Picking the right shaft for your irons and woods can have a large affect on your golf game. And it is one of the areas of golf that beginners often overlook. One of the important golf tips you need to consider is shaft length. At another time, I will do some posts about picking the proper shaft flex, whether to choose steel, graphite, or both, and what's the difference between high kick point, low kick point, etc. But to keep it simple I will focus on one at a time. Today we will focus on length.

I want to start off by saying that their seems to be no single accepted standard way to determine the correct golf club length for an individual. When I worked at a pro shop we would measure an individual with them standing straight up and their arms hanging down along their sides. While standing on a flat surface, we would measure the length from the floor to the persons main fold on his wrist. Preferably, the wrist that the person wears his golf glove. Click here to go to a site for a chart to see what length of shaft you possibly may need.

Another way that is used is using a persons height. Click here for a chart that shows this.

No matter what process is used, it still comes down to feel. If a club feels right, and you hit it well, then that is the proper length for you. I recommend you see a local golf pro, and have him do some measurements on you, then see if you can demo a number of different length clubs. Edwin Watts is a great golf store that can measure you, and they have clubs you can demo.

This is just a quick reference for golfers who want to know if their putter is either face balanced, heel balanced, or toe balanced. For this test, open your hand and place your putter shaft across your palm so that the putter balances evenly. Now look at your putter head. If the face of the putter is parallel to the floor, then it is considered face balanced. Now if the heel of your putter is pointing down at a 45 degree angle then it is a heel weighted putter. If your putters toe is pointing slightly down then it is a toe weighted putter.

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A nifty spot to perfect your golf game technique, or to try and learn the basics, isn't on the golf course, but preferably at a driving range. If you're a beginner with the game, you might want to head to your local driving range to practice your game first. It will cost you less money than playing on the course, and you will be able to work at all parts of your golf game without interrupting the play of others. This is a great way to pinch a penny if you are on a budget as well.

A little known fact is, good golf players spend a lot of time practicing golf at the driving range, that's why they're good on the golf course. So if you want to get better at the game, then go to the range.

There are driving ranges at just about every golf course in the country. All driving ranges provide buckets of golf balls and depending on the size you can get a real good workout with just them. A typical large bucket of balls has about 75 golf balls in them. If you take your time and attempt to use every club in your bag, that bucket of balls will last you a long time. Plus it is so much more cheaper than a round of golf.

A lot of driving ranges have lights to extend hours of operation. So if you happen to get out of work late you can still get in some practice time.Some ranges are indoors or have heated teeing bays so if you happen to live in cold climate areas you will able to practice year-around.

It's crucial to observe who's hitting where and try to find a spot where you'll be able to hit balls with little or no distraction. If you have to hold off a little while for a teeing area so be it. Hitting golf balls peacefully will be worth the few extra minutes you'll have to wait for a driving bay that's less distracting. Sometimes I will see if a golf pro is giving golf lessons to someone. I will try to set up close enough to them to pick up a few golf tips. Beginners could benefit from this little trick!

The reason I'm writing on this subject is because, a few months ago, I got stuck behind a foursome that was playing so slow that it was driving me bonkers! 2 of the players were pretty good, and the 3rd player was OK. But the 4th player, I come to learn, had never been on a golf course prior to that day. As a matter of fact, he had never even swung a golf club until that very day! So every shot he attempted to make was followed by a flood of advice from his playing partners about what he did wrong, or a tip about what he could do to do it right the next time. It was frustrating to watch, but at the same time I felt bad for the newbie because you could tell he was embarrassed.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm really glad that a lot of people are generating interest in golf, but I would like to constitute one recommendation: If you are new to golf or if you have a buddy who would like to learn to play the game, take him to a golf range PRIOR to taking him out on the course.

How come? By not learning the game first at a driving range to begin with, it can really slow down the pace of play, and this will not be good for you or for those following behind you. By getting used to the game at a driving range, it can actually help you or your friend. You'll be more relaxed, and you will be able to see what your weaknesses are, so you will be able to work on them, and you will be able to do this at your own pace.

Most practice facilities at local golf courses, provide not only a driving range, but you can also practice putting and your chipping game. Some even have practice bunkers. Besides the cost of the driving range, these other conveniences are typically free! Acquaint yourself or your new golfer to these practice areas and you will enjoy the game more and you will see improvement. Then, go out onto the course. It can make an immense difference for all us all!