Golf may not be the most physical sport where the competition’s physical attributes can intimidate you as a shorter person. That is because you have more control over this individual, and sometimes a team, sport.
A question is frequently asked, “What are the best clubs for short people?”.
Taller and stronger golfers have an advantage over short golfers as they can create a wider arc thus resulting in more swing and ball speed that equates to more distance.
By no way does that mean that short golfers cannot hit the ball a long distance with a good swing and the right equipment.
In this article, we will look at the best golf clubs for short people.
At a glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Best golf clubs for short people
Standard lengths
Beginners and inexperienced golfers often purchase a golf set off the shelf and learn to play the game without understanding the basics and impact of incorrect equipment. I was the same when I started playing golf in the eighties, but admittedly there was nowhere near the same amount of information available then.
Although there is no industry standard to measure the average golfers and therefore set a standard length. However, most standard clubs will fit men around 5 feet 9 inches and women around 5 feet 7 inches.
The market for average golfers consists of approximately 80% of the total golf market.
Clubs that do not suit your height will impact your address and swing path.
Measuring your clubs
To measure the length of your clubs, you need a flat surface to place the clubhead on, and a 48-inch straight edge aluminum ruler. The 48-inch ruler is in line with the maximum length specified by PGA and R&A rules.
It is not advisable to use a flimsy and flexible measuring device.
Place the clubhead in your normal stance at address with the sole of the club flat on the surface. Square the 48-inch ruler against the shaft with the bottom corner touching the ground. Keep the ruler as close to the shaft as possible.
The length is the measure to the butt end of the grip.
Height
Two lengths are important in measuring your length. Firstly your height will assist you in creating a wider arc and secondly, the arm length determines the length from the top of your wrists to the ground.
The wrist to floor distance determines the shaft length and lie angle of your clubs.
Standard club length
The standard length of a graphite shaft is typically ½ inch longer than a steel shaft. Women’s clubs are typically one-inch shorter than men’s clubs and therefore could quite easily be used by shorter men.
Drivers – the standard length found on drivers is around 45 inches but can be a maximum length of 48 inches.
Fairway wood – Fairway woods, especially the 3-wood, are generally two inches shorter than your driver.
Hybrids – standard length for a 17-degree hybrid is 40 ¾ inches, 19-degree hybrid is 40 ½ inches, 22-degree hybrid 40 inches, 25-degree hybrid 39 ¼ inches, and 28-degree hybrid is 39 inches.
Irons – Club length of irons varies and as the loft increases, the shaft length decreases. This is to increase accuracy and stability to the shorter irons. Generally, the gap between the shaft length decreases by ½ inch from around 40-inches on a 1-iron upward. The general length of a 9-iron is 36 inches.
Wedges – Pitching wedges and gap wedges are typically 35 ¾ inches while a sand wedge and lob wedge generally measure 35 ¼ inches.
Putter – the standard length for putters is 34 inches.
In this video, TruGolf Academy goes into some detail on the subject of shaft lengths.
Why length matters
Club length impacts your control, accuracy, and swing speed generated.
It is not a simple matter of cutting down the length of the shaft as this will change the characteristics of the shaft.
Lie angle is the angle between the sole and the shaft of the club. Clubs that are not the right length will cause too much of the heel or the toe touching the turf at impact.
The lie of the club on the turf is impacted by the height of your hands. A longer club will push your hands further upright and thus change the lie.
Lie variations from the standard for standard length shafts:
- Shafts that are 38.5 inches and 39 inches, lie 3 degrees up
- Shafts that are between 37 inches and 38 inches, lie 2 degrees up
- Shafts that are 35.5 inches and 36.5 inches, 1 degree up
- Standard-based on club length between 32.5 inches and 35 inches
- Shafts that are 31 inches and 32 inches 1, degree flat
- Shafts that are 29.5 inches and 30.5 inches, 2 degrees flat
- Shafts that are 28.5 inches and 29 inches 3 degrees flat
There are a couple of ways to measure club lengths:
Static fitting
This entails measuring the distance from the floor to the top of your wrists and is the most commonly used method.
Dynamic fitting
Dynamic fitting is generally done as part of a fitting process using launch monitors thus providing a load of data.
Signs your clubs are too long
Common signs that clubs are too long
- Your stance is more upright
- Your lower body swing mechanics are impeded
- Prominent ball trajectory is left and too high
- The impact is generally on the toe-end of the club
Signs your clubs are too short
Common signs that clubs are too short
- Exaggerated in-to-out swing path
- Stance too far bent over with too much bend in the knees and/or waist
- Fast tempo
- Prominent miss is a push right
- The impact is generally on the club’s heel
Can men play with women’s clubs?
Golf clubs and golf balls do not understand the gender difference. Nor does your scorecard. The clubhead speed and impact is what matters. If you are on the shorter end of the spectrum and have a swing speed lower than 80 mph, playing with women’s clubs can benefit your scores and enjoyment of the game.
The best golf clubs for short people
Complete sets
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Best golf clubs for short people
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR RATING: 4.7/5 |
Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
OUR RATING: 4.5/5 |
Wilson Staff Deep Red Tour Complete |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.4/5 |
Precise M3 Complete |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.3/5 |
Cleveland golf 2018 men’s Launcher HB |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 3.8/5 |
Cobra F-max |
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → |
1. Callaway Golf Rogue X
Pros
- Quality premium brand
- Face Cup and VFT technology
- Elastic urethanes for enhanced sound and feel
Cons
- Not for experienced golfers
Callaway is a premium brand offering quality clubs suitable to golfers of all abilities and handicaps.
Their range of Rogue X irons bring together the celebrated 360 Face Cup and Variable Face Thickness (VFT) technology enlarging the section of the face that delivers extra ball speed byFace Cup technology makes use of a shallow yet flexible rim around the perimeter of the face. This enables the face to flex and release at impact for more ball speed.
VFT enables the clubface to flex in different areas to promote more ball speed on off-center hits.
The use of tungsten weights enables precision positioning of the center of gravity in the long irons thus promoting optimal launch and control conditions for every loft.
Although the thin clubface generates increased ball speed and distance, it also generates excessive vibration.
Urethanes dampen vibration but greatly reduce the face’s flex, lowering COR and ball speed.
Callaway’s elastic-urethane microspheres retain the sound and feel of urethane without compromising COR or ball speed.
Steel shafts are standard on the full set of irons.
These clubs are ideal for golfers with moderate to slow swing speeds and between 12 to 26 handicaps.
The set comes with a selection of:
4 – 9-irons, and a PW
4 – 9-irons, PW, and an AW
4 – 9-irons, PW, and an SW
5– 9-irons, and a PW
5 – 9-irons, PW, and an SW
It comes standard with Callaway’s Rogue Performance Package.
2. Wilson Staff Deep Red Tour Complete
Pros
- High-quality components
- Ideal lie angles for short golfers
Cons
- Does not come with a lob wedge
Wilson Staff has long been a favorite of golfers and has been in the industry for an extended period.
The Deep Red Tour Complete set is aimed at intermediate golfers. Since it is designated as a set for junior golfers, shorter golfers will benefit tremendously from the shorter clubs. If you measure between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 8 inches, the length is perfect for you.
It is available in a range of color combinations such as:
- Maroon and black
- Black and yellow
- Blue
- Gray and red
- Gray and yellow
- Gray and black
- Red and Black
Included in the full set are a 10.5-degree driver, 15-degree fairway wood, #5 hybrid, deep undercut cavity-backed irons, a putter, and a stand bag.
3. Precise M3 Complete
Pros
- One inch shorter than standard clubs
- Headcovers come standard
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight stand bag with rain hood
Cons
- Quality can improve
- Best for low swing speeds
Precise is a relatively new brand that is making inroads into niche markets for tall and short golfers. The Precise M3 is one inch shorter than a standard set.
The quality of the product is good but not quite comparable to the premium brands. But Precise is not competing directly in the premium market.
Not only is this set shorter than standard, but it is also more affordable than the competition and includes woods, irons, a putter, and a stand bag.
Aimed at beginners and high handicap golfers, the M3 offers maximum forgiveness on all the clubs in the bag.
4. Cleveland golf 2018 men’s Launcher HB
Pros
- Progressive sizing
- Confidence-inspiring large clubhead
- Forgiveness
Cons
- Not for experienced golfers
- Lacks a sand wedge
Launcher HB Turbo irons are rated as some of the most forgiving irons ever produced by Cleveland.
The large clubhead adds confidence to beginners and high handicap golfers while shorter golfers will benefit from the distance they provide.
Hollow construction with internal stabilizing ribs and a turbocharged, high strength steel face offers increased ball speed and distance. The HiBore Crown features low, deep weighting to produce a high launch angle and ball flight.
Progressive shaping transitions from hybrid-like long irons to iron-like short irons thus offering a seamless change without sacrificing forgiveness and control.
The set comes standard in a 5 – 9-irons, and a PW configuration.
5. Cobra Combo F-max
Pros
- High-quality clubs
- Includes hybrids
- Options available include a variety of wedges
- Superlite shafts throughout the bag
Cons
- Does not include woods and a putter
Cobra’s Combo F-max set with its gold and black color combination and premium chrome finish nickel plating provides eye-pleasing aesthetics.
The Ultralight Configuration offers lighter shafts while its swing weights promote maximum clubhead speed and distance at slower swing speeds.
The Center of gravity is moved low and toward the back of the head enabling a low profile design that promotes a high launch.
Combine this with the deeper undercut design and increased support for the face with a forged 455 Stainless Steel insert that promotes maximum ball speeds even on off-center strikes.
The offset hosel design creates a straighter shot and counteracts the slice.
Similar to the Cleveland Launcher HB irons, the Cobra F-Max Combo offers progressive head construction. The use of thinner 17-4 stainless steel in the long irons up to the 7-iron, offers more speed and distance while the softer 431 stainless steel in the short irons enhances the feel and accuracy.
Completing the set are the specialty wedge designs in the GW and SW to provide added versatility and control.
Shafts are available in either all graphite throughout the set or Superlite 60 Graphite shafts for the hybrids and TT Superlite steel shafts for the irons.
The set is available in a 4 hybrid, 5 hybrid, 6-9 irons, and a PW configuration.
Final Thoughts
Golf is challenging enough without having to compete with taller golfers that have a distinct advantage in the distance department.
Fortunately, there are golf equipment manufacturers that have come to the rescue for short golfers offering well-balanced sets to enable you to get maximum enjoyment out of the game.
There are many premium brands as well as newcomers that offer great value in this niche market. Besides, golf sets aimed at juniors are generally of high quality and will do well in this market segment.
Wilson Deep Red is aimed at golfers between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 8 inches thus shorter than the standard clubs.
Precise M3 offers clubs that are 1 inch shorter than standard making them highly competitive at an affordable price. Quality can, and surely will, improve. This is a set to add to your shortlist when assessing your next purchase. For these reasons, we award it our best golf clubs for shorter people.
Please add feedback in the comments section below.
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
