Are Heavier Golf Clubs Better?
- Robbie Potesta
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
Are Heavier Golf Clubs Better?
For years, the common advice has been that golfers with slower swing speeds should opt for lighter shafts to help them gain distance. It seems logical. Less weight means faster motion, right? But for many players, that theory doesn't quite pan out in real-world performance. Today we break down whether or not heavier golf clubs are better for your game?
As someone who has been playing golf clubs that are way to light over the past couple of years, I thought it would be important to address the issue of golf clubs that are to light for myself and many others. Super light golf clubs contributed to total inconsistency in my game, ball flight unpredictability, missing both ways, and my confidence took a hit.
Everything changed after a proper club fitting. It turned out my swing naturally launched the ball low with excessive spin. Those traits don’t pair well with lighter equipment. The fitter recommended a driver with a heavier, stiffer shaft and a slightly higher loft.
The result was eye-opening. Not only did my accuracy drastically improve, but my clubhead speed also increased slightly, likely because I could trust the motion and swing with more commitment. It felt like I was controlling the club instead of the club controlling me.
The Heavier Shaft Myth, Debunked
One of the most misunderstood ideas in golf is that a lighter club automatically leads to a faster or better swing. In reality, when a driver is too light, many golfers lose their natural sequencing and tempo. Their hands get too active, causing them to release the club early, swing off plane, and lose the ability to generate efficient power.
Think about swinging something substantial, like a hammer or an axe. It’s nearly impossible to swing it with poor form. Heavier tools demand better mechanics. Golf works the same way. A bit of extra weight can help players engage their entire body in the swing, leading to improved sequencing, better timing, and increased control.
How to Test the Right Shaft Weight for You
Finding your optimal shaft weight isn’t just guesswork. It should be tested. A smart approach is to try driver shafts in four general weight classes: 45g, 55g, 65g, and 75g. Monitor your ball speed and dispersion patterns across each. For many amateur players, heavier options surprisingly yield the highest ball speeds and the tightest shot patterns.
Three Performance Boosts of a Heavier Shaft
1. Eliminate Casting: When your shaft is too light, your hands tend to release too early in the downswing, leading to casting the club. This move leaks power and increases spin. Adding weight to your driver shaft can help you hold lag longer and promote a more desirable in-to-out path. Some data even suggests that for every 10 grams added, players gain nearly one degree of improved swing path direction.
2. Center-Face Contact: Many recreational golfers swing the club on a consistent path but make off-center contact. Heavier shafts encourage more stable face control, allowing players to strike the center of the clubface more often. A good drill is to try hitting 14 drives and aim to keep every impact within half an inch of the sweet spot. It’s a game-changer.
3. Boost Swing Speed (Yes, Really) Contrary to what you'd expect, going heavier can actually help you swing faster when the fit is right. Properly matched shaft weight can lead to an increase of 1 to 1.5 mph in clubhead speed, which translates to two to four extra yards off the tee. That might not sound like much, but it adds up over a round and often comes with added accuracy.
Final Thought from External Focus Golf
The next time you hit the range or book a fitting session, don’t assume lighter is always better. In fact, most golfers still haven’t optimized their gear. If you want to explore how a heavier shaft might unlock better tempo, strike quality, and distance, grab an old-school persimmon driver. These clubs were much heavier than modern ones, and taking a few swings with one might show you what your modern setup is missing. More control, more feel, and a smoother motion.
For more insight on gear, mechanics, and becoming the most efficient version of your golf self, visit www.externalfocusgolf.com 🏌️♂️🔥
Cheers,
Robbie Potesta
Comments