Yes, golf clubs can be made longer with a shaft extension or shorter with a cutdown. It's a common fix for tall golfers, shorter golfers and anyone playing a hand-me-down set. Length changes also change how heavy the head feels and how stiff the shaft plays, so small adjustments are best.
Who needs longer or shorter clubs?
Length is usually based on your height and wrist-to-floor measurement. Very tall golfers often play clubs about an inch over standard, and shorter golfers often play under standard. If you have to crouch over the ball, or stand very upright to reach it, length is worth checking.
How does an extension work?
An extension is a plug glued into the butt end of the shaft, then covered by a new grip. A half-inch extension is routine. Most clubmakers keep extensions to about an inch; beyond that, reshafting is usually the better option.
What changes when you change length?
- Swing weight. Clubmaking suppliers Mitchell Golf and Kirkpatrick Golf both put it at about 3 swing weight points per half inch. Longer makes the head feel heavier; shorter makes it feel lighter.
- Flex. Golf engineer Dave Tutelman explains the butt of a shaft is much stiffer than the tip, so trimming from the butt changes flex far less than trimming from the tip. A longer club generally plays a bit softer, and a shorter one a bit firmer.
- Lie angle. Longer clubs effectively sit more upright. We often check lie after a length change.
Extend or buy a different set?
If you need half an inch to an inch, adjusting what you have is cheap and works well. If you need more, or you also need a different flex, it's often smarter to buy a used set that's already the right length. Every club on our site lists its length versus standard, like +0.5" or -1", so you can shop by fit.
What does it cost?
At our Farmers Branch shop, a shaft extension is $19.99 per club and a cutdown is $9.99 per club, plus the grip. Grips include installation when you buy them from us. See all repair prices.
FAQ
Can you extend a driver?
Yes, but drivers are already long and harder to control. Most golfers are better off with a standard-length driver.
Is a cutdown permanent?
Yes, the cut piece is gone. It can be extended again later with a plug if needed.
Do extended clubs break?
A properly glued extension that's covered by the grip is very rarely a problem.
Related: loft and lie adjustment explained and what shaft flex do I need.
By Benjamin Stromberg, Co-Founder, GolfRoots. Sources: Mitchell Golf, Kirkpatrick Golf, Dave Tutelman (tutelman.com), GolfWRX.
