Is club length my problem?

Raston56 · August 5, 2008

Hey everyone,

First time posting. I just started playing golf and am really enjoying it, although i am brutal. Anyway, what I think is my main problem (and what others have told me) is that I tend to stand up a bit just before I make contact with the ball. I bought a set of used Ping I3+ Blades blue dots and really like them so far. I am pretty tall, 6"6 and know that I need to get them adjusted for my height and swing, but I am now taking lessons and the guy at Golf Galaxy told me that to get that done now would be a waist of money as I would have to get it done again once I learned how to swing.

Anyway my question whether this is true or not. I know the clubs a short for me, and I feel that constantly having to bend over makes it more difficult to stay down on the ball. I agree that adjusting the club might not make much sense now, but would it be worth while to just lengthen them? And if so do I get all of them lengthened including wedges and putter? Or, is there no corelation to club length and pulling off the ball.

Thanks in advance.

just372 · August 5, 2008

Length is one of the only things that you can get fit for and it will pretty much stay consistent because it is based on your height and the distance from your wrist to the floor. I have not seen that ratio change with lessons or swing changes. Get fit for the length, and get your clubs adjusted, and if you keep after it and develop a consistent swing a couple years down the road, then get a full fitting. The guy from GG is half right, probably too early to get a full fit, but it is never too early to get the right length clubs. Anyone else? JQ

DTDSC · August 5, 2008

i Agree. You should not waste money getting fit now, since you will most likely, change your swing, However getting the clubs lengthened via plug in the end, will not hurt you at all. Especially if you already feel the clubs are too short, and automatically get lower in order to swing them. Ask any store to just lengthen the irons by a few inches. If your set is std length, try 1-1.5in, you can probably get one of their demo clubs, and see which length you prefer, then ask the to do it for you. It will cost you for individual plugs and grips. Make sure to do it on the wedges as well to get the same consistency.

As for the putter. Easier to just get another putter you like in the length you like. Afterall, putter swings does not change.

Good Luck.

tallvinny · August 5, 2008

I am also a tall golfer at 6'6" and have been playing for 15 years and am a 7 hdcp. To add to the problem of being tall I am lefty so equipment problems are my specialty.

There are a lot of different things you can do and I would need more details for some advanced advice but here is my advice based on what you wrote.

First I would stop using the i3 blades if you can. They are an unforgiving club for a beginner. If you can't get most of the money back keep them and decide if you want to modify them later when you get better. For now I would get a cheap set of clubs off ebay or from sports authority. If you can get cheaper set that is over standard great. They should be forgiving as possible.

The most important part is to learn the game and build a somewhat consistent swing before you sink a lot of money into equipment. When you feel you have an idea that you will be playing for many years to come and need an equipment change get fitted by someone you can trust and if possible closer to your size. This brings me to fitting......

in my opinion, there are few people out there who know how to fit a 6'6" sized person. Everyone will have a different opinion including the fitting charts at different club companies. What you do not want is someone from golfsmith etc. who is 5'9" reading off a chart telling you your clubs need to be 3" over standard and 5* upright. Static fitting is mainly based on arm length (amongst other things) and I have found "club fitters" to have wildly varying opinions on what I should be playing. I have played everything from 2" over standard to standard clubs. You are going to have to find out what works for you which will take some experience and trial and error.

Also, wedges should be fitted in relation to how you play your irons. Putters are a preference thing but I have never extended a putter. Finally drivers and fairway woods, I find , can generally be played as standard regardless of height.

This is all my opinion based on experience. Send me a pm if you have any other questions.

tallvinny · August 5, 2008

The guy from GG is half right, probably too early to get a full fit, but it is never too early to get the right length clubs. Anyone else? JQ

I would be careful of extending the clubs because this may change the flex of the shafts and lie angle. Playing the wrong flex and lie angle can be as bad as playing clubs too short.

just372 · August 5, 2008

The guy from GG is half right, probably too early to get a full fit, but it is never too early to get the right length clubs. Anyone else? JQ

I would be careful of extending the clubs because this may change the flex of the shafts and lie angle. Playing the wrong flex and lie angle can be as bad as playing clubs too short.

While that is true, he is a beginner, and the flex and lie angle are part of a full fitting, which are not really appropriate until his has a repeatable swing. Lengthening the clubs may affect the kickpoint of the clubs, but the shaft is not going to play any different with extensions. Do a cpm check and see...JQ

tallvinny · August 5, 2008

Lengthening the clubs may affect the kickpoint of the clubs, but the shaft is not going to play any different with extensions. Do a cpm check and see...JQ

Are you saying that a s300 shaft playing 2" longer does not change the flew but the flexpoint will change making a higher ball flight? I always thought adding lengthover 1/2" to a club would make it play softer. What is a cpm?

BluesDrive · August 5, 2008

definitely need to change the length. A friend of mine plays using standard lynx irons and he tops the ball A LOT(he's about 6'5"). However, I don't know if you want to lengthen your putter.

I play using standard length in my irons, but a 34" choked down an inch for my putter.

3step · August 5, 2008

Welcome to one of the greatest sports on the planet.

Of course you need your clubs longer!

If you feel uncomfortable and have to un-naturally bend over to reach the ball, you will always compensate, compensate, compensate- to your learning detriment.

Any ya-hoo who suggests that you need lessons first is really saying something like- "Why buy shoes that fit to train for your first marathon?"

Clubs that fit and learning proper swing mechanics are complementary ideals.

Your level of "brutal" play may not yet warrant the most sophisticated set, but it is hardly practical to learn how to drive a car when you can barely reach the pedals.

Search for a clubmaker in your area that will give you some common sense advice.

Regards, 3