True Temper

The shaft of a golf club is the long, cylindrical piece - generally made of steel or graphite - which connects the golfer’s hands to the club head. more...

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While hundreds of different designs exist, the primary purpose of the golf shaft remains the same - to provide the player with a way to generate centrifugal force in order to effectively strike the golf ball.

Shaft Design

Golf shaft design has evolved considerably in the centuries since the game first emerged. Early golf clubs employed wooden shafts, most commonly made of hickory. While hickory shafts were resilient and stood up to the forces created by the golf swing, their considerable flexibility necessitated a style of swing which relied heavily on timing in order to produce consistent results.

As the game moved into the twentieth century, players began experimenting with steel shafts. By 1931, True Temper was manufacturing steel shafts that led usage in the marketplace and on the PGA Tour. The new steel shafts could be manufactured in varying degrees of stiffness, which allowed players to develop a more aggressive style of golf swing - as they no longer needed to “time” the kick of the flexible hickory shafts. Steel shafts remain a fixture in today’s game, and countless varieties now exist.

Graphite shafts began to emerge in the late twentieth century. These shafts are woven from carbon fiber and are generally lighter in weight than their steel counterparts. Graphite shafts became a popular choice among amateurs, because the lighter weight allowed the average golfer to generate increased club speed. The carbon fiber also served to dissipate some of the stinging vibrations that were caused by poorly struck shots.

While graphite shafts were gaining popularity with average golfers, professionals and skilled amateurs were initially skeptical of the new technology. Graphite shafts were at the time viewed as inconsistent when compared to steel. Advances in technology eventually changed this perception, and the graphite or “composite” golf shaft industry is employing the latest technology in designing and building shafts to suit the needs of any player. Companies like Fujikura, UST, Grafalloy, Mitsubishi, and Aldila are leading providers of composite shafts to both consumers and professionals around the world.

Shaft Characteristics

Material - Described above - generally steel or graphite/carbon fiber. More exotic materials have been offered with minimal success.; Flex - The measure of a shaft’s flexibility. This measure is relative and varies among manufacturers. Most commonly referred to in terms of regular, stiff, senior, or ladies.; Flex Point - The point over the length of the where it is designed to bend. Individual shaft models are designed to flex at different points. Generally, flex points nearer to the grip end of the club tend to produce lower launching, lower spinning shots. Flex points nearer to the club head tend to produce higher launching, higher spinning shots.; Length and Weight - These variables are used to tailor a golf club to a particular player. Shaft lengths can be altered to suit golfers of different heights. Golf shafts are manufactured in various weights to suit players of any skill or strength level.;

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