Choking Up vs. Shorter Shaft

[snoodlelvr]

I'm curious on opinions regarding choking up on driver against having a shaft cut down by a bit. I'm relatively short (5'6"), and it goes without saying that I have much more control when I choke up about 1-2" (the shaft on my burner is a bit long at 45.75"). As I'm still in the process of refining my ability to hit the driver, I'm hesitant to cut it down as I don't want to sacrifice potential distance for when I'm grooving it a bit better. I know the best thing will be to go for a professional fitting, but I'm curious to hear thoughts on this short of that.

Thanks,
Andy

[rudygu]

  snoodlelvr said:

I'm curious on opinions regarding choking up on driver against having a shaft cut down by a bit. I'm relatively short (5'6"), and it goes without saying that I have much more control when I choke up about 1-2" (the shaft on my burner is a bit long at 45.75"). As I'm still in the process of refining my ability to hit the driver, I'm hesitant to cut it down as I don't want to sacrifice potential distance for when I'm grooving it a bit better. I know the best thing will be to go for a professional fitting, but I'm curious to hear thoughts on this short of that.

Unless you are already consistently hitting the sweet spot on your driver you will probably gain distance by shortening the shaft. I can't remember the rule of thumb for distance loss per inch cut, but it's not that much. There are plenty of Tour players using drivers shorter than 45".

Shortening the shaft will make it play a few swingweight points lower, so if you are sensitive to this it may be something to consider. Also, the shaft will probably play slightly stiffer. Everardo could help you more with these particular issues...

[golf_junkie27]

Andy,

I just had my driver trimmed almost half an inch. It's performing exactly at the CPM and Flex that I was fitted for. Additionally, the swingweight did not change. It's still D7. I'm hitting the ball consistently better and have not lost any distance.

I recommend going to your fitter and having this done.

FWIW, I'm six feet tall and my driver length is 44 3/8 inches.

[Everardo]

  rudygu said:

Unless you are already consistently hitting the sweet spot on your driver you will probably gain distance by shortening the shaft. I can't remember the rule of thumb for distance loss per inch cut, but it's not that much. There are plenty of Tour players using drivers shorter than 45".

True, last I saw the average driver length on the PGA and other male tours was 44 3/8" so a premium should be placed on making solid consistent contact first

  rudygu said:

Shortening the shaft will make it play a few swingweight points lower, so if you are sensitive to this it may be something to consider. Also, the shaft will probably play slightly stiffer. Everardo could help you more with these particular issues...

The swing weight can be easily accounted for by counter balancing

[ks8829]

I would choke up on the driver and slowly move back up as you become for confident with the driver. The lenght of the shaft will aid in your distance.

[bigoak]

the rule of thumb was 1 in = 8 swingweight points. counter weights will just make it worse. Weight plugs can be placed in the tip if necessary. Choking up is a good idea. Look at professionals and you'll see that most choke up on everything.

[CG031]

I'm 5'7" and I got my g10 cut down to 44.50" and my Cleveland Launcer 3 wood cut down an inch as well. Working out great so far. More control for sure.

[Richie3Jack]

I would choke up on the club. The problem with cutting the shaft is it can really effect swingweight and shaft flex, especially if you get a lazy clubfitter or a clubfitter who doesn't know what they are doing. If you're playing well by choking up on the club, just stick with what's working.





3JACK

[oreodawg1]

Okay I'm pretty short just like you...well i'm about 5'3" maybe 4" on a good day but around there. I bought a driver and had it cut down to 44" thinking since I am short I need a shorter club. Well I hit it good, and straight, but I wanted more distance(I was averaging about 250). I changed to a Ben Hogan 8.5 stiff shaft 70g driver with a 45" shaft. I still hit just as straight, and I gained quite a bit of yardage(now I average about 275). To me it didn't make a big difference. I do feel like I have a little more control with the shorter driver, but as long as I keep it in the fairway thats good enough for me. So choke up for now, and start moving back as someone said. Hope this helps.