Golf Swing Speeds?

Question

I was told by family members and a golf pro that I have a fast swing and should use a stiff flex shaft. I was at shop with a range and tried 4 stiff flex drivers. I hit straight, but the sun was in my eyes and I could not quite see the distance. It was over 200, but I am not sure how much more. I was at local shop where they had a launch monitor. It said I swung around 77-79 mph. Not really fast. I did not trust this monitor since the guy kept readjusting the camera.

My question is, if I do hit a stiff flex anyway, since my shots were straight, will it affect me negatively if my swing speed is actully that low?

Answer 1

Try another pro shop.  With a 10.5 degree driver, you would need to swing at least 90 mph to get it 200 yards.  If you are swinging that slow, at most you can use a regular flex, but you are really into the senior flex category.  The weekend golfer swings 90 - 105 mph averaging 210 - 250 carry.  Tour pros are like 115 to 125 averaging 250 - 290 carry.

All stiff flex shafts are not the same.  Some are designed for quick swings.  Some are designed for rhythmic swings.  Some have low kick points, some have high.  All those things and more have to be factored in.  An accurate launch monitor will help you determine the best shaft for you.

I think the monitor and the monitoree were having a little difficulty during your session.

Answer 2

If your swing speed is appx. 80 mph you would benefit more from a stiff graphite shaft.  On the flip side, is your swing speed 80mph and your still able to swint the club in balance?  On a scale of 1 to 10 you should be swinging at a 7.  In that case a little extra flex in the shaft can help.

Answer 3

I would trust the golf professional a lot more than a launch monitor that may or may not have been accurate.

Answer 4

It really depends on what shaft you have.  I mean, that is a regular swing speed all the way, but some shafts have very weak stiffs, such as the cheap ones, while other shafts have strong stiff shafts, like the more expensive ones.  Find a club/shaft combination that fits you the best, and you will gain both distance and accuracy.

Answer 5

if your swing speed is truly that slow, your shots will tend to be straighter because of the lower spin rate being put on the ball. however, golf is a game of accuracy and straighter shot normally give you lower score!

Answer 6

It can. If the shaft is too stiff you will loose distance. The ball flight will tend to be low and have a tendency to cut. Get fitted and have the swing speed measured by a good pro,it is really very easy.