Golf driver shafts are far from universal or standardized. They vary in length, weight, and flex which can have a big impact on your game. Golfers struggling off the tee may look to fix their issues by changing their driver shaft and while this is effective, it doesn’t always have to be the case.
Shortening the length of your club shaft has been shown to improve accuracy and consistency. Golfers looking to shorten their golf shaft length have two options for doing so. They can replace or modify the shaft to a shorter length, or they can adjust their grip on the shaft to choke down on the golf club.
Both approaches can produce similar results, making it difficult for golfers to know which is the best option for them. In the article below, we are going to cover all you need to know about choking down on a golf club vs using a shorter shaft. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started.
Should Golfers Choke Down On The Club or Shorten Their Driver Shaft?
Shorter club shafts allow for improved accuracy by shortening the swing path and by bringing the golf ball closer to your body. Golfers can achieve this shorter shaft by adjusting their grip on the club or by modifying the shaft itself. Let’s cover both of these options in detail.
| Technique | Shortening Golf Shaft | Choking Down on Club |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Cutting down the length of the shaft of a golf club | Gripping the club lower down on the shaft, closer to the clubhead |
| Club Length | Makes the club shorter | Does not change the club length |
| Swing Weight | Increases the swing weight | Decreases the swing weight |
| Launch Angle | Decreases the launch angle | Increases the launch angle |
| Spin | Decreases the spin | Increases the spin |
| Distance | Decreases the distance | Increases the distance |
| Accuracy | Increases the accuracy | Decreases the accuracy |
Why Do Golfers Choke Down On Their Golf Clubs?
Choking down on a golf club means gripping the club lower on the handle, closer to the club head. This can help a player control the direction and trajectory of a golfer’s shots by shortening the length of the club.
Pros: Choking down on a golf club can be a quick and easy way to adjust the club’s trajectory and direction. It can also help a player generate more club head speed for golfers with slower swing speeds.
Some golfers may find that choking up on the club helps them better match the club to their body size and swing style. For example, shorter golfers may find that choking up on a longer club allows them to generate more power and control.
Cons: Choking down on the golf club can affect the loft and lie angle of the club, as well as the overall balance and feel of the club. It may not be suitable for all players or all types of shots.
What Happens When Golfers Shorten Their Driver Shaft?
A shorter driver shaft can also help a player control the direction and trajectory of their shots, as well as adjust for their swing speed and playing style. A shorter shaft may also be more suitable for players with a slower swing speed. Shortening the shaft can help them generate more clubhead speed.
Pros: Shortening your driver shaft provides a more customized and precise fit for a player’s swing and playing style. It can also help a player generate more clubhead speed if they have a slower swing speed.
Cons: Modifying or replacing your driver shaft can be more expensive and time-consuming than choking down on a club. It will require the player to purchase a new driver or have their current driver modified by a professional.
Cutting the driver shaft down is typically a permanent change. Incorrectly modifying the driver shaft could permanently damage it causing the golfer to purchase a new driver or shaft.
How To Chose Between A Shorter Shaft Or Choking down
It’s important to note that both choking down on a club and using a shorter shaft will affect the loft and lie angle of the club. It will also change the overall balance and feel of the club.
As a result, players should experiment to find the best combination of grip and shaft length that works for their individual game. We also recommend taking a lesson with your local golf professional or repair technician if you’re thinking of shortening your golf shaft to fix slices or hooks off the tee.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best option will depend on the individual player’s needs and preferences. It may be helpful to try both options and see which one produces the best results for your game. It’s also a good idea to consult with a golf professional or club fitter to determine the best options for your swing.
Hopefully, you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
