Golf Club Fitting, Golf Swing Speed, and Golf Shafts

Golf swing speed is a critical criteria in determining the proper golf club shafts for replacement or for new clubs. A golf swing analysis may measure the golf swing speed.

The problem with specifying golf shafts for golf clubs is in identifying the golfer’s swing speed. When a swing analyzer measures the “swing speed”, it is actually measuring the speed of the club head as it is swung. So this is not really the speed of the swing, but the resulting speed of the club head that is critical.

To determine the golf swing speed, many local golf shops have a golf swing analyzer available for lessons or golf swing analysis for golf club fitting. Of course, the golf shops are in business to sell golf equipment and related products which is why they have the machinery and software to do the analysis. There may be a charge for the time on the analyzer. Some golf shops allow potential customers to hit demo clubs while utilizing the analyzer.

If there is not a golf shop in a surrounding area, or if the hours aren’t appropriate, a reasonable estimate can be made. This estimate is based on the distance of your driver carry (how far it goes on the fly) and what club you use from 150 yards out from the green. From these two data points, an approximation of the golf swing speed and the appropriate shaft rating can be determined.

SWING SPEED CONVERSION CHART

Driver Carry........150 Yd Club ....Club Head Speed...Shaft Flex

265 + Yards...........8 or 9 Iron.........105 mph.................. XS (extra stiff)

245-265 Yards...... 6 or 7 Iron......... 90 - 110 mph............S (stiff)

215-245 Yards...... 5 or 6 Iron......... 80 - 95 mph..............R (regular)

185-215 Yards...... 4 Iron................. 70 - 85 mph............. A (amateur, senior)

<185 Yards.............3 Iron or 5 Wood...70 mph................. L (ladies)

It is important to note that these swing speeds and flex ratings are only approximations. For accurate golf swing speed numbers the golfer should have the swing measured on a swing analyzer which will measure the velocity of the club head as the ball is being struck.

There is no standard for golf shafts flexure in the golf industry. Therefore, it should be noted that the flex of golf shafts is not consistent in stiffness or nomenclature from one manufacturer to another. As an example, a stiff shaft from "Manufacturer A" which is matched to a swing speed of 102 mph would be an extra stiff shaft for "Manufacturer B". Also, "Manufacturer C" may call the equivalent shaft something other than “extra stiff”. In addition, there is at least one manufacturer that will recommend one model of shaft, in an “S” flex for a given swing speed and shaft weight and for a second model of shaft will recommend an “X” flex for the same swing speed and shaft weight!

Confusing? The recommendation is to have the swing measured on a swing analyzer and have a professional club fitter recommend the club and shaft. For those who cannot make it to a professional fitter, there is a variety of virtual swing analysis and club fitting software also available online.

Most golfers hunt for a new club to fix their golf swing. Some try a new ball to correct the errant shots. And, yes, some look to new shafts for their old clubs. All of the equipment changes will not fix a broken golf swing.