Is it Better to Short Golf Clubs From the Grip or the Tip?

Cutting a shaft to the proper length allows you to swing naturally.

Shorten from the Grip End

Trim shafts from the tip by no more than what is indicated in the instructions included with the shaft. You should only cut a certain amount from the tip to attain proper flex. After tip-trimming, shorten the shaft from the grip end by as much as you need.

Cutting From the Tip Stiffens the Shaft

If you need a slightly stiffer shaft than what is offered, you can tip-trim the shaft slightly more than what the instructions recommend. When you cut from the tip, you cut the weak part of the shaft, so it plays stiffer. Cut extra off the tip only if you want a stiffer flex.

Bottom Line

Follow the tip-trimming instructions with the shaft and shorten from the grip end. Trimming too much from the tip can lead to a stiffer shaft than necessary. Never trim from the tip on taper-tip shafts. Cutting a tapered tip would result in the shaft not fitting properly in the head. When in doubt, shorten from the grip end.

References

• Golfsmith: Basic Clubmaking Demos
• Golf-Components: Tip Trimming Instructions