What Are The Advantages Of Graphite Shafts For Golf Clubs?

Playing golf with graphite shafts can be a significant advantage for any golfer who is looking to get more distance on his shots. Graphite clubs are more flexible and have more whip than steel shafts, and they allow a golfer to get more clubhead speed at impact. That leads to greater distance, but a golfer must also learn how to control the shot as well.

Weight

Golf clubs made of graphite are significantly lighter than steel-shafted clubs. Graphite clubs weigh about two ounces less than steel clubs. This makes the club much easier to swing and it is easier for the golfer to gain clubhead speed through the hitting zone.

Length

Graphite clubs tend to be a bit longer than steel-shafted clubs. As the golfer swings a longer club, he will have greater speed at impact with the ball. A longer club takes a bit more concentration to swing, because there is a greater chance you can miss the sweet spot when you swing the club. However, because the club is lighter, you can compensate for this difference.

Impact

When a golfer swings a steel-shafted club, a golfer will feel vibrations in his hands that travel up to his elbows if he hits the ball anything but perfectly. However, using a graphite club will eliminate these vibrations. The golfer will feel the impact of the club head on the ball and little else during contact. There are almost no vibrations associated with the contact.

History

The first graphite clubs were made and tested in 1968. They were used by pro players Don January and Gary Player on an experimental basis but not in tournament competition. After the experimental use, graphite shafts were manufactured for public use in 1970 and they have been sold ever since.

Potential

Graphite shafts give all golfers a chance to improve their score and their overall game. Greater club head speed at impact will lead to more distance on a consistent basis and that's just what graphite shafts can provide. However, the flexibility of the shaft can also lead to more shots that veer off course. Golfers have to be careful not to speed up their swing or they will find that their shots are regularly flying into the rough and going off course.