What are the parts of a golf shaft called?
BUTT: The top end of the shaft, called the butt, is located underneath the grip. Shafts have different amounts of torque and flex in the butt, just as they do in other sections of the shaft. TIPPING: The tip end of the shaft, which is inserted into the clubhead, sometimes is cut or trimmed to provide more stiffness in the shaft.
What do the letters on golf shafts mean?
Those letters tell golfers flex—the relative stiffness—of that shaft. "L" is the most flexible shaft and "X" is the stiffest shaft: "A" or "M" denotes "senior flex" (might also be designated "AM" or "A/M," or "Senior")
What is the butt end on a golf shaft?
On the opposite side of the shaft is the butt end. This is the side where the golf grip will be installed. The butt diameter is measured about 2" down from the top of the shaft. For standard size shafts for adult players, this will usually be around 0.600", (or larger if it's a bubble shaft).
What to look for when buying a golf shaft?
Sitting in between the golf grip and club head, a solid connection is what allows the golf shaft to do its job. So when choosing a shaft, it's important to know what specifications to look for.
What is the hitting part of a golf club called?
clubheadThe clubface is the front of the clubhead. It is the part of the club that is designed to strike the golf ball. Different clubs will have different lofts which help the player control how far the ball travels when hit. All clubs including putters have a clubface.
What is golf ferrule?
First of all, the golf ferrule is the black piece located just above the club head's hosel. The purpose of a ferrule is to provide a smooth transition from the top of the hosel into the shaft. For the most part it is to provide a nice cosmetic element to the golf club.
What is a golf hosel?
Definition of hosel : a socket in the head of a golf club into which the shaft is inserted.
What is tip flex in a golf shaft?
Tip Flex: Tip Flex, or Retro Flex, represents the average stiffness toward the head side of the shaft. Sometimes this is measured in a very similar fashion as the static-flex measurement. The difference being that the tip end is clamped and the load is applied to the butt end of the shaft.
Do golf clubs need a ferrule?
Almost all modern clubs are designed to require a ferrule. Any club that has a clubhead with a neck that ends abruptly, almost all clubs have this, require a ferrule. Some older clubs have a tapered neck which means they fit the shaft in a really flush way.
Is ferrule important in golf?
The ferrule is mostly just a cosmetic element on a golf club. The role of the ferrule is to provide a smooth transition from the shaft to the hosel. With a ferrule, a golfer doesn't see the (sometimes) sharp edges of the hosel where the shaft enters the clubhead. The ferrule covers that up.
What are the five parts of a golf course?
Each hole in a course has 5 major parts namely Tee, Fairway, Green, Rough and Hazards. Understanding these parts allow you to plan your shots right.
What does a hosel shot look like?
0:021:57Butch Harmon on How To Fix The Shanks | Golf Lessons | Golf DigestYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's the shank let me explain why this happens this clubface comes in close like this the toe ofMoreThere's the shank let me explain why this happens this clubface comes in close like this the toe of the club hits in the ground. And you get a long skinny divot like that as the club exits.
What are the four parts of a club head?
The head of the golf club has several parts: the Hosel, where the head connects to the shaft; the Face, which actually strikes the ball; the Sole, which is the part closest to the ground; and the Back, which is on the side opposite the face.
What is a tipped shaft?
Shaft tipping is when a club builder removes length from the tip section of a shaft, which is the end where the clubhead is installed. In most cases, tip trimming a shaft makes it meaningfully stiffer. It also increases torsional stiffness, known as “torque,” which is a shaft's resistance to twisting.
What does shaft flex 5.0 mean?
extra stiff plusYou know, the 5.0, 6.0, 6.5 and so on printed on the shaft. These numbers correspond with flexes from “regular” to “extra stiff plus”.
How do you determine what shaft flex you need?
Some General Guidelines About Shaft FlexTake a look at the distance you hit your driver. ... If you have a very smooth swing, you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing fast. ... If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.
Where is the shaft on a golf club?
The shaft is the part of the club that connects to the clubhead. It is located in the middle of the club, between the grip and the head. The grip covers the top part of the shaft whereas the bottom end is inserted into the clubhead through the hosel.
What does tapered shaft mean in golf?
This means that they are wider at the top near the grip and progressively become smaller in diameter as they approach the clubhead.
Why is a shorter shaft better for golf?
Conversely, a golfer with an extremely fast swing speed may find he is able to better control his driver when it is fitted with a shaft that is shorter than usual. A shorter shaft would position him closer to the ball for more control, at the cost of slightly less leverage and ultimately less distance.
What is the function of a golf shaft?
Function of the Shaft. Acting as a lever, the shaft is what allows a golfer to hit the ball over great distance simply by using the rotation of his body (hips, shoulders and arms). The distance between the golfer and the ball – through the shaft – is what allows for the multiplication of the force onto the golf ball.
Does the shaft length of a golf club decrease as the loft increases?
For the clubs situated in the middle of those, generally, the shaft length will decrease as the loft will increase. So for example, a 5-iron will be a bit longer than a 6-iron, which will be longer than a 7-iron, and so on.
What is the kick point of a golf shaft?
KICK POINT: Modern shafts, particularly graphite shafts, can produce kick in different sections of the shaft — high kick, mid kick and low kick being three obvious points of reference. Fitters often spend considerable time matching a golfer’s swing with a particular kick.
What is the tip of a golf club called?
TIPPING: The tip end of the shaft, which is inserted into the clubhead, sometimes is cut or trimmed to provide more stiffness in the shaft. This is called tipping. While the practice is common on professional tours, it is not widely used among amateur golfers.
How much does a true temper iron shaft weigh?
True Temper’s Dynamic Gold, the most popular steel iron shaft on the PGA Tour, weighs abourt 130 grams. At the other end of the spectrum, Mitsubishi Rayon has a Bassara graphite driver shaft that weighs about 35 grams. RAW: A raw shaft is an uncut shaft that has not been installed in a clubhead.
What is a raw shaft?
RAW: A raw shaft is an uncut shaft that has not been installed in a clubhead. BLANK: This is another word for a raw shaft. When clubmakers refer to a blank, they mean a raw shaft. SPINE ALIGNMENT: Golf shafts, because they are round and hollow, have a spine that is a result of the manufacturing process.
What does low torque mean on a golf swing?
Normal measurements are in the 2- to 6-degree range. A low torque number means less twisting of the shaft but also can mean a harsher feel . A high torque number is associated with a soft-feeling shaft, although there may be a sacrifice in accuracy. FLEX: The strength of a shaft as it bends during the swing.
Where is the ferrule on a golf club?
FERRULE: The ferrule is an oval piece, commonly made of plastic, that is located just above the neck of the clubhead. Modern ferrules not only are decorative, they are made with great precision to provide accurate and secure bonding between the shaft and clubhead. BUTT: The top end of the shaft, called the butt, is located underneath the grip.
What is torque in swing?
TORQUE: A measurement of the circular rotation of the shaft during the swing.
What is the biggest misconception about golf shafts?
One of the biggest misconceptions about shafts is that there are standards out there that manufacturers adhere to. Most golfers assume that a shaft marked regular or stiff will be the same across the board, no matter who they buy it from.
How much weight should a golf shaft be?
Weight. Getting the correct weight of your shaft is an important factor to consider as well. Shafts can range anywhere from 40 to 135 grams. Typically the rule of thumb is that a golfer with a slower swing speed will benefit from using a lighter shaft, and you would add weight as swing speed increases. As you might expect at this point, there are ...
What is the difference between stock shafts and aftermarket shafts?
The difference between stock shafts and aftermarket shafts is usually found in quality control. Many times the bigger OEMs will strip off the paint of last year’s model and give them a new exterior. The graphics look attractive, but you really have no idea what is beneath it.
Why didn't Nick Price find a stiff shaft?
Regardless of the similarity in their swing speeds, Nick Price couldn’t find a shaft stiff enough for his swing because he would apply such an enormous amount of force, whereas Couples didn’t need as stiff of a shaft because of his smooth tempo.
Why is shaft profile important?
Getting the right shaft profile for your swing is very important. It will greatly affect your ability to hit quality shots on the course . There is a lot of confusion in the golf shaft industry. With no standards for performance, the quality greatly varies, and often you get what you pay for. We hope that we have cleared up some ...
What is the most important thing about a driver shaft?
One of the most important things about shafts is how they handle the force that a player’s swing will apply. Generally speaking, there are two extremes. Some players apply a late load to their swing, which would require a stiffer tip of the driver shaft. Conversely, a player that extends early in their swing (most recreational golfers) ...
Is the shaft of a truck the same as the transmission?
It absolutely has an effect on how well you can play. The shaft is similar to the transmission of a car. While it’s not the engine, it’s still extremely important. If you are driving a truck you want a transmission that can handle its particular demands.
Why is shaft length important in golf?
An increased shaft length creates a greater swing-arc, which relates to more distance. Shorter stature golfers often increase the length of the shafts and stand further away from the ball. The longer the shaft the less control and this is where fitment assists.
What is flex in golf?
Flex. Put very simply, flex is the amount of bend in the shaft. It affects launch angle, spin, ball flight, control, carries, and distance. Shafts are qualified in different ways but reference to flex is the most important. Powerful swings require stiffer shafts which put less load on the shaft.
What is carbon fiber shaft?
Modern composite graphite shafts have 3 layers of fiber winding, adding substantial rigidity and performance. Carbon fiber offers increased flex, greater clubhead speed, but reduced accuracy, due to more torque. It also dissipates the stinging shock from a poorly struck shot and will protect the hands and wrist.
What weight shafts are available for clubfitters?
Clubfitters now have the option to fit these shafts with weights from 95 to 110gm. This is a reduction from the 115 to 125gm range previously on offer. Steel generally has less flex, more stability, low torque, and provides more accuracy. Standard steel shafts are shorter.
What happens if you don't have a stiff shaft?
The result is a loss of distance. Added to this the direction control will be lost.
When did steel shafts become legal?
Finally in 1924 steel shafts were legalized and Billy Burke was the 1st to win the US Open with steel. From 1960 to 1970 the aluminum shaft was introduced but besides expensive, it broke very easily. Then followed graphite shafts, displayed at the 1970 PGA merchandise show for the first time.
Is there a real standard for shafts in golf?
It is accepted within the golf industry that there are no real standards when it comes to shaft manufacture and the different properties they all claim to have.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
It means that some golfers believe the shaft to be the most important part of the golf club, which really is not true. Sticking with the automobile anology, the shaft is really part of the "transmission" of the golf club. The golfer is the engine. The role of the shaft is quite simple.
What is the role of the shaft in golf?
The role of the shaft is quite simple. It elicits the primary control over the total weight of the golf club, and it has a minor to medium effect on the trajectory , or height, of the shot. What makes some golfers believe that the shaft is the most important part of the golf club is a very interesting part of the performance ...
What to do if you feel the shaft bending during putts?
That should change the feel and improve your confidence. But if you feel nothing with the shaft when you hit a 60-plus-foot putt, forget about it.
What does it mean when you hit the ball on the center of the clubface?
When you hit the ball on the center of the clubface, the strike simply doesn't feel that solid; Lower or higher flight/trajectory than you have been used to seeing with other clubs; A feeling that the shafts are too stiff or too flexible for your taste in the club while being hit; The tendency for the ball to hang out to the fade side ...
Does a stiff shaft affect the putt?
But as to the question of whether a more flexible or more stiff shaft will actually affect the performance of the putt, no, there is no effect. The effect, if any, is on the feel of the putter to the golfer, not anything to do with distance or accuracy.
Why do golf shafts bend?
Shaft makers vary the amount of stiffness because golfers have different types of swings—different swing speeds, different tempos—and different amounts of stiffness in a shaft better match up to those different swings.
What happens if you mismatch your golf shaft?
If your swing is mismatched to your golf shaft flex—if you are using an X flex shaft, for example, when you should be using an R flex shaft—you will have a harder time squaring the clubface at impact. The way your shots are flying can clue you into the possibility you might be using the wrong flex.
What does it mean when a golfer's swing is slower?
The slower a golfer's swing, generally speaking, the more flex he or she requires in the shafts that are in their golf clubs. And the faster the swing, the more stiffness. Tempo also matters: A jerkier swing requires more stiffness, a smoother swing less stiffness, generally speaking.
How to choose shaft flex?
These are just general guidelines, however; the best way to choose shaft flex is to go through a club fitting. Not every golfer can (or is willing) to do that, though.
When were steel shafts invented?
Alas, no. Golf industry veteran Tom Wishon, of Tom Wishon Golf Technologies, explains: "Shortly after steel shafts were introduced in the 1920s, steel shaft makers discovered they could change the diameter and wall thickness of the tubes to create shafts with different amounts of stiffness to better match to the different swing speeds ...
What is a fat shot in golf?
The specifics and colors can vary from course to course. Fat – A fat shot is when the club strikes the ground before the ball.
Why do golf balls have dimples?
Dimples – Golf balls have dimples to improve aerodynamics and regulate spin. The right number and design of dimples for your swing could improve performance. Divot – When striking the ball a chunk of turf from beneath the ball is often displaced. The remaining mark or hole is known as a divot.
What is a baseball grip?
Baseball Grip – A type of grip that resembles a baseball bat grip. Others might call it a 10-finger grip. Below the Hole – A term that refers to a putt where the hole is at a higher elevation than the ball. Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling.
Why is backspin important in golf?
It is important for distance and accuracy. Backspin – Spin is very important in most aspects golf and you will often come across the term when comparing clubs or in golfing instructions. Simply put, more backspin will give you a high ball with a fair amount of control.
What is an ace in golf?
Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers.
What is a local rule in golf?
Local Rule – Specific rule or rules that are not mainstream and only for that particular golf course. Long – A term for a golfer who hits the ball far (Dustin Johnson). Long Game – Refers to hitting long irons, woods, hybrids, and driver. Lob Wedge – A type of wedge that is usually in the 60 to 64-degree range.
What is the back nine of a golf course?
Back Nine – This refers to the last 9 holes of a typical 18 hole course, also known as heading in. Backswing – As the term suggests, this is simply the action taking when swinging back before striking the golf ball. It is important for distance and accuracy.
How fast can a driver swing?
GET FIT TO GET FAST. Using the right shaft can boost driver swing speed by 1 to 1.5 miles per hour —that equates to two to four more yards on a well-struck tee shot. Because most amateur tee shots are less than optimal, an increase in speed will result in much greater distance gains than achieved in robotic testing.
Is golf data everywhere?
In fact, golf was an early adapter. If you watch baseball and have been hearing references to “exit velocity” and “launch angle” when a player hits a home run, know that golf has been using terms like that for more than a decade and has moved on to more cutting-edge information.
Does a lighter shaft make a better swing?
A lighter driver shaft rarely leads to a faster swing. “Only 12 percent of golfers swing their fastest with the lightest club,” Mucklow says. Worse, a clubhead that’s too light often results in poor swing mechanics like deceleration in the downswing, sequencing issues and a swing path that hits the ball with a glancing blow.