How I Found My Perfect Swing
When I first started playing golf, I had no clue that women’s golf clubs were a thing. I learned the hard way with a set of clubs my husband, Guy, cobbled together from his old gear. It was like trying to swing a telephone pole! The clubs were too long, and I had to choke up so much that my wrists and forearms were taking more hits than the ball.
After some (not-so-subtle) hinting, Guy finally got me a used set of women’s clubs, formerly rental gear from Crystal Mountain. Instantly, I shaved 10-15 strokes off my score! But something still was not quite right—I was still choking up on the club like it was a bad dance move.
Fast forward to the next year, and I decided it was time for my first brand-new set of clubs. I waltzed into the local golf shop, knowing exactly what I wanted. While I was testing them out, the shop owner came over and handed me a petite length club, which is about an inch shorter than regular women’s clubs. Eureka! At 5’2”, losing that inch of club made a world of difference. Standard women’s clubs are designed for someone around 5’7”, so that extra inch was like playing with a javelin.
In just three seasons, I went from hitting around 140/150 with the men’s clubs to 120/130 with the women’s, and finally, down to 110/low hundreds with the petites. My wrists were no longer screaming for mercy, and my swing was finally on point.
Why are women’s golf clubs a game-changer?
Let’s break it down:
- Length Matters: Women’s clubs are typically about an inch shorter than men’s, perfect for those of us who are not taller. The right length equals the right stance, which equals a smoother, more comfortable swing.
- Lighten Up: Women’s clubs are lighter than men’s, helping those of us with less upper body strength get some decent distance without feeling like we are bench pressing.
- Flex Appeal: The shafts on women’s clubs are more flexible, which is ideal for slower swing speeds. Translation: more power, better accuracy, and no need to swing like a lumberjack.
- The Weight Debate: Women’s drivers often come with a lighter shaft option, around 40 grams, compared to the 50-65 grams typical in men’s clubs. Lighter weight can mean a higher, more accurate trajectory.
- Sweet Spots & Lofty Goals: Women’s clubheads often have larger sweet spots and higher loft angles, making it easier to launch the ball into the air and send it soaring—no extra oomph required.
- Get a Grip: Women’s clubs usually come with smaller grips, perfect for our typically smaller hands. A good grip means better control, which means fewer wayward shots (and fewer golf balls lost to the wilderness).
Benefits of Playing with Women’s Clubs
- Proper Fit: Custom-made for female golfers’ physical traits, women’s clubs ensure a comfortable fit and better swing mechanics.
- More Distance: Lightweight, flexible shafts can help you hit the ball farther, which is great if you have been struggling to get the distance you want with men’s clubs.
- Improved Accuracy: Larger sweet spots and higher lofts mean more forgiveness on off-center hits and straighter shots. Translation: less frustration and more fairways. My drives straightened out with the women clubs.
- Better Control: Smaller grips mean better control and feel, especially for golfers with smaller hands.
- Customization Options: Women’s clubs often come with a variety of customization options, so you can tailor your set to your game.
Let’s talk golf bags
Are you borrowing one of your husband’s old, dusty bags, or are you embarking on an epic quest to find *the one*? You would be amazed at the lengths some women in my golf group have gone to secure the perfect bag. It is like they are hunting for a unicorn—only the unicorn has to be the right color, have the perfect graphics, and probably match their outfit.
Now, I used to think all golf bags were pretty much the same. Turns out, women’s bags are a bit smaller, more lightweight, and definitely more stylish. They have got personality! Since I buy my golf sets as a package, my clubs come with a bag—usually a black-and-white Callaway, with maybe a hint of pink, blue, or purple trim if I am feeling adventurous. But for now, I am sticking with the boring black and white. Let’s be real, until I am driving more than 115-125 yards, I do not need to be *that* noticeable on the course!
Choose what works for you
Remember, while women’s clubs are designed with the average female golfer in mind, everyone is different. Some women might find that men’s or unisex clubs work better for them. The key is to find what feels comfortable and helps you play your best game.
