The driver is the longest club in your golf bag, so it can be a challenge to find one that is long enough to allow you a big swing and solid contact, but not too long that you're forced to stand too far from the ball, or worse, choke up on the grip. Finding the right-sized driver may take the help of a club fitter, but you may find that you can work well with a standard-sized driver.
Risk And Benefit
A longer driver shaft can equate to a faster swing speed and more distance, but at the potential loss of control. In an article in the Dec. 5, 2006 issue of "Golf" magazine, Rob Sauerhaft, managing editor for equipment, confessed to having his good days and bad days with his driver. He suggested that your ideal driver length may depend on you swing speed and the general way you approach your tee shots. A shorter driver, for example, may provide more control if you tend to rush your drives.
The Standards
The old standard driver shaft length used to be 43 inches, though 45 inches has become the standard today. In addition, club manufacturers still tend to make drivers that are 46 1/2 inches and 48 inches, which is the longest allowed in the "Rules of Golf." Custom-made clubs are, of course, also a possibility, depending on your height, those most golfers can get by on one of the standard driver lengths.
Custom Fitting
The idea of getting custom-fitted golf clubs may seem like a luxury, but more golf equipment stores and golf course pro shops can offer some degree of custom fitting. Cool Clubs in Scottsdale, Arizona, for example, uses specially designed machines and computer software to match up golfers with the right club length and materials. If you're going to invest hundreds of dollars in a set of golf clubs, you might as well take the extra effort and pay a little extra to make sure the first club you pull out of your bag every round is one you can hit with confidence.
Other Considerations
If a 44-inch shaft feels good in your hands, be sure to get some practice swings in with actual golf balls to make sure the flexibility of the shaft of the clubhead are also working for you. A club that feels right length-wise may be too rigid or too flexible when it comes to shaft design. And someone with a smooth, rhythmic and consistent swing may be able to handle a longer club than someone who struggles for that consistency.
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