golf club length

Question
I'm 5'3" tall, the measurement from the floor to  my wrist is 27". My legs are very short 27" inseam. I swing flat and have tried different length drivers but can't seem to hit on the right length.
maybe you can help me. I'm have a 10 handicap.

Answer
Hey William:

You're talking about me!  I'm 5'2".  Make sure you go get fit by a Professional, do not just grab drivers and hit them.  I have always played a standard men's driver length, stiff shaft, 9.5 loft.  That is not to say that is what you need.  The only way to know for sure William is to go through the process of getting fit by an expert.  As a 10 handicap, you are a good player.  There are a lot of variables that go into the fitting process, however, if I were to just answer your question from the info you have provided, I would say the length of the driver should be no more than a half inch shorter than men's standard.  I would start with men's standard length, and see if you can hit it solid...see if you can handle the length.  If you have trouble with hitting the ball solid, then go a little shorter, say a quarter inch to start with.  The most important part of the club is the shaft.  Should you play a stiff shaft or a regular shaft or a senior shaft (flex)?  That is determined by your clubhead speed and the ablility to hit it straight.  Then the clubhead design should be a little flatter since your swing is pretty flat....wanting them to match up.  But, as you can clearly see, your best bet is to find a good, respected clubfitter/repairman and go through the fitting process.  It is really hard for me to just say "Oh you need ........."  That is what is wrong with the golf equipment industry in my opinion William, so don't fall prey to that.  It is well worth the dollars and the effort to get professionally fit, it will certainly put some of your thoughts or fears to rest.  Don't leave that stuff to chance hoping you'll find a good deal on ebay.  Get it done right and you'll hit it more solid, farther and straighter.  That is always good.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member