Hello Golf Fanatics!
I’m back with another installment of Golf Circuit’s series on shaft fitting. As more and more interchangeable drivers appear on the market it’s important that golfers understand all of the factors that go into selecting the right graphite shaft for their game. In our first two shaft fitting posts we focused on shaft flex and shaft weight, and today we’re going to zero in on another popular element of shaft fitting – torque. Shaft “torque” refers to the twisting of the shaft on the downswing and through impact.
Torque is measured in degrees, and ranges between 2 degrees to 8 degrees depending upon the construction and design of the shaft. The higher the torque the more twisting the shaft will experience during the swing. While torque is often discussed by both amateurs and professionals, it actually has a very limited effect on shaft performance. In my experience working with major equipment manufacturers shaft torque actually has more of an effect on the “feel” of a graphite shaft than the actual performance of the shaft.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating the torque of a shaft:
- A graphite shaft with a torque range of 3 degrees to 6 degrees will be well suited to most any golfer.
- A graphite shaft with a torque range of below 3 degrees may have a feel that is preferred by stronger players or those with quicker swing tempos.
- A graphite shaft with a torque range of 7 degrees or higher may have a feel that is preferred by players with smoother, slower swing tempos.
Of the three elements of shaft fitting we have discussed so far torque is by far the least important. Both shaft flex and shaft weight will have a much more dramatic effect on the overall feel and performance of your club.
That’s all for this week my friends, but stay tuned next week when we wrap up our four part series on shaft fitting with a discussion on kick point and trajectory!
From Tee to Green,
James
Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional
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