How to Select a Correct Golf Shaft Flex

Amateur golfers often overlook the correct shaft flex, which is one of the most important aspects of proper club fitting. The shaft flex influences the spin on the golf ball and will have an impact on the distance, accuracy and trajectory of a golf shot. A golfer's swing speed will determine what shaft flex is needed. The shaft flex is offered in ladies flex, senior flex, regular flex, stiff flex and extra stiff flex.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf clubs
  • Golf ball
  • Launch monitor
  • Golf practice range
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Instructions

    • 1

      Produce the correct spin at impact with the correct shaft flex. Spin rate produced at impact will directly correlate to how far a golf ball will travel. A shaft with too much flex will produce additional spin on the golf ball. More spin will cause the ball to balloon at the apex of its flight. The ball will then fall straight down and not forward, thus not optimizing ball flight. Purchase equipment from someone who utilizes a launch monitor. It will pinpoint optimal carry distance and spin rate.

    • 2

      Swing with the correct shaft flex to have a significant impact on accuracy. Again, the shaft can produce too much or little spin. Additional spin causes the ball to turn from a slight fade to a slice or a slight draw to a hook. Optimal spin rate will allow the ball to start at the target and continue straight or turn into a slight fade or draw.

    • 3

      Use the correct shaft flex to produce the correct shot trajectory. If the shaft flex is too stiff, the ball trajectory will be lower, and the shot could tend to go right. If the shaft flex is too weak, the ball trajectory will be higher, and could promote a shot that goes to the left.