Nick Clearwater on Shorter Driver Shafts (Video)

This short GOLFTEC video is about something you should seriously consider: Can you really get more distance from a shorter driver shaft?

Think approximately what Clearwater says at the start of this video:

• The average driver you buy at the golf shop usually has a 44.5 inch shaft.
• The average driver used by PGA Tour pros usually has a 43.5 inch shaft.
• And some of the best drivers on Tour use a driver with a 43 inch (or even shorter) shaft.

Longer shafts don't automatically equate to longer drives. I know that sounds crazy, but a shaft that is too long for you isn't as easy to swing effectively (which usually results in a slower clubhead speed). And if you aren't swinging effectively, you probably aren't hitting the sweet spot on the clubface very often either.

I know current clubs are extra forgiving, however 'forgiving' simplest way the ball would not go as a long way off line with an off-center hit. But you continue to get much less distance at the off-center hit.

Clearwater's little rubber band test is a great way to look in case you hit the middle of the clubface extra regularly with a shorter shaft, but be conscious that this take a look at might not provide you with the identical distance you would get with the 'correct' shaft for that duration.

When you grip down at the shaft, the shorter shaft is stiffer because you've changed where the flex point of the shaft is. Getting the right shaft length places that flex point again in the correct spot and also you get more distance. Or, to position it every other manner, gripping your 44.5 inch shaft so it performs at only forty three inches won't come up with the identical distance as an real forty three inch shaft could come up with.

So endure that in thoughts if you attempt checking out in your right shaft length. Once you discover an appropriate shaft duration using the Clearwater approach, you will need to attempt hitting a membership with an actual shaft of that duration to find out how it certainly influences your period off the tee.