What's the best length for a driver? Do tour pros know the answer?

[foozledbaffy]

I read recently that most tour players are playing drivers 1 inch shorter that what is typical at retail. Anyone have an opinion on the accuracy of that statement? I know I would love to hit more fairways if the distance lost was minimal.

[arbeck]

That really depends on the individual. You probably want to keep making it longer until the miss hits start making your average drive worse. You might be more accurate with a 43" driver, but if it doesn't go further than your three wood, what's the point? You might hit a 48" driver the furthest, but if you can't hit the center of the club face, does it matter?

 

I think that Tour Pros probably aren't losing much distance at all by shortening it some, and they have tons of shot link data to prove that it works. Conversely there are women on the LPGA tour (who in general have swing speeds closer to what most of us here have) who play drivers longer than standard. Brooke Henderson for instance has used a 48" driver.

[LazyLightning22]

I play mine at 44.5”. For me personally, the distance loss was negligible because I started hitting it in the center a lot more often. I like playing it at a shorter length too because I feel as if I have a lot more control in the swing.

[leftyshindig]

Webb Simpson just won the Players using a 46" driver. I think Fowler's driver is 43-44"? Everyone is different.

[chisag]

... When you consider the extra distance a perfectly struck shot with a 1' longer shaft compares to missing the center by 1/4" that loses between 5-7 yards and missing by an inch toward the toe, a typical miss can lose 25+ yards, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out you will hit the ball longer with a shorter driver hit in the center. Yes, there are a handful of Am's that hit the center with a longer than 44.5" shaft but they are the rare exception. Most Am's should be paying 43.5-44.5" shafts in their drivers.

[Ivyguy]

Also speed is a thing to consider too.

 

I'm a tall guy with long arms. I feel more strong over a shorter driver. More confidence.

[pinestreetgolf]

The correct length for a driver is 44.67823049392"

[BForrester]

I went from a 45.5 (Rogue Black 70s) to a 44.5 (Tour Green 70x) this year and have lost zero distance and have gained accuracy. I guess I can't credit the shaft length entirely since other variables have changed (shaft, flex, and swing weight), but I feel that the shaft length is the largest contributing factor..

 

I'm probably longer, on average with the shortened shaft. I was missing on the heel a lot last year (early extension...) and I'm missing on the toe side more with the shortened shaft. I'll take toe misses over heel misses any day of the week.

[wjdpar1]

IMO this is one area where golf club manufacturers have done a disservice to the average golfer. By making longer length and lighter drivers they have actually made it harder to hit a good drive consistently.

 

I play a 45 3/4 inch driver but I don't want to cut it down and add lead tape. I should have ordered custom, but when I buy clubs I need immediate gratification. People on this site know what I'm talking about.

 

Never the less, IMO 45 inches should probably be the max length as far as drivers and at least a 65 gram shaft.

[mizuno player]

For me it's 44.25"

 

I believe Stuart has mentioned and it's based on iron length. I don't remember off the top of my head. Maybe he will spot.this and chime in.

[chisag]

IMO this is one area where golf club manufacturers have done a disservice to the average golfer. By making longer length and lighter drivers they have actually made it harder to hit a good drive consistently.

 

I play a 45 3/4 inch driver but I don't want to cut it down and add lead tape. I should have ordered custom, but when I buy clubs I need immediate gratification. People on this site know what I'm talking about.

 

Never the less, IMO 45 inches should probably be the max length as far as drivers and at least a 65 gram shaft.

 

... I have been going to the PGA Show and reviewing clubs for 14 years now. I cannot tell you how many VP's of Club Engineering (and other title's that are basically the same) have told me off the record that they want to offer a shorter driver, and they and most in their departments play a shorter driver than what they sell. They are always over ruled by Sales VP's that cannot post an Ad that they make the longest drivers see fine print because an Iron Byron can hit it as far as their competitors. In their testing human golfers, as a group, they always hit it farther with a shorter shaft and of course straighter.

 

... I wrote about this in several of my Cobra reviews and the year at the Show I was told I was going to be happy that Cobra was releasing a Tour Length driver. I do not claim to be the reason they offered this driver but I know I played a small part in that decision. For now it is special order only but hopefully they and others will release them for stock store inventory in the future. Obviously forum golfers are much more knowledgable than your average guy that plays once a week and shoots around 100, but the amount of those average golfers I have educated that a shorter shaft will not only be more accurate but much longer is really mind boggling. They simply have no idea drivers can be played shorter than what they buy off the rack.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

In my opinion whick I'm sure was already stated is:

 

The best driver length is the one that allows you to most (or more) consistently hit the center of the clubface.

[Jmatus919]

When you guys go and get a shorter length driver do you test it at

the standard length and then order it shorter or do you find places to try different lengths? It seems like changing the length would make it play different and fit you different.

[jjones922]

Just fixed my first non retail shaft. It’s hard to know what length is best without having a place to go try different lengths in the same shafts etc. so I pretty much spent a lot of money (most I have recouped) trying to fit myself as I live in a pretty rural area.

 

 

With this shaft I’ve gained much more accuracy and my average drive has picked up distance even if my “longest” drive has lost.

[morgan1819]

I play 44.75, but grip down 1/2".

 

For most amateurs 44.5" is a much better baseline driver length than 45.5", especially if looking to make solid contact.

 

...

[gvogel]

I play at 45-1/2". So does Rory McIlroy.

 

I have played a 910 D2 at 46" with some success.

 

I have a Ping at 48" just like Brooke's; it's fun to hit in practice, and when I get that one going, I know my swing is working well.

 

so there you go.

[chrismikayla]

I found that 44.5" is my sweet spot.

[oiler45]

OP - don't listen to what anyone tells you about what length driver you "should" be hitting - pro or hacker ...

Everyone has their preferred driver length - there is no "right" answer. People saying am's shouldn't hit longer than 43' or 44.5' or whatever - it's their opinion only.

Yes - lot's of am's play drivers that are too long. But - some people are more accurate and longer with a 45.5" driver than a 43.5" driver - I am.

Nothing replaces testing and playing - I know the length and weight that feels best for me. I can tell you with no hesitation I hit a 45" lightweight driver way better than a heavier 43.5" driver.

 

There is no "right" length - figure out what works best for you and disregard any "experts" out there.

[11forgedblades]

For me, stock drivers are too long and light. I play mine at 44.25 and 86 gram shaft. Im a little more consistent without any distance lost. Actually, on average I'm probably a little longer now. My swing speed is just above 100, but I play an extra stiff flex to keep things under control.

[LYG]

IF you are not sure:

 

Take your current "off the rack" driver (likely too long for you)

 

Experiment, including choking down on it.

 

Find your best performance.

 

If needed, have the club length cut down. Might need to add some lead tape -- if the swing weight has gotten too light for you. It ALWAYS feels lighter (i.e. lower swing weight) for each 1/4 inch cut off.

 

And yes, lead tape is fine. I personally LOVE it...have it on 11 of my 14 clubs.