For most men (around 5’9″), irons should be about 38 inches. For women (around 5’6″), irons are about 36.5 inches. Drivers are usually 45 inches, and putters are around 35 inches. But height alone isn’t enough, wrist-to-floor measurement gives a better fit.
Use your height and wrist-to-floor to get the right club length, or try a custom fitting for best results.
This guide shows you how to check your size, use a club length chart, and know if you need custom clubs. Right-sized clubs help you stand better, swing smoother, and hit the ball more often in the middle.
Golf Club Length: Which Golf Club Size Is Right For You
To play well, your golf clubs need to fit your body. The best way to check is by using your height and wrist-to-floor measurement. If the club is the right size, your swing will feel easier and more comfortable.
What Does Golf Club Length Mean For Swing Performance
Golf club length means how long the club is from the bottom (where it touches the ground) to the top of the grip. Each club type has a different length:
- A driver is the longest club, usually about 45 inches.
- A 7-iron is about 37 inches for men and 36.5 inches for women.
- A putter is shorter, around 33 to 35 inches.
These are just average sizes. Some people may need longer or shorter clubs based on their body size.
Why The Right Golf Club Length Is Important In Golf Play
Using the right length clubs helps you:
- Stand in a better position
- Swing easier and smoother
- Hit the ball more accurately
- Feel more comfortable when playing
If your clubs are too long or too short, you might miss shots or feel awkward when swinging.
How to Measure Golf Club Length the Right Way
What is Static Measurement in Golf Cub Fitting
You can use a measuring tape or ruler to check your current club. Lay it flat and measure from the ground (bottom of the club head) to the top of the grip.
Wrist-to-Floor Measurement For Golf Club Length Fitting
This is the best way to find the right club size. Stand straight and measure from your wrist (where your hand meets your arm) down to the floor. Then match this with your height.
Example:
If you are 6 feet 2 inches tall and your wrist-to-floor is 39 inches, you may need clubs that are 1 inch longer than standard size.
This method works better because it looks at both your height and your arm length.
Best Driver Shaft Length For Distance and Control
Most drivers are about 45 inches long. If you are very tall or have long arms, you may want a longer driver. If you want more control, a shorter one might be better.
Iron Shaft Length Fitting For Consistent Ball Striking
A 7-iron is usually 37 inches for men and 36.5 inches for women. Other irons go up or down by half an inch. Having the right iron length helps you swing more easily and hit better shots.
Which Golf Club Length Is Best for Your Height
Now that you know how clubs are measured, you can use your height and wrist-to-floor measurement to find the right size. You can also try clubs at a golf shop or get a professional fitting.
If you feel like you have to bend too much or stand too tall when using your clubs, they might be the wrong size.
How to Measure Your Height Correctly for Golf Club Fitting
To find the right golf club size, your height is a good starting point. But it needs to be measured the right way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measure Your Height for Golf Club Length
- Wear your golf shoes or sneakers (just like you’d wear while playing).
- Stand up straight with your back against a wall.
- Use a tape measure or yardstick to check your full height from the floor to the top of your head.
- Write it down and use it with your wrist-to-floor measurement.
This helps match your body size to the correct golf shaft length.
Golf Club Length Chart Based on Height and Wrist-to-Floor Measurement
Once you know your height, check a golf club length chart. This chart uses both your height and the wrist-to-floor (WTF) measurement to show if you need shorter, longer, or standard-length clubs.
Example:
- Height: 5’6″ – Wrist-to-floor: 32 inches → Use clubs -0.5” shorter than standard
- Height: 6’2″ – Wrist-to-floor: 39 inches → Use clubs +1” longer than standard
Charts like this give a quick idea, but custom fitting is even better.
Why Using Only Height Is Not Enough to Fit Golf Clubs
Many golfers ask, “Can I just use my height to find the right golf club length?” The answer is no.
Here’s why:
- Some people have longer arms or shorter legs than others of the same height.
- Wrist-to-floor measurement tells how your arms reach the ground when you hold a club.
- This gives a better match to your natural stance and swing posture.
So, always use height + wrist-to-floor together for better results.
Key Benefits of Choosing the Right Golf Club Length for Your Body
Getting clubs that match your size helps a lot, especially for beginners and junior players. Here’s what happens when your clubs are the right length:
- You stand naturally with good posture.
- You swing smoother with more power.
- You hit the ball more often in the center of the clubface.
- You feel more confident and enjoy the game more.
Incorrect club length often causes poor ball contact, awkward swings, and frustration on the course.
Why Wrist-to-Floor Measurement Is So Important in Golf Club Fitting
The wrist-to-floor method is the most trusted way to size golf clubs for your body type. It gives a much more accurate result than just using height.
Here’s why it works:
- It adjusts for leg length, arm length, and posture
- It helps fit the club to your natural reach
- It works for kids, women, seniors, and golfers of all sizes
Professional golf fitters always use this method when helping players choose the best club length.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure Wrist-to-Floor for Golf Club Sizing
To find the right golf club length, your wrist-to-floor measurement is just as crucial as your height.
Here’s how to measure it correctly:
- Stand up straight on a hard floor in your golf shoes.
- Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
- Ask someone to measure from the crease of your wrist (where your hand meets your forearm) down to the floor.
- Write down the number in inches.
This measurement shows how far your hands are from the ground, which helps match the club’s shaft length to your natural stance and swing.
Golf Club Length Adjustment Chart Based on Wrist-to-Floor and Height
Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to add or subtract from standard club lengths based on your height and wrist-to-floor (WTF) measurement.
| Height Range | Wrist-to-Floor (inches) | Recommended Adjustment |
| 5’0″ – 5’2″ | 29″ – 32″ | -1 inch |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ | 33″ – 34″ | -0.5 inch |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ | 35″ – 36″ | Standard (no change) |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ | 37″ – 38″ | +0.5 inch |
| 6’2″ and above | 39″+ | +1 inch |
This table is a guide only. A custom fitting can give you even more accurate results.
Why Standard Golf Club Lengths Don’t Fit Every Player
Most off-the-shelf clubs are made for people around 5’9″ tall, using average arm lengths. That means:
- If you’re shorter, the clubs may feel too long, causing you to hunch.
- If you’re taller, the clubs may be too short, forcing you to bend too much.
This is why players of all sizes should measure themselves or get fitted before buying clubs.
Common Problems with Using Standard Golf Club Lengths for All Heights
Using standard-length clubs when they don’t match your size can cause:
- Topping the ball (hitting too high on the clubface)
- Fat shots (hitting the ground before the ball)
- Awkward swing path that feels uncomfortable
- Inconsistent distance and direction
These problems make it harder to play well, even if your technique is good.
Custom Fitting For Golf Clubs: Is It Worth It
Custom fitting helps make golf clubs that fit your body and swing. It looks at your height, how you stand, and how you swing to choose the right club length, angle, and grip size. Fitted clubs can help you hit the ball better, straighter, and more often.
What Is Custom Golf Club Fitting and How Does It Work
Custom fitting means having your golf clubs adjusted to match your height, swing style, wrist-to-floor measurement, and even grip preference. Professional fitters use tools and technology to evaluate:
- Swing speed and tempo
- Lie angle (how the clubhead rests on the ground)
- Shaft length and flex
- Ball flight and spin rate
You’ll often hit balls on a launch monitor, and the fitter will recommend exact club specifications for you.
Key Benefits of Getting Fitted Golf Clubs for Your Body Type
Custom-fitted clubs give a personalized feel that matches your stance, arm length, and swing style. Benefits include:
- Better posture and setup
- Improved contact and shot shape
- More confidence in addressing
- Equipment that works with your body, not against it
This is especially helpful if you’re taller, shorter, or have a unique swing style compared to average players.
Additional Reasons Why Custom Golf Club Fitting Is Worth It
Beyond comfort, proper fitting can:
- Improve consistency in shot distance and direction
- Reduce physical strain on your back and joints
- Help avoid bad habits caused by clubs that are too short or too long
- Save money in the long run by choosing the right clubs the first time
Custom fitting is not just for professionals. It’s a great option for beginners, women, juniors, and senior golfers, too.
Driver Length: How It Affects Your Game
The length of your driver can change how far and how straight you hit the ball. A longer driver can hit the ball farther but is harder to control. A shorter driver is easier to aim and swing, but might not go as far. Picking the right length helps you hit better shots off the tee.
What Is the Standard Length of a Golf Driver Shaft
Most off-the-shelf drivers are 44 to 45.5 inches long. This length is designed to help players get the maximum distance off the tee. However, not every player can control a longer shaft, especially beginners.
The standard driver length for men is about 45 inches, and for women, it’s usually around 44 inches.
Pros and Cons of Using a Longer vs Shorter Golf Driver Shaft
A longer driver shaft can help you hit the ball farther, but it’s harder to control. A shorter shaft is easier to swing and helps you hit the ball straighter, but you might lose some distance. Knowing the good and bad of each helps you pick the one that fits your game best.
Longer Driver Shaft: More Distance, Less Control
A longer driver (over 45 inches) helps increase clubhead speed, which can give you more distance. But it’s harder to control the clubface, which can lead to:
- Sliced shots
- Inconsistent contact
- Less accuracy, especially off the tee
Shorter Driver Shaft: More Accuracy, Less Distance
A shorter driver (under 44 inches) offers better control and consistency, especially for players who struggle with direction. Benefits include:
- Improved accuracy
- Easier to square the clubface
- Better feel during the swing
You may lose a few yards, but gain more fairways hit, which can help your score more in the long run.
Driver Shaft Length Comparison Table
| Driver Shaft Length | Typical Use | Average Carry Distance | Control Level | Best For |
| 43.5 inches | Custom short driver | 225 – 240 yards | Excellent | Beginners, seniors, high-handicappers |
| 44 inches | Standard for women/juniors | 230 – 250 yards | Very Good | Women, control-focused players |
| 45 inches | Standard for men (off-shelf) | 250 – 270 yards | Average | Most male golfers |
| 45.5 – 46 inches | Extended shaft driver | 260 – 285+ yards | Moderate to Poor | Low-handicappers, distance seekers |
| 47+ inches | Tour max legal limit | 270 – 300+ yards | Low | Long drive competitors only |
Note: Actual distances depend on swing speed, launch conditions, and ball type.
When Should You Shorten or Lengthen Your Golf Clubs
If your clubs feel too long or too short, it can make your swing uncomfortable and cause bad shots. You might be standing too tall, bending too much, or missing the ball a lot.
Checking your height and how far your wrist is from the floor helps you know if your clubs need to be longer or shorter. The right length helps you swing better and play more confidently.
How to Tell If Your Golf Clubs Are Too Long
You’ll feel it right away if the clubs are too long. You’ll stand too upright at the address, like you’re not settling into your stance.
The swing feels dragged like the club’s pulling you instead of moving with you. And you’ll start missing the center of the face more than you’d like. Shots might flare out, feel clunky, or just be off.
Longer clubs can also mess with your tempo. If you’re struggling with timing or control, especially on irons, length might be the quiet problem nobody’s pointing out.
Signs Your Golf Clubs Are Too Short
When clubs are too short, you’re going to hunch. You’ll feel like you’re reaching down to the ball, almost crouching. That creates tension, and tension kills fluid motion.
You’ll catch a lot of thin shots, maybe top a few. The swing starts to feel rushed, like you’re squeezing everything out of a short lever.
Watch your contact and balance. If you’re always falling forward after the swing or your back feels tight after a range session, your clubs may be short for your build.
How to Experiment With Club Lengths Like a Pro
Don’t just guess. Head to a fitting studio or even a good range that has demo clubs. Try a 1-inch shorter and a 1-inch longer club of the same model, same grip, same head, same shaft flex. Nothing fancy. Just hit balls and feel it.
Track how you swing, not just where the ball goes. You’re looking for balance, freedom, and contact. If a club feels like an extension of your arm, not a tool you’re trying to control, you’re close.
What to Notice When Testing Club Lengths
Pay attention to where you’re striking the ball on the face. Middle contact is key. Next, focus on your finish do you feel balanced or off? Also, watch your ball flight. Are you shaping shots naturally or fighting the club?
Comfort matters too. If you find yourself making swing adjustments just to make the club work with too much grip pressure or a changed setup, you’re fighting the club. And in this game, when you’re fighting the club, you’re not winning.
FAQs
How do I determine the correct golf club length for my height?
To find the right golf club length, consider both your height and your wrist-to-floor measurement.
Stand upright in your golf shoes and measure the distance from your wrist (where it bends) to the floor. This measurement, combined with your height, helps determine the appropriate club length for optimal swing mechanics and comfort.
What is the wrist-to-floor measurement, and why is it important?
The wrist-to-floor (WTF) measurement is the distance from the crease of your wrist to the ground while standing straight.
It’s crucial because it accounts for arm length and posture, providing a more accurate fit than height alone. This measurement ensures that the club length complements your natural stance and swing path.
Is there a standard length for golf clubs based on height?
Standard golf clubs are typically designed for individuals around 5’9″ tall, with a wrist-to-floor measurement of approximately 35 inches.
For those taller or shorter, adjustments are often necessary. For example, someone 6’2″ tall may require clubs that are 1 inch longer than standard, while someone 5’3″ might need clubs 0.5 inches shorter.
How does club length affect my golf swing?
Using clubs that are too long can cause you to stand too upright, leading to inconsistent shots and reduced control.
Conversely, clubs that are too short may force you to bend excessively, resulting in topped shots and discomfort. Proper club length promotes better posture, swing consistency, and overall performance.
Can I adjust the length of my existing golf clubs?
Yes, existing clubs can often be adjusted. Lengthening involves adding extensions to the shaft, while shortening requires cutting the shaft down.
However, modifying club length can affect swing weight and balance, so it’s recommended to consult with a professional club fitter to ensure optimal results.
Should beginners get custom-fitted golf clubs?
Absolutely. Beginners can benefit significantly from custom-fitted clubs as they promote proper technique and comfort from the start.
Custom fitting considers individual physical characteristics and swing tendencies, helping new players develop good habits and improve more rapidly.
How does driver length impact distance and control?
A longer driver shaft (over 45 inches) can potentially increase swing speed and distance but may sacrifice control and accuracy.
A shorter driver (around 44 inches) typically offers better control and consistency but might result in slightly less distance. Finding the right balance depends on your skill level and swing mechanics.
Where can I get professionally fitted for golf clubs?
Professional club fittings are available at many golf retailers, pro shops, and specialized fitting centers.
During a fitting session, experts assess your swing, measurements, and preferences to recommend clubs that match your specific needs, enhancing your comfort and performance on the course.
Final Tips on Choosing the Right Golf Club Length for Your Height
Finding the correct golf club length isn’t just about checking your height on a chart. It’s about how the club feels in your hands, how it matches your swing, and how consistently you can strike the ball. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your setup, these quick tips will help you make a smarter choice:
- Test different lengths before buying feel matters as much as fit.
- Pay attention to your posture standing too upright or bending too much are red flags.
- Use both your height and wrist-to-floor measurement not just one.
- Don’t underestimate the impact of proper club length on swing speed, ball contact, and control.
Ready to Find Your Fit
Start by grabbing a tape measure and checking your height and wrist-to-floor distance. Then compare your results with a golf club fitting chart, or schedule a visit to a professional club fitter. A proper fit can transform your swing, boost your confidence, and help you enjoy the game even more.
Because in golf, the right equipment isn’t a luxury it’s a game-changer.
World’s Best Golfers Use 20 Year Old Golf Clubs
Posts References:
Golf Club Length: Which Size is Right for You
Do short golfers need short clubs