Why do women buy men’s equipment?  I wish I knew.  Is the perception that men’s equipment is better than lades?  Do you think a men’s 7 iron goes farther than a ladies 7 iron just because it is longer?  I wish that I could teach every golfer the importance of having properly fitted clubs, but it all falls into deaf ears when you go to purchase golf clubs off the rack.

Today, I had a lesson with a woman who specifically asked about the length of her driver.  She thought her club was too long and I agreed.  But what I showed her was that the driver length made her posture too tall.  She was too close to the ball and too tall just because she had a men’s length club in her hand.

When I got her into a more athletic position at set up, she had to grip down on the driver and shorten the club naturally.  From that position she could then hit the ball and not change her posture.

When we sell golf clubs to our customers we will ultimately give you what you want.  If you want the longer clubs because of the perception you will hit the ball longer, then we are obligated to sell you that longer club. But, I promise you I will make a suggestion that you may lose your athletic posture and then change your swing shape to accommodate that added length you may not need.  That too is my responsibility.

I had that same mentality.  I am 5 foot 2 inches tall and was fitted for men’s length clubs.  But when I was fit properly for my driver (43 inches long), I hit the ball farther and more consistent than I ever did.

When I got my first set of clubs, 42 inches was the standard ladies length driver and 43 inches was standard men’s length driver.  Now a 46 inch driver is the norm which means 45 is normal for women.  I know Tiger Woods hits with a 44 inch driver.  The lady I had today on the lesson tee plays with a longer driver than Tiger.  That is just wrong!  But that is the industry standard. It still doesn’t make it right.    

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