This is a good question from Bob Campo that we've discussed before about the benefits of using a shorter driver. However, Bob adds a twist here by asking if he can also accomplish the same thing by choking down on the shaft.
"In one of the "backyard" lessons that I recalled, you were addressing seniors and their loss of distance. One of the suggestions you made was to shorten the shaft on the driver. Can this
be accomplished by choking down on the shaft, or taking the grip off and cutting an inch off the shaft and then re-griping it?"
The simple answer Bob is "Yes...and Yes". You can certainly do it either way; it's really a personal choice. After all, a number of good players like Sergio Garcia and Anthony Kim have learned to choke down on the shaft and they certainly have no problems doing so.
As I am sure Doc Griffin will attest, when you decide to cut the butt off of any golf club, but especially the driver, you will need to compensate for the loss in swing weight by adding some lead tape to strategic points on the club head. Watch the video for more details on how to do this and to listen to a word of caution on where to place the tape. This is extremely important to get right because if you don't the shaft will not properly flex and it won't "kick" the head at the right point in the swing.
Idf you have any doubts, you can take your club to a Swing Surgeon certified fitter who will be able to dial it in just right for you. Or, if you don't live near one of our guys, perhaps you can take it to your local club pro if he does club repairs and have him help you with it.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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