Adding Length to Woods

Generally, it is a good idea to add or subtract length to fit a player's physical stature. Adding or subtracting a 1/4 inch can make a club perform significantly better than "off the rack" equipment.

A small modification to club length has a major effect on the overall fitting solution. Length adjustments change other club specification such as club lie and swingweight. These unintended effects can have a negative overall imipact on the club's performance if they are made without discretion.

The tendency of the average golfer is to underestimate the importance of overall club length when they customize their clubs. They sometimes add too much length in attempt to compensate for their height or to add distance to their drives.

Modern Standard for Club Length

GigaGolf designs and builds our clubs to the modern standard used by many major golf equipment manufacturers today. In keeping with this standard, a driver is designed and built at 45 inches. However, the average playing length of a driver on the PGA tour is 44.5 inches. Tiger Woods, plays his driver closer to 44 inches.

These players understand that it takes consistency to post low scores. They could hit their drivers further if they played longer drivers, but they know it is much easier to hit it close to the pin from the short grass.

GigaGolf's studies have shown golfers have a higher average distance with a 45 inch driver than one stretched to 46 inches. However, the longer driver will smash the longest of the drives. Conclusion: if you play golf for a lower score, be conservative when adding length to your woods. But if you are out there to go for the long drive add an inch and bring some extra balls.

If you are satisfied with your driver distance but could use some consistency, do not be afraid to take 1/4 to 1/2 inches off the eFit recommendation. Hitting the ball solid is the key to longer, more accurate drives.

Dynamic vs. Static Fitting Systems

Should I get fit by a local clubfitter? Some players that are satisfied with their swings may benefit from a dynamic fitting from your local PGA professional. However, most golfers we know are constantly working on their swings trying to improve and refine their game. Why get your clubs to fit to a swing you hope will change for the better? Or maybe your swing is more upright than usual on the day you are fit. Or worse, the clubfitter you visit is not really that good.

The GigaGolf eFit system will help you build clubs that will help you improve your swing, eventually making it more repeatable and reliable. We need two simple measurements that are detailed in the "eFit Length" section of the club building process to achieve an accurate fitting.