Which is more important, the Clubhead or the Shaft?

Which is more important, the clubhead or the shaft?
by: Mike Tait
President & Clubmaker of SMT GOLF

We might as well start talking about the chicken or the egg or creation vs. evolution. But I would like to share my thoughts on the matter, and of course they are only my thoughts and opinions, and as you are trapped into reading this, at least I can wax eloquent without fear of immediate rebuttal.

Again, the following comments are my own, derived from 30 years as a PGA Professional, and knowing what I know about the field of golf club design, manufacture and teaching theories. While I am certain to have many that disagree with me, my goal is to simply give an educated opinion to those that are searching for a theory to grab hold of and to begin formulating their own thoughts. If this helps some folks, then I will consider it a huge success.

Among the three most ridiculous things I have heard in this great game of golf are


1. Keep your head down.

2. Keep your left arm straight.

3. The shaft is the engine of the golf club!

All three comments are worthless and one is simply just plain, mathematically incorrect. Care to guess which one?

The golf shaft simply cannot or DOES NOT generate its own power. So the "engine" comment is completely without merit! At best, to stay with the automotive metaphors, the shaft can, and I believe is, the "transmission" of the golf club. Its sole purpose is to transmit or deliver the power that we have generated, through the golf club head to the golf ball.

Taking it one step further….the shaft is absolutely NOT the most important part of the golf club either!

If we were to really believe that comment, could it be said by the same believers in that statement that "the shoes are the most important part of the tuxedo"? Or how about, "The carrots are the most important part of the chicken soup"? How about "The white keys are more important than the black keys on the piano"?

I ask you this, "shaft is the most important" believers.

How can a golf shaft that weighs roughly 70 grams on average, have so much influence on spin profile, launch characteristics, trajectory , etc. etc. etc. when the clubhead weighs in at roughly 200 grams?

It is really like trying to make the argument that "the tail wags the dog".

As there are really only three pieces to any golf club, and all three perform their own important function and each need to work with each other and the individual player to create the best chance for success. A competent clubmaker, clubfitter or golf professional will be able to make sure that, "your shoes do in fact, match your belt".

Because being wrong on either of them will make you look bad, if you know what I mean.