Longer shafts (irons) or continue with what I have?

**Shankapotomus** · May 16, 2010

I've a very new golfer who is having trouble with Iron play. I am 6' 2" tall and learning to play with standard length irons. However, two people so far have said that my irons are too short for me and I could probably use another 3/4" to 1" of length on the shafts. This was confirmed this past Friday during my first lesson with a club pro who also commented on the same thing (without me asking about it).

Everything I have read says to learn on cheap "standard" equipment before investing in custom modifications. My dad also says I need to learn on what I have and not spend money. However, I am 99% sure I want to continue learning how to play golf properly so do I go ahead and get new irons now? I have a friend of the family who does a lot of custom club work for folks and he's willing to re-shaft my current irons for the cost of the materials.

FWIW, I am swinging my driver and woods much better than my irons.

**delav** · May 16, 2010

If you can, measure the vertical distance from the floor to your wrists when standing normally. While it's a good idea to buy a set fit for your your game once you've got a swing established, it can be hard to do so if standard length clubs aren't a close fit for you.

**RobS** · May 16, 2010

If you can, measure the vertical distance from the floor to your wrists when standing normally. While it's a good idea to buy a set fit your your game once you've got a swing established, it can be hard to do so if standard length clubs aren't a close fit for you.

I was gonna mention that as well. It's not necessarilly how tall you are, it's the measurement from your wrists to the floor. If you find that you need longer clubs, you may want to consider extending the ones you've got. Extenders are relatively cheap and you won't even notice they're there. That way you don't have to buy completely new shafts. I would also recommend getting your lies adjusted, tall guys and gals will oftentimes need clubs that are more upright. Note that the extenders will change the playing characteristics of your clubs, such as stiffness, swingweight, and total weight.

**JWL1957** · May 16, 2010

Dont buy into the tall man & longer club nonsense. Im almost 6' 3" and play with the older standard of iron length which is about 1/2" shorter than todays more modern irons. I do kick my lie angle up 1 degree. Club fitting varies among individuals. A friend of mine is 5' 8"...and his wrists to floor measurement is longer than mine.

**jldavis73** · May 16, 2010

At the very least you should consider the club extension option. If you can get lie angles adjusted, do it as well. If you continue to play with clubs that don't fit you, you will make compensations with your swing that will be nearly impossible to correct later!

**delav** · May 16, 2010

Dont buy into the tall man & longer club nonsense. Im almost 6' 3" and play with the older standard of iron length which is about 1/2" shorter than todays more modern irons. I do kick my lie angle up 1 degree. Club fitting varies among individuals. A friend of mine is 5' 8"...and his wrists to floor measurement is longer than mine.

The fact that you are 6'3'' and have the same wrist-to-floor measurement as your friend who is 5'8'' simply implies that a standard fit club may be better for you that other guys your height. If the OP has a longer wrist to floor than you do, standard length clubs will likely be too short and flat.

**JWL1957** · May 16, 2010

The fact that you are 6'3'' and have the same wrist-to-floor measurement as your friend who is 5'8'' simply implies that a standard fit club may be better for you that other guys your height. If the OP has a longer wrist to floor than you do, standard length clubs will likely be too short and flat.

Ditto! Thats exactly why I stated that club fitting varies from individual to individual. I see retailers and clubs pro's alike .......automatically tell a guy he needs longer clubs because he's tall. It just shows how ignorant they are about thier profession and the equipment they sell.

**Zeph** · May 16, 2010

I would recommend you take a trip to a golf store, or your friend, if he is able, and get measured some distances, then evaluated what length of clubs you should use. Don't make it look like you are buying clubs, just bring a club and ask if they could check how the club fit you.

**Jon K** · May 17, 2010

Hey Shanka,

I'm 6'2" and had my irons custom made with .5" more on the shaft. Can I play without the extra length? Yes. I think the extra length is more for comfort than playability. You can always alter your swing, stance and knee bend to make your current clubs work however in the long run, you'll probably feel more comfortable with a longer shaft which in turn will probably give you better play.

Before you spend money on clubs, work on your swing and get it down. I've spent a lot of money in the past trying to get my clubs to fit my swing ... then ultimately spent money fixing my swing ... then buying more clubs to fit my new swing.

On another note, if you want a great set of irons that are built for your height, I'm selling my new Mizuno MP-58's that are custom made for you. I have a post in the marketplace for them if you want to see photos or the info. These are NOT a beginners iron however if you started learning and practicing with these, you'd be learning on set of players irons and some say that's doing it right.

**Shankapotomus** · May 19, 2010

I appreciate the replies folks. My wrist to floor measurement is 37" so some slightly longer irons might be in order. Jon, those MP-58's are awesome but a bit out of my budget at the moment.

spaindaddy · June 2, 2010

I am 6' 4" and after 20 yrs of playing golf with standard length with extension Tommy Armour 845s (still a great set), I went to my local shop and got custom fitted. WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE...got set up with Ping i15s with 2" extensions and X Stiff shafts....the irons are like lasers....there is not a shot on the course from 180 yds in that I do not feel comfortable with...shots from 150 in feel automatic 9 times out of 10. If you have reached a stage in life where you can afford it, and are serious about Golf, getting fitted makes a world of difference. Cannot emphasize this enough.

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