How to Extend Golf Clubs
Thinking about giving your golf clubs a little boost in length? Whether you're a growing teen, a tall adult, or just someone who wants a longer reach, extending your golf clubs can make a world of difference in your game. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to extend your golf clubs and tailor them to your game.
Measure Twice, Extend Once
The first step to extending your golf clubs is to figure out how much extension you need. This isn't about slapping on a couple of inches and hoping for the best. It’s about precision. You’ve got to measure your current clubs and yourself. A simple tape measure can do the trick here.
Stand up straight with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. Measure from your wrist (the crease where it bends) to the floor. This measurement helps determine the ideal length for your clubs. Compare this with your current club length by measuring from the heel of the club’s sole to the end of the grip. If there’s a discrepancy, you’ve got your target extension.
Keep in mind, not all clubs may need the same extension. Your driver might benefit from a longer reach, while your wedges might not. So, mix and match based on your needs.
Choose Your Method
Once you've got your measurements, it’s time to decide how you’re going to extend those clubs. You’ve got two main options: extension plugs or shaft replacement. Each has its pros and cons, so let's break it down.
Extension Plugs
These are the most straightforward option. Extension plugs fit into the butt end of your club’s shaft, giving you that extra length. They’re easy to install, cost-effective, and don’t require you to change the entire shaft.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to install, and can be done at home with a few tools.
- Cons: Can slightly change the club’s balance and feel, and not ideal for large extensions.
Shaft Replacement
Replacing the entire shaft is the gold standard if you’re particular about maintaining the club’s original balance and feel. It’s a bit more labor-intensive and costly, but the results can be worth it, especially for significant length changes.
- Pros: Maintains balance and feel, ideal for large extensions.
- Cons: More expensive, requires more skill and tools.
Gather Your Tools
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s what you’ll need to extend your golf clubs using extension plugs:
- Extension plugs (make sure they match your shaft material)
- Epoxy glue
- Sandpaper or a file
- Hacksaw (if you need to cut the plug to size)
- Grip tape and a new grip
- Heat gun or hairdryer (to remove the old grip)
It's like assembling a LEGO set for grown-ups—but with way more satisfaction when you hit the green. That said, if you're not comfortable doing this yourself, consider taking your clubs to a professional. They'll have all the right tools and experience to get the job done without a hitch.
Out with the Old, In with the New
The first practical step in extending your clubs is removing the old grips. You can use a heat gun or hairdryer to loosen the adhesive. Gently heat the grip for about 30 seconds, then use a utility knife to slice it open. Be careful not to nick the shaft.
Once you’ve removed the grip, peel off the old grip tape. It might take a bit of elbow grease, but you want to make sure the shaft is clean and smooth before inserting the extension plug.
At this point, it’s a great idea to give your club a good cleaning. After all, you’re about to give it a makeover. This is where The Club Washer comes in handy, making quick work of any dirt or debris stuck in the grooves. Your clubs will be as fresh as the day you bought them.
Plug It In
Now for the fun part—actually extending those clubs. Insert the extension plug into the shaft. You may need to sand down the plug a bit if it doesn’t fit snugly. Apply epoxy glue to secure it in place. Let it cure for the recommended time (usually about 24 hours).
If you need to cut the plug to your desired length, measure carefully and use a hacksaw. Remember, measure twice, cut once!
Re-grip with Confidence
With the plug securely in place, it’s time to re-grip your club. Wrap new grip tape around the extended shaft. Slide the new grip over the tape, making sure it aligns properly. A little solvent can help the grip slide on easier.
Once the grip’s in place, let it sit for a few hours to allow the adhesive to set. Then, give it a few practice swings to ensure it feels right.
Balance Check
A longer club can affect your swing mechanics, so it’s important to check the balance. Take your club to the course or range and hit a few balls. If you find the club unwieldy, you might need to tweak your swing or adjust your stance.
This is also a good time to check if the club head needs additional weight to counterbalance the extension. Lead tape can be a quick fix for this. Stick a small amount to the back of the club head, then test again.
Test Your New Setup
Finally, it’s time to test your newly extended clubs out on the course. Pay attention to how they feel, particularly in terms of control and distance. You might notice an initial adjustment period, but with practice, you’ll appreciate the extra reach.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Take your extended clubs out for a few practice rounds. You’ll get used to the new length and develop a feel for the changes in your swing mechanics.
Fine-Tune for Perfection
After a few rounds, you might notice some areas for improvement. This could be anything from swing adjustments to further tweaking the club’s balance. Pay attention to your performance and make small adjustments as needed.
And don’t forget to keep those clubs clean. A regular cleaning routine with The Club Washer will ensure your clubs perform at their best, round after round. A clean club is a happy club!
Final Thoughts
Extending your golf clubs can be a game-changer, giving you the reach and comfort you need for a better swing. Whether you choose extension plugs or shaft replacement, make sure to measure carefully and take your time with the process. And remember, keeping your clubs clean with The Club Washer will help you maintain top performance on the course. Happy golfing!