To Lengthen or Not

[kglade]

I posted this as part of a reply in another thread and got no answer - I guess it was lost in that other thread.

Is there any harm in getting clubs lengthened longer than the charts recommend? Based on the charts I am either standard or 1/4 - 1/2 inch long. As I am a beginner, it seems more sensible to get the clubs made 1 inch longer (not just 1/4) just in case I develop a preference for a longer club. Will it introduce any bad effect if my clubs are then 3/4 inch too long?

I know that the max extension is typically limited to 2 inches. Is there a reason why I shouldn't get the full 2 inches?

Ken http://www.golf-tuition-online.com/i...ttons/edit.gif

[xix]

Re: To Lengthen or Not

If a custom fit recommends 1/2" oversize why would you want to go to 2"?
Every 1/2" less or extra will either make your clubs flatter or more upright so this will affect your ball flight.

[kglade]

Re: To Lengthen or Not

xix:

I guess you can tell from my question that I don't understand club length and lie angle very well. It seemed to me that I could get the clubs made longer than I need and just grip more towards the club head to effectively shorten the club. Then I could adjust where I grip the club to fine tune whether I like / need more like 1/2 inch or more like 1 inch. I didn't think about the lie angle.

I don't trust the charts I've found online very much, because some charts tell me to use standard length, and some to use 1/4 inch long, and some 1/2 inch long.

As an absolute beginner I am baffled. I have gotten advice to see a custom fitter who will not use charts alone but will have me hit different clubs and analyze the results, but, I shouldn't go see a fitter until I've developed my "permanent" swing, whenever that will be?

I know I can lengthen clubs myself, or pay a local shop a small fee for that. Can they also adjust the lie angle?

All of this stems from a comment made by my instructor that since I am tall I probably need longer than standard clubs. I can't tell, really, what I need.

Well, anyway, xix, thanks for replying and making me aware of the lie angle vs. club length.