What Flexibility Means In Golf Club Shafts
The flexibility, or "flex," of golf club shafts can make a big difference in the way you hit the golf ball. If the degree of flexibility in your golf club is poorly suited to the way you swing the club, your golf shots will not go where you aim them.
If you are a beginning golfer, you should not concern yourself with club flexibility. Beginners have enough to worry about with their stance, their grip, and their swing. If you are an intermediate golfer or advanced golfer, however, you are probably constantly looking for something that will boost your game to the next level, and changing to a golf club shaft with more or less flex may be just the thing you need to jump-start your game.
Degrees Of Golf Club Shaft Flex
The five flex ratings used in golf club shafts are (1) extra stiff, (2) stiff, (3) regular, (4) senior, and (5) ladies. The higher the number, the more forgiving the golf club will be. Usually only a scratch golfer or a professional will be able to hit the golf ball with an extra stiff club.
Consequences Of Hitting With Too Stiff A Golf Club Shaft
An amateur who tries an extra stiff club, or a stiff club that does not match the golfer's swing, will find that the golfer's ball will not travel as far and will have a lower loft, or height in the air, than it ordinarily does. Right-handed golfers will notice the ball fading, or drifting toward the right of the target, because the clubface is open on impact with the golf ball.
Consequences Of Hitting With Too Flexible A Golf Club Shaft
On the other hand, if you try to play with clubs that are not stiff enough, you will hit "sky balls" that fly far higher than they are meant to fly according to their loft. Golfers will also see most of their shots "draw" toward the left of their target.
Overall, shaft flex can influence distance, direction, and trajectory of the golf shot.
Ego Gets Involved
Invariably, golfers feel that they are identifying themselves as beginners or amateurs when they hit a club with flexible shafts. Low-handicap golfers are embarrassed to be seen hitting a club with a regular shaft, even if it would improve their golf game. Actually, golfers should err on the side of flexibility if they get the wrong shaft. A more flexible golf club shaft is much more forgiving for players with a less-than-perfect swing.
