Optimal Driver Shaft Length

[doublebogey]

I've just recently got a Titleist 917 D2 driver with a regular flex shaft cut 1/2" below the standard 45" length to 44.5". Also got 14g SureFit CG weight (instead of the standard 12g) weight in the clubhead to adjust swing weight for the slightly shorter shaft (any rule of thumb on how much weight to add to driver head and/or grip when shortening driver shafts?). Of course, result is swing speed a tiny bit slower and launch angles a little bit lower, though I think dispersion will be less but haven't been able to satisfactorily confirm that.

But with recent hype about shorter driver shafts, just wanna hear forum members' views on what they think is optimal (combination distance and control) driver shaft length for them given their game and height. FYI I am 5'11" with swing speed at ~95 MPH and 17 HCP - so am wondering if 44.5" shaft might be right for me (or too short or too long and can be cut down more)? Thanks.

[StuartG]

The key to getting good performance with the driver (and most clubs for that matter) is getting good consistent center face contact (or maybe a hair above the face center). Anything off center can significantly mess with ball speed, launch angle, spin - and there for add lots of inconsistency to the game both for distance and accuracy. Being able to get that good consistent contact is largely a factor of the playing length and a players individual athletic ability (shaft weight and swing weight can influence it as well but length is the biggest factor). So finding the 'optimal' playing length is about finding that playing length that allows you to get that good quality of contact. Some might be able to manage at 45", some might have to go down to 43.5" to get it. Everyone is different but it's very rare for the stock lengths to work well for the vast majority of amateurs. Some trial and error experimentation with choking up (and maybe some lead tape) is usually needed to find that length.

Yes there are some rules of thumb about changing length and how much head weight to add BUT they are really pretty useless in this context. That's not how the swing weight scale was designed or intended to be used. Not to mention the fact that the 'best' swing weight for you may not have been the original stock swing weight to begin with. Again, just get some lead tape and play around with adding different amounts on the range. Usually adding in 2 gm increments is a good place to start. Stop when you've found the amount that gives you the best feel and results. You may have to go past that value and back up to dial it in.

[doublebogey]

Agree. I think I'm pretty happy w the 44.5" shaft because it feels like it gives me better control - yet at the same time wondering w a rather standard 5'11" height is the slightly shorter shaft costing me some distance because I might be hitting ball on lower half of clubface, etc.?

So just wanted to check around forum to see what driver lengths forum members play with? And for guys my height and HCP, is being able to control the club more important than length that might be more ideal for one's height? I would assume so?

[StuartG]

If you are hitting it low on the club face, it's not your height or even the playing length that would be the primary cause. And unlike for the irons, for the longer clubs, height (or wrist to floor) is not really a big factor in determining what playing length will be a good fit. The main factors are the quality of the swing and the general athletic ability of the player.

But since you're interested, I'm 5' 11" and currently play my driver at 44-1/4". And with some upcoming swing changes planed once the season gets started, I'm considering going even shorter (43-1/2") while working on those changes.

[DirtyGarry24]

Jack Nicklaus says, take an inch off your driver until you can control it. What the hell does he know about golf though? Hehe.

I've been at 44" driver for awhile now. I don't really gain distance with a longer shaft, I lose consistency though.

[wbond]

My driver is at 43.5. You can use foot spray, hit 5 shots and take pictures of the clubface at various lengths to see which gives you the most consistency. You can also use your LM to see which gives you better numbers as well.

[doublebogey]

Thanks a lot everyone. Good to know others are using shorter shafts and enjoying it. I thought maybe my going to slightly shorter shaft might have been just joining a recent fad - but good to know others have had success w shorter shafts.