Custom Steel Shafts

Question
Ken,
 I have a couple of questions regarding custom steel shafts.  I am currently hitting Cleveland CG2 irons with stiff dynamic gold steel shafts.  I am 23 years old, about 5'9" tall.  When I ground my irons just before takeaway, the toe of the clubhead is clearly off the ground about 1/4".  When I choke up on the grip about 1" the clubhead lies virtually flat, and I tend to strike the ball better with a more predictable ball flight.  I am thinking about cutting the length of all my irons down by 1".  Do you think there will be a significant loss in yardage or even overall performance with my irons?  Currently when I choke up, my 9-iron will go about 150 yards and each following iron will increase by about 10-12 yards ending with the 3-iron at about 215-220.  I dont really want to adjust the lie angle of the clubhead to make them flatter, but am unsure if cutting the shafts will significantly decrease their performance.  Are there any custom shafts that are manufactured to be slightly shorter with a specified flex level instead of having to chop a standard length shaft ultimately altering the flex?  Also, what flex would you recommend for steel shafts?  My driver clubhead speed is about 100-110 mph.  I am currently getting a medium to high ball flight with my irons, which I enjoy.  Thank you for your time!

Answer
Hi David,

The lie of clubs will flatten when swung because the shaft bends near impact. If the toe of the club is up at impact, then the heel of the club can grab the ground and close the club face, producing at pull-hook.

You can determine if your clubs are the correct lie for your swing by attaching some masking tape to the sole of the club and swinging so that the sole rubs against a firm surface (such as a rubber mat). If the tape rubs off at the center of the sole, then the lie is correct. Your clubs are probably to upright for you since you say you hit the ball better by choking down and effectively flattening the lie.

Cutting your clubs down 1" will not significantly change your yardage. Yardage is mainly dependent on the loft of the club. Read my newsletter to learn more here.
http://probablegolfinstruction.com/PGINewsletter/news02-05-07.html

Changing the length of the shaft will alter the flex slightly as well as the swing weight. As long as the club "feels good" to you, go with it. I wouldn't cut off the shafts at all. I'd just choke down on the club all the time.

With a short club, you'll actually hit the sweet spot more often and get a more consistent ball flight, without sacrificing distance.

Having different flexes won't alter swing speed significantly. Swing the flex that feels good. You want to be able to feel the club head but not feel it is too heavy.

Hope this helps.

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Best regards,
Ken Tannar