SHORTENING THE SHAT ON THE #3 WOOD

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ken,
     I asked you a question previously and your suggestion regarding backspin seems to be working beautifully!If it poses no bother to you, I would like your advice regarding shortening the shaft on my #3 wood.
Somehow, I feel more comfortable playing with shorter shafted clubs. I seem to have more control and oddly enough, more power when I hit the ball. I had a cut down #2 wood and I was very satisfied with the distance and control that I got from it. I realize that cutting down the shaft stiffens the shaft and changes the swing weight.I'm not a great golfer to the point where the swing weight would change my game. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure I know exactly what swing weight is.There seem to be pros and cons regarding using shorter shafts on golf clubs. Can you offer any input for me to consider before I cut the shaft down [-1"] on my #3 wood? I hold your advice in high regard and would give it utmost consideration before I make this drastic move.
       Thanks for your help .
         Joe


ANSWER: Hi Joe,

Swing weight is a measure of the distribution of weight between the club  and the shaft. If you cut off 1 inch, there will be slightly less feeling of weight in the club head, not major though.

Shortening the shaft will decease club speed only very slightly, if at all, but it probably will increase accuracy. Being a shorter club, it will be easier to make good contact with the ball.

If you tend to get better results with shorter shafts, go ahead and shorten. I play with clubs that are all the same length. The irons, 3-9 are the standard 7 iron length. The fairway woods are 2 inches shorter than the standard 3 wood length. Distance of clubs is most dependent on the loft of the club, not on the length. A longer club only increases club head speed marginally.

Hope this helps.

Ken

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ken,
  Thanks for your help. You are clearing up all those why's concerning the game of golf and I appreciate it.
  Have a great weekend !
         Joe

Answer
Hi Joe,

Shorter clubs are easier to hit. You will hit more solid golf shots with shorter clubs.

Cutting down your 3-wood will stiffen up the shaft a bit and make the swing weight slightly lower (less feeling of weight in the head of the club). You can compensate by adding a little lead tape to the sole of the club head.

If you're having more success with shorter clubs, go for it, especially if you are tending to hit them farther. Most of the distance comes from the loft, not the shaft. One inch shorter would not change the speed significantly.

Hope this helps.

Ken