driver length

Question
I am 5feet 9inches tall.  I have been told that my driver which 46 inches long is too long and should be cut down.  What is the proper driver length for a man of my height?

Answer
Hello Edward:  The more critical measurement in determining the proper length of clubs is the distance between the tip of your middle finger and the ground while standing erect.  This is much easier to do than describe but I'll give it a shot.  While standing at attention, measure the distance from the tip of your middle finger to the ground.  Most grips are 10.5 inches long.  Add 10.5 inches to the first measurement and you'll have determined how long your 7 iron should be.  Each club is longer than the next by 1/2 inch, so the driver should be 7 inches longer than the 7 iron.  This measurement is for steel shafts.  Graphite-shafted clubs' standard lengths run an inch longer.

This gives you recommended lengths. Only experimentation will determine what lengths are optimum for you.  What's just as important or possibly more so is the lie of your irons.  While addressing the ball, you want to make sure the clubs sit so that neither the heels nor toes are off the ground.  Before you can be sure the lie of your clubs are correct, you must be standing in the proper position at address.  Do this in this order:
1.  With your knees locked straight, bend from the hips until your shoulders are an inch past your toes.
2.  Flex your knees only enough to unlock them.
3.  Allow your arms to hang loosely from your shoulders.
4.  Shift your weight forward to ensure it's on the balls of the feet.

Your 7 iron and clubs shorter should be played midway in the stance.  As the clubs get longer, the ball's position will move incrementally away from you and towards the instep of the forward foot.

Edward, if any of the above is not clear, please don't hesitate in contacting me.

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com