.
Junior Golf Club Size Chart Height
Getting the right size clubs for kids is very important. Using clubs that are too long or too heavy can make it hard for them to swing the club correctly. It can make learning golf frustrating.
For junior golfers, height is a major factor. Their wrist-to-floor measurement also matters, but junior charts often focus heavily on height ranges. Club weight and shaft flexibility are also key for juniors. Junior clubs come in different sizes for different age/height ranges.
Here is a general junior golf club size chart height guide:
Junior Golf Club Size Chart Height
| Junior Player Height | Age Range (Approx) | Suggested Club Length/Set Type |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3’0″ | Under 3 years | Toddler sets (very short, light) |
| 3’0″ – 3’8″ | 3-5 years | Size 1 / Upto 3’8″ |
| 3’8″ – 4’4″ | 5-8 years | Size 2 / Upto 4’4″ |
| 4’4″ – 5’0″ | 8-10 years | Size 3 / Upto 5’0″ |
| 5’0″ – 5’5″ | 10-12 years | Size 4 / Upto 5’5″ / Teen starter |
| Over 5’5″ | 12+ years | May use women’s or men’s shortened |
Note: Junior clubs are often sold based on height ranges rather than specific adjustments.
It is better to get junior clubs that are a little too short than too long. A club that is too long is hard to swing right. A club that is slightly short can still be used. As juniors grow, they will need longer clubs. Some junior sets let you add length as the child grows. This can be a good option. Getting the right junior golf club size chart height is key for young players to learn good habits.
Going Beyond Just Height and Wrist-to-Floor
Height and wrist-to-floor measurement golf give you a great starting point. They help you find the right length for your proper golf club length height. But a full custom golf club fitting height looks at more than just these numbers.
Other things a fitter looks at include:
* Your Posture: How you stand over the ball naturally. Club length affects this. A fitter watches how you stand with different clubs.
* Your Swing Mechanics: How you move the club during the swing. Your swing path and angle affect what club specs work best.
* Your Swing Speed: How fast you swing the club. This mostly affects the shaft flex, but it can also slightly change the best length.
* How You Hit the Ball: Where on the club face you hit the ball. What the ball does after you hit it (slice, hook, straight). Launch angle and spin.
* Your Strength and Fitness: How easily you can swing certain weights.
All these factors work together. A custom golf club fitting height takes all this into account. It is not just about finding a number on a chart. It is about finding the club that helps you swing your best.
Getting a Custom Club Fit
The best way to find the proper golf club length height is to get a custom fitting. A trained club fitter has the tools and knowledge to find the perfect clubs for you.
What happens during a fitting?
1. Interview: The fitter asks about your game. What are your goals? What problems do you have? How far do you hit each club?
2. Physical Measurement: They measure your height and your wrist-to-floor height. They may look at your hand size for grip fitting.
3. Current Club Check: They look at your current clubs. Are they too long? Too short? Do they have the right loft or lie angle?
4. Dynamic Swing Test: You hit balls with different clubs. The fitter watches your swing. They use tools like a launch monitor. This tool measures:
* Club head speed
* Ball speed
* Launch angle (how high the ball starts)
* Spin rate (how much the ball spins)
* Carry distance (how far the ball goes in the air)
* Where the ball hits on the club face
5. Trying Different Clubs: The fitter gives you clubs with different lengths, lies, shafts, and club heads. You hit shots with each. They see how these changes affect your swing and the ball flight. They might give you a club that is half an inch longer or shorter than standard based on the data.
6. Finding the Best Match: Based on the numbers and how you feel, the fitter finds the best mix of club head, shaft, length, lie angle, and grip for you.
7. Ordering/Adjusting: You can then order new clubs made to these specs. Or, if you have existing clubs, the fitter can tell you if they can be changed (like a golf club length adjustment height).
A custom fitting takes the guesswork out of it. It uses data from your actual swing. It makes sure you get the proper golf club length height for your body and swing, not just an average based on a chart.
Changing Your Club Length
What if you have clubs already and they are not the right length? Can you change them? Yes, often you can make a golf club length adjustment height.
There are two main ways to change the length:
* Cutting Down a Club: If your clubs are too long, they can be cut shorter. The club head is removed. A piece of the shaft is cut off the butt (the grip end). Then the grip is put back on. This is easier than extending.
* Important: Cutting a club makes it lighter, especially the head feel. This changes the swing weight. A lighter swing weight might feel too light for some players. A fitter knows how to handle this, maybe by adding weight to the club head.
* Extending a Club: If your clubs are too short, they can be made longer. The grip is taken off. An extension piece is put into the butt end of the shaft. Then the grip is put back on.
* Important: Extending a club adds weight to the butt end. This also changes the swing weight, making the club feel heavier. It can also change how the shaft flexes slightly. There are limits to how much you can extend a club safely. Usually, extensions are limited to 1-2 inches.
Adjusting club length is best done by a golf pro shop or a club fitter. They have the right tools. They understand how changing length affects the club’s swing weight and feel. A bad adjustment can make the club worse.
Checking Your Current Clubs
How can you tell if the clubs you have now are the wrong length for you? Look for these signs:
- Your Setup:
- Do you have to bend over a lot from your waist to reach the ball?
- Do you feel like you have to stand very straight up?
- Are you standing very close to or very far from the ball to feel comfortable?
- How You Hit the Ball:
- Do you often hit the ground behind the ball (fat shots)?
- Do you often hit the top of the ball (thin shots)?
- Do you struggle to hit the center of the club face?
- Does the club head feel too heavy or too light during your swing?
- Your Body:
- Do you have back pain or other aches after playing? Sometimes poor posture from wrong club length can cause this.
These signs can mean your clubs are not the proper golf club length height. They could also mean other things are wrong (like lie angle or swing path). But club length is a good place to start checking.
In Summary
Finding the right golf club length is vital for playing your best golf. While height is a useful starting point and appears on many golf club size guide height charts, it does not tell the whole story. The wrist to floor measurement golf is a much better way to gauge the proper length needed for your body.
Using a golf club length chart by height and wrist-to-floor gives you a solid idea. Remember that junior golf club size chart height guides are key for young players, and women’s golf club length height typically starts from a shorter standard. Men’s golf club length height needs also depend on their specific measurements.
For the most accurate fit, getting a custom golf club fitting height is the best path. A fitter looks at your measurements, posture, and swing data. This helps them find the exact proper golf club length height for you.
If your current clubs do not fit, a golf club length adjustment height is often possible. Clubs can be cut shorter or extended longer by a professional.
Do not just guess your club length based on how tall you are. Take the time to measure your wrist-to-floor height. Look at charts that use both numbers. Even better, get a custom fitting. Proper club length makes a big difference in how you play and enjoy golf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is height the only factor for golf club length?
A: No, height is important, but it is not the only factor. Wrist-to-floor measurement is often a better indicator because it shows your arm length relative to your body height. This helps determine how you naturally stand over the ball.
Q: What is a standard golf club length?
A: Standard lengths vary a bit by club type and manufacturer. For men, a standard driver is often around 45-46 inches. A 5-iron is usually around 37.5-38 inches. Women’s standard clubs are generally about 1 inch shorter than men’s.
Q: Can I use clubs that are too long or too short?
A: Yes, you can use them, but it is not recommended. Clubs that are the wrong length can make it hard to swing correctly. They can cause bad habits, lead to poor shots (fat or thin hits), and might even cause discomfort or pain.
Q: How does wrist to floor measurement golf help find the right length?
A: Your wrist-to-floor measurement shows how far your hands hang from the ground when you stand naturally. This measurement, combined with your height, helps a fitter figure out how much you would have to bend over or stand up to use a standard length club. Based on this, they can suggest adding or removing length.
Q: Can I use a regular men’s club if I am a tall junior player?
A: Maybe. If a junior is over 5’5″, they might be able to use a women’s club or a shortened men’s club. However, club weight and shaft flexibility are also key for juniors. Full men’s clubs might be too heavy and too stiff. It is best to check a junior golf club size chart height guide or get a fitting.
Q: Can I cut down men’s clubs for a woman?
A: Yes, this is sometimes done. Men’s clubs can be cut down to women’s lengths. However, cutting a club makes it lighter. You might need to add weight to the club head to get the right feel (swing weight). The shaft flex might also become slightly stiffer. A fitter can advise if this is a good option or if women’s clubs are better.
Q: What is a custom golf club fitting height?
A: A custom fitting is a process where a trained fitter helps you find the best golf clubs for your body and swing. They take measurements like height and wrist-to-floor, watch you swing, use launch monitors to gather data, and have you try clubs with different specs (length, lie, shaft, grip). It is the best way to get clubs that truly fit you.
Q: Can my current clubs have a golf club length adjustment height?
A: Yes, many clubs can be made longer or shorter. Clubs are made shorter by cutting the shaft from the grip end. Clubs are made longer by adding an extension into the shaft. These adjustments should be done by a professional to make sure the club’s balance (swing weight) and feel are still right. There are limits to how much a club can be safely changed.