Differing Golf Clubs for Men and Women: An Examination of Their Distinct Features
Golf Differences: Breaking the Myth
Ever believed that golf clubs labeled "women's" could be a one-size-fits-all solution for women? Think again! I, personally, have been swinger those "men's clubs" since my teen years, and I discovered early on that the whippier shaft in a ladies flex was causing my tee shots to skyrocket too high and veer off-target.
Fast-forward 20 years, and I'm still baffled by the existence of segregated men's and women's clubs. With advancements in custom fitting and the wealth of knowledge we possess now, it's obvious that the identical stamps on golf clubs are only fitting for a broad segment of the female demographic.
Stroll into any pro shop, and you'll notice a clear-cut women's and men's section. But apart from the brighter, softer sheen and smaller grip of the women's clubs, what truly sets them apart?
The hidden design features are what truly lay the foundation for better golf for women. Technological advancements like nano-engineering in shafts and cutting-edge clubhead design play the bigger role in our golf game.
Adorning the title of "Mrs. Average," women are dealt with clubs with unique design considerations, such as:
Length
Clubs designed based on average heights, men are 5'9'' tall, while women are 5'7''. Given the height disparity, women's clubs are generally 3/4 to 1 inch shorter than men's. If you're shorter than 5'7'', a standard women's length club will work fine. Taller women (5'9'' and above), on the other hand, may prefer men's standard-length golf clubs or a senior flex men's length shaft.
Petite women below 5'3'' would benefit from a shorter option shaft (usually around one inch shorter than standard).
Lie Angle
Men are taller and, naturally, need clubs with a more upright lie angle. Each half-inch increase results in a degree more upright lie angle. The average woman, however, trying to swing men's clubs will encounter clubs that are excessively upright, forcing an unnatural swing style. This can lead to an across-the-line, out-to-in swing path and a sliced shot, hampering distance.
Women's clubs, with a flatter lie angle, accommodate our shorter height better.
Weight
Women's clubs are designed with lighter weights, taking into account the gender difference in strength. The lighter weights in the shaft, clubhead, and grip contribute to easier swinging and increased swing speed. Even if you're a strong woman, you might still find that a club with a stiffer flex, such as a regular or senior flex, suits you better than a heavier club.
Most women's clubs use graphite shafts to lower the overall weight and boost swing speed and distance. Although many men's clubs also feature graphite shafts these days, steel remains popular among better players due to its improved feel and consistency.
Shaft Kick Point
A low kick point, closer to the head of the shaft, is common in women's clubs to encourage greater height on shots. This makes it easier for women players with lower swing speeds to achieve the desired launch angle and trajectory.
Loft
Women's clubs tend to have higher lofts (particularly woods and drivers) because our lower clubhead speed makes it challenging to launch the ball on a high enough trajectory for maximum distance. The average men's driver comes with a 9°-10.5° loft, while the standard women's driver offers approximately 12°.
The same rule applies to irons, with a typical women's 7-iron featuring a loft of 32.5°, as compared to a men's 7-iron with a 28.5° loft. The extra loft helps raise the ball more efficiently and contribute to improved carry distance.
Grip
Women's hands are generally smaller than men's, so grips on their clubs are smaller and thinner. The correct grip size allows the appropriate hand position and grip pressure through impact, minimizing the risk of robbing both distance and accuracy with a sliced shot.
If you have small hands and are using grips that are too thick, it can make it more challenging to maintain consistent grip pressure and release the club effectively at impact. If you prefer a grip size between women's and men's, consider taping a few layers onto a women's grip to build it up slightly without taking it all the way to a men's standard grip.
In summary, the differences between men's and women's golf clubs are significant, primarily due to differing strength and size measurements. Standard women's clubs are generally an inch shorter, lighter, and feature a softer flex shaft compared to men's. Women's grips are also smaller and thinner.
Optimal golf game performance hinges on equipment adapted to our individual physicality and swing dynamics—paving the way for a more enjoyable, less tiring golf experience with improved control and ball flight.
- In golf, the physical differences between men and women are taken into account when designing clubs, as women's clubs are generally shorter, lighter, and have a softer flex shaft compared to men's, to accommodate for their typically smaller size and lower strength.
- A key difference between men's and women's golf clubs lies in the design considerations, such as the flatter lie angle, lower kick point, higher loft, and smaller, thinner grips for women, which all contribute to easier swinging and improved ball flight for female players.
