Drivers generally come standard at 45-46 inches in length, the longer the driver shaft the potential exists for more distance, theoretically your swing arc would be wider and therefore you could create more speed. However with the use of technology like trackman, we know that it is far more important to hit the center of the clubface than increase your swing speed by a few miles an hour. It is easier to hit the center of the clubface with a shorter club than a longer club, therefore if you feel like you are struggling with your current driver here’s a few things you can try before you cut that driver down or order a new one.
1. Choke down an inch when you grip the club and cover the face of your driver with a dry erase marker. Hit a few shots with your normal grip and a few choking down an inch, note where on the face you are hitting the ball and see if you are more consistent at finding the center of the clubface with the shorter length.
2. Most three wood shafts are the old driver standard 43.5, if you have an adjustable driver and three wood, put the three wood shaft in you driver and hit a few shots and see if you find any difference.
3. Schedule an appointment with a clubfitting expert for a driver fitting and have them check driver length for you. The correct length can make it easier to maintain your body angles throughout the swing and as a result you may pick up distance as a result of better swing mechanics.
If you have a young junior golfer make sure the driver length is correct for them, if you don’t and give them a standard length driver it can actually cause swing problems and long term it may actually cause them to swing slower in order to try and control the longer club. When they are young we want them to hit the ball as hard as they can so they learn to develop speed, make sure the driver fits them and is light enough that they can swing as fast as they can and hold their finish.