How To Choose The Right Shaft Type For A Golf Club

Golfers are always trying to improve their game. Once they learn the basics of the stance and the swing, they start to learn their tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. Some players get great distance but struggle to hit the ball accurately. Others can stay in the fairway but have a hard time hitting the ball for distance. Determining the correct shaft can help you improve your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

Step 1

Use a stiff shafted club if you are a big hitter but you tend to stray out of the fairways. A stiff shafted club will not flex that much and it is easier to hit your ball straight. Since you already generate plenty of power on your own, you don't need extra power that you would get from a flexible shaft.

Step 2

Give the regular shafted club a chance if you are a fairly accurate player but you would like more distance. A regular shafted club will flex during the middle of the swing and that flex will result in more club head speed at impact. That is the key factor in getting distance on your shot.

Step 3

Use a senior club if you are starting to get older and your swing has slowed down over the last few seasons. Seniors who have been playing the game for years tend to hit the ball accurately. However, they need help with distance. A club with senior flex will provide significant club head speed at impact.

Step 4

Try a ladies' flex club if you are a smaller woman who has a hard time getting distance. This club has the snappiest flex and will help the golfer get maximum club head speed. This is not an easy club to use because unless the timing of the swing is almost perfect, accuracy will be sacrificed.

Step 5

Try the stiff and regular flex golf clubs before you make a purchase. Many top pro shops and golf specialty stores will give you an opportunity to take the clubs to the driving range before you make your purchase. This is especially important when considering a snappier shaft because the feel of the club is much different than a stiff shaft. You may want more distance, but if the club is not comfortable in your hands it won't help your game.

Tips and Warnings

Give yourself time to get used to a flexible shaft because it is much different than swinging a stiff shaft. It could take a month or more to get truly comfortable with it.