How To Shorten Golf Clubs? What Are The Effects Of Shortening Golf Clubs?

Each golfer has different needs, and a ‘standard length’ golf club may not meet them. In such cases, adjustments are a necessity.

Some golfers need longer clubs, while others might prefer shorter ones. It’s like custom tailoring for golf clubs! In this post, we’ll explain how to shorten a golf club.

But first, let’s understand standard golf club lengths. Later on, we’ll also look at the effects of shortening golf clubs.

What are the Standard Golf Club Lengths?

Through the years, golf equipment standards have evolved due to emerging technologies. And finding a ‘true standard’ is rare now.

But don’t worry. Club length is fairly consistent irrespective of brand or type. It’s the one thing we can count on in this ever-changing golfing world!

As you understand, standard golf club lengths vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and club type, but here are the approximate average lengths for the main clubs:

1. Driver: Around 43 to 46 inches.
2. Fairway Woods: Approximately 41 to 43 inches.
3. Irons (3 to 9): Typically 35 to 40 inches, with each iron getting shorter as the number increases.
4. Wedges (Pitching, Gap, Sand, Lob): Usually 34 to 36 inches.
5. Putters: Ranging from around 32-35 inches.
6. Hybrid: Commonly 38-41 inches.

Remember, these are general averages. Individual golfers might prefer customized lengths based on their height, swing, and playing style. So, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always advisable to get fitted by a professional.

Or, you can continue reading how to shorten golf clubs, and do it by yourself!

What do you need for shortening golf clubs?

Before we explain how to shorten a golf club, we need to talk about the materials needed.

• A sharp hacksaw or pipe cutter (ensure it’s suitable for cutting golf shafts)
• A vice or club holder to secure the club during cutting
• A measuring tape or ruler
• Masking tape or grip solvent (if you want to reuse the grip)
• New grip (optional, if you prefer to replace the grip after shortening)

How to shorten golf clubs?

To shorten golf clubs, simply follow these steps:

1. Measure the desired length
2. Remove the grip
3. Secure the club with a club holder
4. Mark the cut point
5. Cut the shaft
6. Deburr the shaft
7. Regrip or install a new grip
8. Check the swing weight (optional)

Shortening golf clubs is a process that should be done carefully to maintain the club’s balance and performance. After all, golf clubs are pretty expensive nowadays.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shorten golf clubs:

1. Measure the desired length

Decide how much you want to shorten the club. Consider factors like your height, swing mechanics, and personal preference.

A common recommendation is to remove no more than one inch (2.54 cm) from the original length.

2. Remove the grip

 If you plan to reuse the grip, use grip solvent to loosen the adhesive or tape underneath the grip. Slowly and carefully slide the grip off the shaft without damaging it. Set it aside.

3. Secure the club with a club holder

Use a vice or club holder to secure the club shaft firmly without damaging it. Make sure the clubhead is elevated, so it doesn’t get in the way during the cutting process.

These club holders are also used to remove driver head from a shaft.

4. Mark the cut point

Measure the desired length from the butt end of the shaft and mark it using a pencil or masking tape. Double-check the measurement to avoid cutting too much.

5. Cut the shaft

Using a sharp hacksaw or pipe cutter, carefully cut the shaft at the marked point. Take your time and make a straight and clean cut.

If you’re using a hacksaw, use slow and smooth strokes to prevent unnecessary vibration that could damage the club.

6. Deburr the shaft 

After cutting, the end of the shaft may have sharp edges. Use a file or sandpaper to smooth out the cut end to prevent injury during play or when regripping the club.

7. Regrip or install a new grip

As you removed the grip earlier, you can now either reinstall the old grip using grip adhesive or install a new grip following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

You need to wait after regripping golf clubs to play with them again. Ideally, it should be around 24 hours before playing with them again.

If you’re not familiar with grip installation, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional club fitter or golf shop.

8. Check the swing weight (optional):

Shortening the club may alter its swing weight (the club’s balance). If you’re concerned about the swing weight, you can add weight to the clubhead or grip to restore its original balance.

Shortening golf clubs is a process that should be done carefully to maintain the club’s balance and performance. After all, golf clubs are pretty expensive nowadays.

Again, seeking the help of a club fitting expert can be beneficial in this case whether it is an old golf club or a new one.

Once you have completed the process, take the club to the driving range and test it out to see how it feels and performs. Adjustments can be made as necessary based on your experience.

How to shorten a graphite golf club shaft?

You can follow the same steps as discussed above. But for shortening a graphite golf club shaft, it is better to use rod saw blades which are primarily used for cutting graphite shafts.

These blades are attached to a hacksaw. In case you don’t have one, try using a table saw or a small chop saw with a graphite-grade blade.

Effects of shortening golf clubs

Shortening golf clubs can have various effects on your game, swing, and overall performance. Here is a list of some of the effects of shortening golf clubs:

• Increased Control: Shorter clubs can offer better control over your shots, especially for players with slower swing speeds or those who struggle with consistency.
• Improved Accuracy: With increased control, you may find it easier to hit the ball more accurately, as shorter clubs can reduce the potential for over-swinging or excessive clubhead speed.
• Better Ball Striking: Shorter clubs can lead to more solid ball striking since they allow you to maintain better balance and posture during the swing.
• Reduced Distance: One of the most significant effects of shortening clubs is a reduction in distance. The shorter shafts result in reduced clubhead speed and, consequently, shorter shot distances.
• Altered Trajectory: Shorter clubs tend to produce lower ball trajectories, which can be advantageous in certain playing conditions, such as windy weather.
• Improved Consistency: A more controlled swing with shorter clubs can lead to improved consistency in your shots, helping you avoid wild misses.
• Increased Feel: Some golfers prefer the feel of shorter clubs, as they can provide a better sense of connection and feedback between the clubhead and the ball.
• Easier to Hit from Rough: Shorter clubs are generally easier to maneuver through thicker grass and rough, allowing for better chances of getting out of tough lies.
• Better for Short Game: Shortening your wedges can enhance your short game performance, offering more control and precision around the greens.
• Potential Draw Bias: Shortening the club can introduce a draw bias (a shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed golfer). This may suit some players but could be undesirable for others.
• Loss of Swing Weight: Shortening the club can lead to a decrease in swing weight, making the club feel heavier than before. This can affect the timing and tempo of your swing.
• Grip Size Adjustment: Shortening clubs may require adjusting the grip size to maintain proper balance and feel.
• Increased Maneuverability: Shorter clubs are generally easier to maneuver, making them beneficial for shots requiring finesse and touch.
• Potential Loss of Confidence: Shortening clubs may initially affect your confidence, especially if you are used to the previous club lengths. This psychological impact should be considered.
• Impact on Lie Angle: Shortening clubs can alter the lie angle, potentially affecting how the clubhead contacts the ground at impact.

These are the common effects of shortening golf clubs. You must weigh the pros and cons carefully before cutting your clubs.

YOU MAY ALSO READ – Our article on Which Club Would Most Golfers Likely Hit From 100 Yards

How much does it cost to shorten golf clubs?

On average, the cost of shortening golf clubs by a professional is around $5 to $15. If you are shortening a full set of clubs, the cost can add up. Some golf shops may offer discounts for shortening multiple clubs at once.

Actually, the cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of clubs, the materials they are made of, and where you have the work done.

Keep in mind that the cost may also include other adjustments, such as regripping the clubs after shortening.

To get an accurate cost estimate, it’s advisable to contact local golf club fitters or repair shops and ask about their pricing for shortening clubs.

How to tell if golf clubs are too short?

A variety of factors relating to your body and swing mechanics must be considered in order to determine if golf clubs are too short.

Listed below are some common indicators that your golf clubs might be too short:

• Ball flight: If you consistently hit the ball too low or with a lot of topspin, it might be a sign that your clubs are too short. The improper lie angle can lead to poor contact and affect the launch angle of your shots.
• Consistency: Inconsistent ball striking and frequent mishits may indicate that the club’s length is not suitable for your height and swing.
• Address position: If you find yourself hunching over or feeling uncomfortable at the address position, the clubs could be too short for your height.
• Gripping down: If you habitually grip down on the club significantly, it might indicate that the clubs are too long for you.
• Impact position: If you tend to hit the ball toward the heel of the club more often, it could be a sign that the club’s length is not right for your swing.
• Clubhead speed: A drastic decrease in clubhead speed compared to your potential might occur if the clubs are too short, as it affects your leverage and ability to generate power.
• Loss of distance: If you notice a significant drop in distance with your shots, it could be due to clubs that are too short, leading to inefficient swing mechanics.

Final thoughts on shortening golf clubs

So, you should now have a clear idea about how to shorten golf clubs and the effects of shortening them. But remember that shortening a golf club is a permanent alteration and cannot be undone.

If you’re unsure about the process or its impact on your game, They can also offer personalized advice and assistance.

This will certainly assist you in making an informed decision based on your playing style, swing characteristics, and physical attributes. Have fun swinging!