What is the correct way to measure youth golf clubs? The correct way to measure youth golf clubs involves assessing the child’s height, wrist-to-floor measurement, and current skill level to determine the right club length, lie angle, and shaft flexibility.
Getting the right golf clubs for young golfers is vital. Ill-fitting clubs can cause bad habits and stop a child from enjoying the game. This guide will help parents and coaches find the perfect fit. We will look at youth golf club fitting from every angle. Finding the right set is key to happy, successful junior golfers.
Why Proper Sizing Matters for Young Golfers
When a child uses clubs that are too long or too short, it hurts their swing. Too-long clubs force them to stand too far away or bend too much. This causes bad posture. Too-short clubs make them hunch over. This also ruins their swing path. Proper sizing helps kids swing freely and naturally. It builds confidence quickly. This is the first step in junior golf club sizing.
The Core Measurements for Junior Golf Club Sizing
To get the right fit, you need two main numbers from the child. These measurements are simple but very important.
Measuring Height
Height is the easiest starting point. It gives a general idea of the club size needed. We use a youth golf club height chart to match the child’s height to a club set size, often labeled by age or color code (like ‘Blue’ or ‘Yellow’).
How to Measure Height:
* Have the child stand straight up.
* They should stand barefoot, or in thin-soled shoes.
* Place a book flat on their head.
* Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the book.
* Record this in inches or centimeters.
Measuring Wrist-to-Floor (WTF) Measurement
The Wrist-to-Floor measurement is more accurate than height alone. It looks at the child’s arm length relative to their height. This is crucial for setting the club length correctly.
How to Measure Wrist-to-Floor:
* Ask the child to stand tall and relaxed.
* Keep their arms hanging straight down by their sides.
* Measure the distance from the floor to the crease of their wrist joint.
* This measurement tells us how long the club shaft should be.
Youth Golf Club Height Chart and Sizing Tables
Different club manufacturers use slightly different systems. However, most junior sets follow a general guideline based on height or WTF. Here is a general junior golf club length guide.
| Child Height (Inches) | Child Height (CM) | Typical Set/Color Code | Suggested Iron Length Range (Approx. Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3’0” – 3’3” | 91 – 99 cm | Starter/Red | 18” – 20” |
| 3’4” – 3’7” | 102 – 109 cm | Age 4-6/Blue | 21” – 23” |
| 3’8” – 3’11” | 112 – 119 cm | Age 7-8/Yellow | 24” – 26” |
| 4’0” – 4’3” | 122 – 129 cm | Age 9-10/Green | 27” – 29” |
| 4’4” – 4’7” | 132 – 139 cm | Age 11-12/Orange | 30” – 32” |
| 4’8” and Up | 142 cm + | Teen/Adult Starter | 33” + |
This chart is a starting point for buying golf clubs for young golfers. Always check the specific brand’s chart if possible.
Deciphering the Importance of Lie Angle
The lie angle is the angle between the sole of the club (where it touches the ground) and the shaft. For adults, this is a key part of a full fitting. For kids, it is also very important, especially as they grow taller.
If a club has too flat a lie angle for a taller child, the toe of the club will dig into the ground at impact. This sends the ball left (for a right-handed player). If the lie angle is too upright for a shorter child, the heel will lift up. This sends the ball right.
Setting the Proper Youth Golf Club Lie Angle
When measuring golf clubs for kids, you check the lie angle during a test swing.
- Contact Markings: Hit a few balls on a piece of white tape or impact spray.
- Inspect the Mark: If the mark is near the toe, the club is too upright. If it is near the heel, the club is too flat.
- Adjustment: Junior sets often come with fixed lie angles. However, as kids grow, you may need to adjust the clubs slightly or move to the next size up sooner than expected to correct the lie angle. Proper youth golf club lie angle ensures consistent contact.
Shaft Flexibility and Weight: Factors in Youth Golf Club Fitting
Club length is not the only thing that matters. The shaft—the stick part of the club—affects how much the child can swing the club head properly.
Shaft Flexibility (Flex)
For younger kids, the shafts must be very flexible. They do not generate the high swing speeds adults do. A shaft that is too stiff will prevent them from launching the ball up. It makes shots fly low and weak.
We look at junior golf club shaft flexibility based on speed:
- Very Young/Beginner (Under 8): Need extremely flexible, often graphite shafts. They feel whippy.
- Older Juniors (10+): As speed increases, the shaft can get slightly stiffer. Some advanced juniors might use an ‘A’ flex (Ladies flex) if they are very strong and tall.
Too much weight is another common issue. Junior clubs must be significantly lighter than adult clubs. Lighter clubs allow the child to control the swing path better, which is vital for developing good mechanics.
Progression in Junior Golf Club Sizing
Children grow fast! A set that fits perfectly in the spring might be too small by the fall. This leads to the concept of youth golf club progression.
It is better to buy clubs that are slightly large and can be bent or adjusted than clubs that are far too small. However, buying a set that is vastly too large is harmful.
The Rule of Thumb for Growth
If a child is between two sizes on the youth golf club height chart, consider:
- Skill Level: If they are a beginner, size down slightly so they can control the club.
- Growth Rate: If they are growing fast, size up to the next set, but know you might need to get the longer clubs professionally shortened slightly until they grow into them.
When to Change Sizes:
* The child’s wrists now hit the ground when they stand relaxed over the ball.
* The club shaft looks too short, forcing the child to crouch down significantly.
* The child starts missing the center of the club face often because the club head is too small for their swing arc.
How to Select Junior Golf Clubs: A Step-by-Step Process
How to select junior golf clubs involves combining the physical measurements with practical testing.
Step 1: Take the Core Measurements
Use the height and WTF measurements listed above. Have these numbers ready before you shop.
Step 2: Check the Current Set (If Applicable)
If the child has older clubs, check the length and how they look at address. Do they look too short or too long when the child stands over them?
Step 3: Test Club Length at Address
Have the child hold the suggested club size (e.g., a 7-iron). They should stand in a relaxed posture.
- Ideal Position: The club shaft should point roughly toward their lead hip or slightly outside their lead knee.
- Too Long: The child has to lean back away from the ball excessively.
- Too Short: The child has to bend their knees and back a lot, looking like they are “crouching” to reach the ground.
Step 4: Assess the Swing Feel
The final test is watching them swing. A good swing feels natural, not forced.
- Weight: Can they swing the club smoothly without rushing or twisting their body just to move the club?
- Contact: Are they hitting the ball solidly on the sweet spot?
This hands-on part of youth golf club fitting confirms the numbers.
Detailed Look at Specific Clubs
Not all clubs in a set need to be perfectly sized immediately, especially if you are mixing and matching sets as the child grows.
Drivers and Woods
Drivers are the hardest to fit correctly. Because they are long, a driver that is even slightly too long will ruin timing.
- For very young players, many coaches suggest skipping the driver entirely at first. Use a fairway wood or a hybrid instead. These have shorter shafts and are easier to control.
- If a driver is necessary, ensure the shaft is very light and flexible.
Irons
Irons are the workhorses. Focus on the 7-iron length first, as it is the middle club. If the 7-iron is right, the other irons will likely be close enough. Remember the lie angle matters most here.
Wedges and Putters
Putter length is often overlooked. The grip end of the putter should sit about two inches above the child’s belly button when they stand over the ball in their putting stance. If it’s too long, they will hold the club too far down the grip, losing control.
Advanced Considerations: When to Seek Professional Fitting
While basic measurements work for beginners, advanced players need more precision. This is where dedicated youth golf club fitting sessions shine.
Analyzing Swing Speed
Professional fitters use launch monitors to measure swing speed accurately. This measurement directly determines the required shaft flex. A child swinging at 40 mph needs a different shaft than one swinging at 65 mph, even if they are the same height.
Loft Adjustments
Loft (the angle of the club face) affects ball flight. Stronger juniors might benefit from slightly lower lofts on their irons to keep the ball flight lower and penetrating. Beginners often need slightly higher lofts to help get the ball airborne easily.
The Role of Grip Size in Junior Clubs
Grip size is often forgotten in measuring golf clubs for kids. If the grip is too thick, the child cannot properly close the clubface at impact, leading to pushes and slices. If the grip is too thin, they squeeze too hard, causing tension.
Junior grips should be proportional to their hands. They should be able to wrap their fingers almost all the way around the grip without overlapping significantly. Most quality junior sets come with appropriately sized grips. If you are customizing clubs, ensure you order junior grips.
Troubleshooting Common Sizing Mistakes
When parents try to skip proper measurement, issues often arise. Here are common problems and how they relate to sizing.
| Problem Observed | Likely Sizing Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pulling the ball left consistently. | Club is too upright, or swing path is forcing a closed face. | Check lie angle; if okay, try one size shorter club. |
| Hitting ground before the ball (fat shots). | Club is too long, forcing them to stand too far away. | Cut down the shaft slightly or move to the next smaller set. |
| Topping the ball (thin shots). | Club is too short, forcing them to stand too close/crouch. | Move to the next larger set size. |
| Swinging wildly off-balance. | Club head is too heavy, or shaft is too stiff. | Check shaft flexibility or look for lighter-headed options. |
Why Buying Used Clubs Can Be Tricky
Buying used clubs is popular to save money, but it complicates junior golf club sizing.
- Unknown History: You don’t know how the previous owner modified the clubs.
- Fixed Lie Angles: Older or cheaper clubs may have fixed lie angles that don’t match your child.
- Wear and Tear: Shafts might be damaged or too flexible due to age or rust.
If you buy used, always prioritize finding clubs based on the length measurement first. Then, check the lie angle by having the child hit a few shots.
Maintaining the Clubs Through Growth Spurts
Youth golf club progression means investing in clubs in stages. It is usually more cost-effective and better for the child’s development to buy two sets over a four-year period rather than one set designed to last all four years.
If a child is between sizes, many parents opt for adjustable junior clubs, if available from the brand. These allow minor length and loft tweaks as they grow. This can extend the life of a set by six months to a year.
Remember, the goal is consistent contact and fun. Overly expensive, perfectly fitted clubs are great for tour-bound juniors, but for the average player, getting the length and flex right is 80% of the battle.
Summary of Key Steps for Buying Golf Clubs for Young Golfers
To make the process smooth, follow these steps for buying golf clubs for young golfers:
- Measure Accurately: Get precise height and wrist-to-floor measurements.
- Use the Chart: Reference the youth golf club height chart to select the starting size.
- Test at Address: Ensure the club length looks visually correct when the child stands over the ball.
- Check Swing Dynamics: Confirm the shaft flex feels light enough for their swing speed.
- Inspect Lie Angle: Watch contact points on a few practice shots.
- Plan for Growth: Accept that new clubs will be needed every 1-2 years as they grow.
Proper fitting prevents frustration and accelerates learning. Focus on function over flash when choosing equipment for your junior golfer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to buy a full set of clubs for a beginner child?
A: No. For beginners, three or four clubs are plenty. A driver (or 3-wood), a 7-iron, a wedge, and a putter are often enough to start. This keeps the cost down and simplifies the learning process.
Q: Can I just cut down an old adult club for my child?
A: It is generally not recommended. Cutting down an adult club makes the shaft much too stiff and changes the lie angle significantly, making it harder for the child to swing correctly. The head weight will also feel too heavy.
Q: How often should I check the fit of my child’s clubs?
A: You should check the fit at least every 6 to 9 months, especially if the child is under 10 years old, as growth spurts are common. Look for signs that the club is too short, like poor posture or decreased distance.
Q: What is more important: height or wrist-to-floor measurement?
A: The wrist-to-floor (WTF) measurement is generally considered more important. Two children of the same height can have very different arm lengths, which directly impacts the correct club length and lie angle.
Q: Should I buy clubs based on age ranges?
A: Age ranges are a rough guide, but never rely solely on them. Always cross-reference the age range with the specific height and WTF measurements to ensure accuracy in junior golf club sizing.