The Golf News Feed
Question by Curtis Richards: How will 1/4″ longer club affect my golf game?
I am in the market for some new clubs and I have the opportunity to own a brand new set of Mizuno MP-57 DG R300′s for $ 350. However, the problem is I am only 5’6″ tall, and the clubs are 1/4″ Longer than standard clubs. What difference will this make in my golf game. I currently am shooting Callaway X-16s and over the past three years have taken me to about a 15 handicap. Also what difference in balance, lie, etc will shortening the clubs 1/4-1/2″ Make if I took that root. I dont know maybe too many questions to be worth it. But tell me what you guys think, and I’d greatly appreciate it.
Best answer:
Answer by Andrew
Using longer clubs will most likely cause a slight reduction in accuracy and a slight addition to hitting distance. Chances are that the 1/4″ won’t make a big enough difference for a 15 handicap to truly notice, granted you take time to use the new clubs and get used to them. If you are choking down on the clubs so much that you are running out of room on the grips I would recommend having them shortened, but otherwise it would not be worth the cost and loss of club balance. Hope this helps!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
I do not think that 1/4 of an inch is going to make an appreciable difference in either the club or the swing plane. You can make that difference on any swing with a standard club without ever noticing the difference as to where you gripped the club. Unless the finger positions are molded on the grip few people grip the club in the same place stroke after stroke.
So choke down. You’ll be fine. It’s not a big deal.
Having clubs that dont fit your swing, even by 1/4 inch are like wearing shoes 1 size off. Will you be able to walk in them? Yes, but it can cause problems. Altered lengths can change the swing weight and the lie angle. If the clubs are too long, the head are not sitting properly (toe of the face will be too high) and the point of impact will be incorrect causing poor ball flight. It actually is not that expensive to get them fitted and adjusted to your swing and it will make a world of difference in your game.
The amount of length difference would be noticeable to a professional on tour. For the average golfer you will not even notice. If you choose to shorten them 1/4 inch it will not make a significant difference regarding swing weight or balance or Lie angle at all. The Mizuno’s are great clubs. You should grab them!
OPTIONS:
1/ – Grip the club lower (choke)
2/ – wear heels to make you 1/4″ taller
3/ – stand a tad further from the ball
4/ – use a shorter tee
but to me, it sounds as though you are excited about the new clubs. they may take a bit of getting used to, but longer shafts usually means longer distance.
look for tips from Daly. he used over-sized drivers