When determining the right golf club size to give as a gift to a kid in our lives, there are many different factors that go into the selection process. From the type of club to the size to adjustments, buying a golf club takes careful consideration and a bit of math.
No one walks into a store and snags a sweater off the rack without factoring the size, shape, and materials. In a similar way, parents who want to get our kids started on the golf course need to measure potential clubs, measure our kid, and choose a golf club that suits our child’s specific needs.
In this article, we will go over several charts that show different types of clubs and sizing to help parents figure out the best size for their kids now and throughout every growth spurt. Use these charts and best personal judgment to make a decision about what club size and type to purchase for the kids in your life.
Types of Golf Clubs
There are six main types of golf clubs: Putter, wood, iron, wedge, driver, hybrid. Depending on their usage, these clubs are usually available in short enough sizes to let even little kids join in the golfing fun.
Measuring the Length of a Golf Club
For wedges and similar styles of clubs, we lay the club on a horizontal surface. Then, we measure the length of the club, rotating the club to rest at a 60 degree angle for more accurate measurements. From here, we can measure between the top of the grip and the place where the sole makes contact with the flat surface when turned 60 degrees.
We can also measure vertically in a straight line from the grip to the ground if we do not have a flat surface available.
For putters and similar styles of clubs, we measure the length of the golf club by holding it at an angle vertically. We measure the top of the club to the ground. For horizontal measurement, we only measure from the grip to the intersection of the sole with the ground.
Refer to the chart to get a visual representation of these instructions and follow along.
Determining Correct Club Length
For kids with heights shorter than 4’10”, opt for a wrist-to-floor measurement below 25” and subtract 2” to adjust length. For kids with heights between 4’10” and 5’0”, select a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement between 25”- 27” with an adjustment of subtracting 1.5”. For kids with heights between 5’0”-5’2”, choose a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement between 27”-29” and an adjustment of subtracting 1”.
For kids with heights between 5’2”-5’4”, opt for a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement between 29”-34” and an adjustment of subtracting .5”. For kids with heights between 5’4”-5’7”, choose a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement between 32”-34” and an adjustment of subtracting .25”.
For kids with heights between 5’7”-6’1”, select a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement of 34”-37” with no adjustment necessary. For kids with heights between 6’1”-6’2” go with a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement of 37”-38” with an adjustment of an additional .25”. For kids with heights between 6’2”-6’4”, select a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement of 38.5”-40” with an adjustment of an additional .5”.
For kids with heights between 6’4”-6’6”, choose a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement of 40”-41” with an adjustment of an additional 1”. For those whose height measures beyond 6’8”, opt for a club with a wrist-to-floor measurement of 42” with an adjustment of an additional 2”.
Golf Club Fit by Height
This graphic demonstrates how different club sizes will fit children of different heights. As we can see, a shorter child will need a shorter club and a taller child will need a longer club to accommodate their height.
Kids Golf Clubs
Parents may be confused about the type of club to purchase for their child. For children of any height over 3 ft., a Driver, 3 Wood, 5 Iron, 7 Iron, 9 Iron, and Wedge (pitching and sand), and Putter should be available in their size. Unfortunately, until a child reaches 4 ft., a 3 Iron may not be available. To determine the appropriate size, review this chart combined with the explanation above about determining correct club length.
As the chart’s information shows, a club between 10”-18” shorter than a child’s height, depending on the type, might be the most comfortable fit.
What type of club is best for a beginner golfer?
Having a range of different clubs is important so we can swing a hole-in-one in multiple settings and distances. To start out, some combination of putters, woods (including drivers), irons, hybrids, and wedges will be enough to get a handle on the game. Even purchasing a plastic set of clubs for a very beginner can give them a feel for the real deal and let them try new types of clubs without breaking the bank.
As time goes on, kids might find they like one type of club better than the other in certain scenarios. Letting the kids lead the selection process while the adults gently guide with our own experience seems to strike a great balance when choosing the first set of clubs. Of course, trying their hand at a classic game of mini golf with a putter can be the most fun, relaxing, and rewarding introduction to golf before graduating to the big course.
Can toddlers play golf?
Absolutely! No youngster is too young to start putting away–except maybe newborns. When taking a toddler out on the golf course, set them up with a plastic club of their own so they can feel like part of the crew.
Alternatively, parents can buy a mini golf set specifically designed for preschoolers to try out in the backyard before heading to the grown-ups course. This can be a fun bonding experience for little ones and get them hooked on the game before they are even experts at walking.
As they get older, this foundation will make them even more interested in the game and create more opportunities for parents and their little ones to bond. It’s a win-win!
What’s the best way to get a kid interested in golf?
While everyone has their own hobbies and preferences, there are certain things that we find nudge a kid toward loving golf. For example, group instruction can be a great way to get a kid interested in golf. After all, once they make a few friends, they will want to impress their buddies and hang out during class.
Pretty soon, the kiddos will be asking parents to take them out for golfing outside of instruction hours. As an added bonus, they will already have an idea of how to hold the club and swing, so parents can focus on enjoying golf instead of correcting their kiddos’ form. Having an instructor making adjustments and recommendations also leaves parents off the hook for feeling like a “nag.”
Young children and teenagers alike will appreciate being able to relax while golfing with parents and let down their guard. During golfing class, they can polish their skills and gain professional instruction from someone who does not already nag them to pick up their socks or put away their toys.
Especially with younger kids and beginners, don’t interfere too much with their playful exploration. As long as they are not hitting other kids or damaging property, let kids hold the club cross-handed, kick up sand, and pretend to be the next golf champion with an invisible ball, hyping up an invisible crowd.
We never know how these silly, imaginative moments can turn into an accomplished athletic career as they get older. Developing a love of the game and fun family memories is a first step for many decorated athletes–our little ones are no different!
Sometimes watching golf on the television or going on a group outing to play mini golf is enough to spark an interest. Letting the kids lead and supporting them in their golfing efforts will make them more interested than forcing them into the game.
Can I use the size chart as an adult who wants to get into golfing?
Why not? When we want to get the whole family into golfing, these size charts can be a great starting place for choosing the proper club length. From babies to older family members, these charts should cover all the bases. For family members as short as 4’10” to those taller than 6’8”, these resources have included every height in between.
What if I purchase a club that is too short or too long?
For too long clubs, we can always wait until the kid grows into it. After all, younger kids are always hitting growth spurts. For a club that is too short, it may be best to return it or gift it to a smaller child in our life, write down a child’s measurements before going to the golf club retailer, and restart the process.
In conclusion, finding the right type of golf club and size to suit a kid’s needs is a process. We need to factor in the child’s measurements, the golf club’s measurements, the child’s age, the child’s skill, and where they might be using the clubs. A parent who plans on keeping the golfing fun to the backyard may only need a basic, general set of plastic toy clubs.