Golf Club Length – What Is the Standard Length/Size of Golf Clubs?

A brand new set of golf clubs means knowing the correct golf club length or size. How long should golf clubs be for my height? Now, this one’s a commonly asked question, the answer to which is not as simple as buying based on how tall you are.

It’s a very complex subject to talk about precisely because you just can’t select a size depending on your height. There’s more to it than that, which is exactly what this lengthy, in-depth article is all about.

Golf clubs, in general, are designed to fit a certain size. So the only thing to understand at this point is that just how your legs have to be long enough for making contact with the ground, the same holds true for clubs.

The thing is that off-the-shelf packaged golf club sets, even toddler sets, are fit to standard lengths. But the tricky or complicated part here is that the “standard” size is not the same across all manufacturers and brands.

So let’s dissect the topic bit by bit!

What is golf club length?

The length or size of a golf club refers to the measurement from the end of the grip (the top of the club where you hold it) to the heel of the club (the bottom edge that makes contact with the ground). It is typically measured in inches.

The typical lengths of clubs vary according to the type of the club and the golfer’s height. For example:

• Drivers: Typically the longest clubs in a set, ranging between 43-45 inches for most adult golfers. Professionals may use even longer drivers.
• Irons: These vary in length, starting from the longest 2-iron around 39-40 inches to the shortest 9-iron at about 35-36 inches.
• Wedges: Similar to short irons, wedges usually range between 34-36 inches.
• Putters: Generally the shortest in the bag, ranging from around 32-35 inches.

These lengths can be customized depending on the golfer’s height, arm length, posture, and swing characteristics to ensure comfort, proper contact, and better overall performance. This process is known as club fitting.

How Important Is the Right Length for Golf Clubs

Fitting for length is crucial because it has an impact on how you perform on the golf course. Clubs that are too short or even too long inevitably interfere with your stance and/or swing. And you really can’t afford to (performance-wise) jeopardize that clubhead-speed-boosting golf swing sequence. Even a solid golf setup foundation goes for a toss then!

For example, swing compensations will occur and that’ll lead to ball striking inconsistencies. Too long golf clubs means standing up too erect while too short compels your body to excessively bend over from your waist during address. And neither adjustment is made consciously, which, by default, results in a less effective swing motion.

Longer clubs, like drivers and fairway woods, tend to generate more distance due to the higher swing speed they can produce, but they are also harder to control. On the other hand, shorter clubs, like wedges and irons, provide more control over the ball but offer less distance.

But when you have the correct length of golf clubs, nothing messes with your proper stance, thus your swing action is done right for consistent ball striking.

Right Golf Club Length – Drivers, Irons, & Putters!

Driver Shaft Length

The speed at which you swing your golf driver is largely determined by the length of the driver shaft. Basically, the angle of attack and the path of the club are factors that make or break the dead-on center-of-the-sweet-spot contact.

With that in place, it’s now only logical to state that a longer shaft increases clubhead speed. Because longer shafts, in comparison to shorter ones, are able to produce more distance. And this point has been proven quite clearly since even standard driver shaft lengths have only increased over the past few years (to push extra yards).

So what is the standard shaft length of drivers? A few years ago, it was 43 inches. And now, it has been increased to 45 inches for men (although the range is between 45 and 45.75 inches). While the shaft length for ladies drivers is 44 inches.

However, I would like to share my honest opinion here. The driver shaft length, even though important, is not the only determinant. What also matters, and quite equally, is striking the sweet spot.

Consistent sweet spot contact on the clubface should be made for generating the required distance. And the longer the shaft length, the more challenging it is for the average or amateur golfer to establish that consistent contact.

Hence, the average driver shaft length in PGA Tour competitions is shorter because pro players genuinely value finding that center or sweet spot on the clubface. As for beginners in golf constantly producing mis-hits (off-center strikes), they can truly improve their driving distance with a larger sweet spot found on these highly forgiving drivers.

Iron Shaft Length

In the case of golf irons, factors more than just your height matter. Such as your swing posture and arm length.

And of course, it’s a given that is if you’re a taller-than-normal kind of golfer, you’re only going to benefit from ‘tall-sized’ clubs. And if you’re shorter than the average height, then it’s in the best interest of your game to stay away from taller golf club shafts. Too short or even too tall players often have to modify the shaft length based on their physical stature.

With irons, you have to admit that these are highly versatile golf clubs because they feature varying lengths based on the type or number of iron. So you have 1 to 9 irons, which means different shaft lengths. Typically, this range is between 34 inches and 40 inches (depending on the brand).

So here’s the general iron shaft length chart:

As you can see, 3-iron and 2-iron are the longest in the set. Generally, the difference in length among irons is about half an inch. This means wedges are only slightly shorter in comparison to 9-iron.

And then you also have steel shafts that are normally, once again, half an inch shorter than their graphite counterparts.

But please don’t forget that not every golf club manufacturer follows the same “standard” sizing. For instance, amateur-friendly Callaway irons, graphite-shafted, have a length of 39 inches (not 39.5) for the 3-iron and 36 inches (not 36.5) for the 9-iron.

Putter Length

Getting your eyes, at address, over the golf ball directly is the goal here, right? In that context, taller golfers naturally benefit from longer putters while shorter putters are more suitable for shorter players.

This means the putter length you choose should be based on YOUR height, with the most common length being between 32 and 35 inches. Needless to say, this factors in wrist-to-floor measurement and posture.

The ultimate mission to accomplish with putters, with regards to their length, is establishing a good level of comfort with the putting stroke of your choice. As long as you’re comfortable with that technique, don’t bother thinking so much about putter length.

How to Measure Golf Club Length

Here’s how to go about it to get the correct golf club length for your height…

1. Measure Your Overall Height (i.e. “static” fitting)

The measurement of your overall height is the first, most basic step of the process. But please bear in mind that this is not enough for deciding the accurate length of your golf club shaft. The overall height is just one of the measurements required for properly fitting a club, like an incomplete measurement (that combines with others discussed after this one).

Based solely on the overall height, here’s the golf club length chart:

2. Get Your Wrist-to-Floor Measurement (once more, “static” fitting)

Now, this measuring approach is the most commonly used for acquiring a proper or accurate length of golf clubs. Seems like a more complete method indeed. And explains why two golfers of the same, exact overall height don’t have the same wrist-to-floor measurement. Simply because the length of their legs and/or arms varies!

To get this WTF (wrist-to-floor) measurement, stand on the floor with your arms naturally hanging down next to your body. And of course, measure with your sneakers or golf shoes on (by the way, off-the-topic update, I’ve also reviewed some of the most comfortable and effective waterproof golf shoes if you’re interested).

So anyway, back to the measurements. Measure from your wrist crease all the way down to the floor. This should be done by another person if you want the most accurate measurements.

And now here’s the golf club length chart based on both your height and WTF measurements:

Here’s a golf club length calculator that includes both static measurements (overall height and wrist-to-floor) to give you YOUR club shaft length fitting.

3. In-Swing Factors (i.e. “dynamic” fitting)

Static fitting measurements – overall height and wrist-to-floor – are taken when the person’s not moving, meaning standing still. While a “dynamic” fitting refers to measurements recorded during his/her actual golf swing motion. That means when they’re hitting balls.

So, at such times, what’s taken into consideration is, for instance, how much a golfer is bending at the waist, stance-related concerns, and things like that. For example, too much bending at the waist during golf setup is carried through the impact position, which implies that this particular player should compensate for the flaw by using a shorter shaft length.

Likewise, even launch angle can be evaluated this way for determining what is the right, most advantageous golf club loft for you.

So What Is the Standard Golf Club Length?

Based on the average wrist-to-floor measurement and overall height, the standard length of golf clubs is anywhere between 34 and 35.5 inches.

Properly Sized Golf Clubs – What Are the BENEFITS?

It’s kind of obvious, but let me elaborate nevertheless!

• More Solid Golf Ball Contact

Naturally, a better, more solid connection of your club with the ball takes place (more consistently) as a result of the proper squaring up of the clubface at impact (all thanks to the correct, accurate size of the golf club).

• More Fitting Golf Club Lie Angle

For a more efficient golf swing, the lie angle and length of your club should be in sync. Tall golfers perform better when the lie angle of their golf clubs is more upright while a more horizontal or flatter type of lie angle is more beneficial for shorter players.

This way, you can hit your shots more comfortably through a more consistent style of golf swing.

• Improvement In Golf Handicap

When you launch more consistent strikes, due to correct wrist-to-floor measurement, it becomes compulsory for your handicap score to improve as well. After all, it works by taking into consideration scores from your previous rounds of golf. Hence, the better your shots, the higher your chances for achieving better scores.

The Complete Golf Club Length Chart

Effect of Golf Club Length Adjustments On Shaft Flex

Shaft length modifications have a direct impact on the flex of the shaft. When the length of your golf club is adjusted to better suit your arm length and height, its shaft stiffness is bound to get affected as well. More specifically, when the current shaft length is shortened, the level of ‘stiffness’ of this shaft increases. The majority of golfers don’t know this!

And now, “how ‘stiff’ does the shaft flex become?” – this is based on where the trimming of the shaft is done. When you trim from the grip side, which is what most professional golf club fitters do and you’ll soon understand why, the impact it has on stiffness is significantly much less (mostly unaffected indeed).

On the other hand, trimming to get the desired length from the side of the tip means the shaft then will stiffen more. For example, tip trimming will turn a Regular-flex shaft into Stiff-flex or Stiff-flex to Extra Stiff. And if you’re a slow-swing senior golfer (that means you most likely use Senior-flex golf club shaft), you may want to reconsider trimming at the tip.

What Golf Club Size/Length to Choose – It’s All Your Decision!

They’re YOUR golf clubs after all, right? So your clubs, your way!

However, please keep in mind that the length you select does really matter. So getting your overall height and wrist-to-floor distance measured is very, very important. And it’ll only take a few minutes, that’s all!

When your clubs are properly fitted, there’s just no downplaying the fact that they’re going to make you a more proficient golfer, along with improving your handicap. Consistent, solid ball contact is also a notable benefit here that’s sure to become a part of your game by default.