- Updated: December 16, 2022
Driver Shaft Length by Height
The average driver shaft length is about 45 1/2 inches because this is the standard driver shaft length you’ll find on clubs at your local golf store, so that is the length many recreational golfers use.
Of course, the shaft length can be shorter or longer, depending on player height and preferences.
Driver shaft Length by Height
There is no “one-size-fits-all” driver shaft. The right shaft length is different for everyone. The standard recommendation of how long a player’s driver shaft should be is based on the player’s height. More specifically, a wrist-to-floor measurement of the player can be used. Generally, the taller the player is, the longer the recommended shaft should be.
Height – Driver Length Fitting Chart
5’0″ to 5’2″ – 41.5 inches
5’2″ to 5’4″ – 42 inches
5’4″ to 5’6″ – 43 inches
5’6″ to 5’8″ – 43.5 inches
5’8″ to 5’10” – 44 inches
5’10” to 6’0″ – 44.5 inches
6’0″ to 6’2″ – 45 inches
6’2″ to 6’4″ – 45.5 inches
Over 6’4″ to 6’6″ – 46 inches
For example, the average shaft length you’ll find on drivers at your local golf shop (~45 1/2 inches) is a setup recommended for a player between 6’2″ and 6’4″. Certainly, only some people getting their new driver off the store rack and putting it right into their golf bag fall into that height range.
In fact, the average height of an American male is 5’9″, which equates to a recommended driver shaft length of 44 inches. That extra length will likely cause players to struggle to control their ball despite owning the latest and greatest driver technology.
According to our driver shaft length chart, a golfer that stands between 5’0″ and 5’2″ is recommended to use a driver shaft length of 41 1/2 inches. A golfer that is between 5’4″ and 5’6″ is recommended to use one that is 43 inches long. From there, every two inches taller a player is, the recommended driver shaft length increases by half an inch, with the last recommendation being 46 inches for players between 6’4″ and 6’6″. Wrist to floor measurements should also be taken because a person’s wingspan might cause them to fall into a different category than the one for their height.
Hitting the fairway in PGA Tour events is often more important than distance. The average driver length on the PGA Tour is 44 1/2 inches – a full inch shorter than the average stock driver. Many professionals prefer a shorter driver shaft, as it can help give them better control and accuracy. Of course, shaft lengths vary from player to player and often from course to course, as players look to maximize their performance each week by catering their game to each venue.
Pros and Cons of a Longer/Shorter Driver
The most basic battle a golfer faces is the balance between distance and accuracy. Hitting the ball farther is a goal for nearly all golfers, no matter the level. Distance is cool, while accuracy can become an afterthought. This is one of the reasons stores default to a shaft that is too long for the average player. A person using a shorter shaft will love that the ball is going farther when trying it out at the store.
The length of the driver shaft has an extreme impact on the distance, as a longer driver shaft helps to increase a player’s clubhead speed, leading to a faster ball speed. If you are a player that struggles to generate swing speed, a longer driver shaft may help gain some much-needed yardage off the tee. All that extra speed will help improve overall distance.
The extra length can also make the club more difficult to control, losing accuracy. If you’re a player that likes or needs to work the ball with a particular trajectory, a longer driver length could make that more difficult or less predictable.
Restrictions of Shaft Length in Professional Golf
In January 2022, golf’s governing bodies created a rule limiting how long a driver shaft can be, capping the length at 46 inches for high-level competition. Enforcing the rule would fall to the tournament itself, but this did cause some uproar amongst some of the game’s most prominent players.
Phil Mickelson, well known for his desire to chase distance, was greatly displeased by the rule, especially after he used a 47 1/2-inch driver to win the 2021 PGA Championship.
Bryson DeChambeau, who was among the longest drivers of the ball on the PGA Tour before departing for LIV Golf, leaves no stone unturned when seeking a distance advantage. He had been experimenting with a 48-inch driver before the rule was adopted.
The rule won’t affect the vast majority of golfers, though. According to the Rules of Golf, a driver shaft length up to 48 inches is still legal, so feel free to use the longer club when playing with friends.
What is Best For You?
Every player is different, both in physical traits and performance goals. In order to find the ideal shaft length, schedule a professional club fitting. They will get accurate height and wrist-to-floor measurements to get you started in the right direction and get the correct club length.
From there, a fitter can help determine exactly what kind of shaft will give you the best results. Driver length is important, as are shaft flex, shaft weight, and kick point. Whether you fit into a standard length or a shorter one, a fitter can match you to the specifications of a shaft that will help you hit the ball your best and be more consistent.
About The Author
Writers of Independent Golf Reviews
Independent Golf Reviews has tested and reviewed 1000+ golf products over the past 10 years. We use our experience and expertise to give golfers an unbiased insight on the market.
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