In golf, the distance between the ball and the pin (or the hole) is called the “carry”, and it determines whether you succeed or fail. It is one of the most crucial measurements in golf, and it can seem complicated to make the right call especially when you are playing golf with kids. There are various methods to measure club length that help you identify the perfect club for your game – and your child’s game.
This article lists some tried and tested methods to find the ideal carry distance for your kids. You and your toddler, or your young child and your partner, will enjoy putting together your perfect golf kit.
Table of Contents
Method #1: Measure From The Top Of The Hinge To The Start Of The Backswing
This is the most accurate method of measuring club length because the ball is at the exact same height as the hip when the swing begins. However, it is a bit tricky to do on your own. You will need someone skilled to do it for you. Luckily, there are professionals who test golf clubs and can do the measurements for you.
To determine your ideal golf club length, you and your partner stand facing each other with your feet a bit apart. Have your assistant hold the club at the top of the backswing and stand with your knees slightly bent. The right club length for your kids will be the one that enables them to perform the correct backswing. If you are wondering how to measure the proper backswing, see our guide
Method #2: Measure At The Start Of The Swing
While method 1 is accurate, it does not account for any lost time during the backswing. Because the ball is at a different height from the hip at the start of the swing, your kids may not have the perfect rhythm needed for the backswing. To fix this, you can measure the distance from the hip to the start of the swing. This number will represent the lost time during the backswing and will help you find the right golf club.
To determine your ideal golf club length, measure the distance from the top of the hip to the start of the swing. The length of the club should be such that when your child performs the backswing, their hands are at the same height as the hip at the start of the swing – with the clubface square to the target line. If you are unsure of how to measure the hip height, see our guide.
Method #3: Measure At The Top Of The Hinge
Measuring the hip height at the top of the hip allows you to account for any changes that may have occurred due to the body position of the golfer. This is especially important if the person doing the measuring is standing to the side of the golfer. To find your ideal golf club length, measure the distance from the top of the hip to the start of the swing. Your children will enjoy the extra challenge this method presents. They will learn to coordinate their breathing with the execution of their swing, and this will improve their game.
To determine your ideal golf club length, measure the distance from the top of the hip to the start of the swing. Your children will enjoy the extra challenge this method presents. They will learn to coordinate their breathing with the execution of their swing, and this will improve their game.
Method #4: Measure At The Start Of The Backswing
This is another method that measures the distance from the top of the hip to the start of the backswing. It is accurate because it measures the entire backswing. However, measuring at the start of the backswing may not give you the full picture. The club may not be performing the same motion as it did at the top of the hip. Inaccurate measurements at this point may result in an over- or under-shank, which could ruin your child’s golfing experience.
Method #5: Measure At The Other End
Golf is a game that is meant to be enjoyed by all, so it is important to find a method that allows everyone to have fun. You and your partner will stand back to back and hold the club with your right hands. Your left hand will hold a tape measure across your body at the bottom of the backswing. When you perform the backswing, the ball should leave the club face and travel toward the target line. At the end of the backswing, you will measure the distance from the club face to the tape measure that was across your body at the bottom of the backswing.
To measure the proper distance, stand facing each other with your feet a little apart and hold the club with your right hands. Your left hand will hold a tape measure across your body at the bottom of the backswing. At the end of the backswing, your partner will release the club, and you will measure the distance from the club face to the tape measure that was across your body at the bottom of the backswing.
This is the most accurate method of measuring club length because it measures the entire backswing and considers all the variables that could affect the distance. However, it is difficult to do on your own, and it is more of an estimation than a measurement. Your partner will need to stand behind you and direct you where to look during the swing. This is where a coach comes in handy. They can help you find the right club length for your kids by measuring the backswing and suggesting changes to make the motion smoother and more efficient.
The Final Say
Ultimately, it is up to you to find the right golf club for your kids. The best method of finding the proper length for your children is to find a club that suits their height, weight, and playing style. Once you have found that perfect club, you can take it to a pro shop and have them measure it for you. Then, you can compare the measurements with the ones you found on your own to see if they are the same. Ultimately, it is about what feels right for your child’s hands and if they can perform the correct backswing with the club.