Club Length

[Gaviao]

So I am EXTREMELY new to the game. I've only played golf twice and hit balls out at a park/driving range a handful of times and I've never had any lessons.

I recently came into possession of some older used clubs (which is what has gotten me to try and play) but I'm curious about proper club length. The clubs are a mixed set of women's and junior clubs and being that I'm a shorter guy (5'5") I thought that they might make a better fit for me.

I'm I right in thinking this? Or should I look at getting different clubs?

On that line of thinking if/and most likely when I get newer clubs how can I judge proper length? Or am I putting too much thought into proper club length

[drglew]

The length may be fine for you if they feel right and you don't have to hunch over etc. to get the sole square on the ground. I've played my mom's clubs before and the length wasn't an issue.

A different issue though is that most junior and women's clubs have VERY flexible shafts. Assuming you're an adult male with even moderate athletic ability, the shafts may be too soft and "whippy" for you--which can lead to more erratic ball contact/flight.

So--for now while you're just starting out and trying to learn how to swing, they're probably OK; but if you think you're truly going to take up the game, you might want something else (men's starter set, used set, etc--plenty of other threads here on that subject). It's too early for you to get custom-fitted as you're still figuring out your swing and how to play.

BTW i'm only 5'6" and have always used "standard" men's clubs, and haven't had a problem with length, except with perhaps a few drivers (i.e. '07 Burner which had an extra-long shaft), although choking down an inch or two on the grip was all it took to make them feel normal...i've never needed to get customized shorter shafts. I'm guessing most short guys like me just use regular shafts without getting them custom-cut (except perhaps putters); it's the really tall guys that probably need custom shafts more than the short guys.

[mlf16507]

Check this out for great info

. http://www.tutelman.com/golf/design/...?ref=golfcoast

[Gaviao]

  drglew said:

The length may be fine for you if they feel right and you don't have to hunch over etc. to get the sole square on the ground. I've played my mom's clubs before and the length wasn't an issue.

Thanks! That's really good to know. I ended up finding another used set of used clubs. They're Northwestern "Tom Weiskopf Pro Classic" 4-9 irons and a driver. I picked them up for $15, at the time mostly because the set I mentioned above is also in pretty bad cosmetic shape (lots of rust and stains) so it's good to know that I'll most likely be better off with the Northwestern set.