Altering the length of your graphite golf clubs is a significant change to make. Golf club manufacturers spend time and money researching the optimum club length for golfers. However, this length is representative of average golfer height and swing type. Shortening your graphite clubs is a relatively simple task, requiring only a few tools.
Benefits
Shortening the graphite shafts on your golf clubs can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, depending on your needs. For shorter golfers, shortening the shaft will help align the club's lie angle. The lie angle is the angle between the bottom of the club and ground. All clubs are designed with specific lie angles that optimize the club's impact with the ball. If your graphite shaft club is too long, the lie angle may suffer. Shortening the shaft may also add stiffness because it reduces torque, providing you with a better feel for the club and allowing for better shots.
Techniques
Shortening a graphite shaft is fairly simple. Remove the grip using a grip-remover tool and an adhesive-removal solution or paint thinner. Once the grip is removed, measure and mark the area where you want to cut. Cover the area with masking tape to help prevent fraying, and score the cut line with a hacksaw before cutting all the way through. Remove the masking tape and replace the grip with new grip tape or glue, allowing to dry and cure overnight.
Considerations
Shortening the shaft is beneficial for some golfers, but it is an irreversible step in altering your clubs. New shafts are often expensive, especially if you must purchase them for all your clubs. If you have problems with your swing, do not immediately try shortening your shafts. You should shorten your shafts as a last resort. If you are considering shortening all your graphite clubs, try one first and test the results before altering the other clubs.
Steel Shafts
Steel-shafted clubs can also be shortened. The benefits and consequences of shortening steel-shafted clubs are the same as those for graphite shafts. However, the technique is slightly different. Remove the grip with adhesive remover and a grip-removal tool, marking the place where you want to cut. You do not need to cover the area with masking tape but should use a plumber's pipe-cutting tool instead of a hacksaw to ensure a smooth cut. Replace the grip with new glue and allow to cure overnight.
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