How to Measure Golf Clubs

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

If you plan to play in a professional golf game, you’ll need to ensure your clubs conform to the club length standard of 48.0 inches (122 cm) or less. Measuring golf clubs might seem like a complicated task, but it’s actually pretty simple. You can measure the clubs yourself with a tape measure, or use a golf club measurement apparatus to determine if the clubs conform to length standards.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using a Tape Measure

1
Place the club on a flat, horizontal surface. Clubs should be measured on a horizontal, rather than vertical, plane to get the most accurate results.^{[1]
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2
Ensure the sole is at a 60 degree angle from the surface. The sole is the bottom of the club head. You may need to rest the sole against a plate to ensure it sits at the proper angle.^{[2]
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3
Measure from the end of the grip to the end of the sole. Use a tape measure to find the length in inches between the end of the grip and the farthest point that the sole contacts the horizontal surface. This is the length of your golf club!^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Using a Measuring Apparatus

1
Calibrate the club length measuring apparatus. Turn on the machine and move the grip support assembly to the left until it reaches the end of the apparatus. Put the calibration rod into the machine, resting the right end of the rod against the 60-degree sole plate of the clubhead support. Slide the grip support over until it gently touches the end of the calibration rod, then zero out the scale. Remove the calibration rod when you’re finished.^{[4]
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2
Place the club in the apparatus. Ensure the clubhead rests against the clubhead support, with the sole touching the 60-degree sole plate. The grip should rest in the grip support. Gently rock the club back and forth to be sure it’s not being constrained and can move naturally.^{[5]
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3
Slide the grip support until it touches the grip, then read the scale. Move the grip support to the right until the butt plate is gently touching the end of the grip. Step back from the scale and read the digital value.^{[6]
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4
Determine if the club conforms to length standards. If the scale reads 0.0 or less, the length is less than 48.0 inches (122 cm) and conforms to the club length standard. If the scale reads greater than 0.0, the length is greater than 48.0 inches (122 cm) and it does not conform to the club length standard. Such a club could not be used in a professional golf game.^{[7]
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