Should Golf Beginners Play With a Stiff Shaft?

When choosing a shaft, the beginner has a choice of material--steel or lightweight graphite, both of which are available on all shaft flexes.

The point at which the shaft flexes is known as the bend or kick point. A higher bend point will promote a lower ball flight, while a lower bend point will promote a higher ball flight.

Shafts are available in women's (flexible), senior ("A" flex), regular, stiff and extra stiff, as well as more flexible choices for juniors.

Shaft flex directly influences the direction of the ball flight. A shaft that is too stiff will send the ball right, while a flexible shaft can send it right or left.

Beginner golfers are as individual as advanced players; club speed and ball flight should determine which shaft is best. An athletic beginner golfer--a professional baseball player, for example--could generate enough club speed to be fit for a stiff shaft.

Visit a professional club fitter or golf professional trained in club fitting to find the right shaft flex. Clubfitter.org and PGA.com have listings of professionals in your area.