How To Select The Right Shaft Flex For A Golf Club

The flexibility of the golf shaft can go a long way toward fine-tuning a golfer's performance. Once a golfer has learned how to address the ball, hold a club properly and swing, he is in a position to learn about his game and improve. Some golfers can generate distance but have a hard time hitting an accurate shot. Other golfers can hit it straight but struggle to get it down the fairway very far.

Step 1

Use a regular-shafted club if you are happy with the distance you get off the tee or the fairway but you would like to be more accurate. A regular-shafted club will flex when you swing it, but it is not excessive. The more flex you have on your club, the faster your club head will move at impact. This can generate distance but it often hurts golfers who are looking for accuracy. A regular shaft will not have an excessive flex and most medium-handicap golfers can hit an accurate shot with it.

Step 2

Use a graphite shaft if you want extra distance on your shots. A graphite shaft is very whippy and flexible and will give the golfer more club head speed at impact to help gain more distance. However, a golfer has to be careful not to overswing the club because it will be very difficult to control if the timing is not right.

Step 3

Use a senior club that is extra flexible if you have lost strength and power over the years and you would like to gain some of it back. In order to gain distance, senior clubs are extra whippy and a bit longer. The longer swing path and the added club head speed at impact will help the golfer compete better and enjoy the game more.

Step 4

Use a stiff shaft if you regularly hit the ball in the rough or out of bounds.This club is good for golfers who have a slice or a hook because the club head will remain lined up with the ball as impact is imminent. This will give you a much better chance of hitting an accurate and straight shot.

Step 5

Try out the shafts before you buy new clubs. Most pro shops and golf specialty stores will have demonstration clubs available for you when you want to learn about the differences in the shafts. You may need help with distance, but you might not like the feel of a whippy shaft. You have to like the club you are swinging or it won't do you any good.