Junior Golfer Clubs

From a club building and fitting perspective, we consider the age of a junior golfer to be between 13-17. Generally at age 18, they reach full physical maturity – so a complete adult set is preferred at that time. For young kids – see “Clubs for Kids”.

The main difference between clubs for juniors and kids is shaft flex, club length and weight, as well as grip size. Juniors also tend to have a few more clubs in their set – numbering between 9-14.

Cutting down an adult shaft to fit a junior age child is not recommended as there are many characteristics that make this idea a poor fit. Even a senior or ladies flex shaft may become extra stiff if cut down in an attempt to make it fit for a junior golfer.

Teens tend to have slower swing speeds. So a shaft that is too stiff for their swing speed will reduce the distance a junior golfer can hit the ball. If this happens, the junior will experience much more frustration playing golf.

Junior sets should start fresh with new shafts trimmed to fit the age group. Hand-me-down adult club heads will work with new shafts and grips assembled specifically for the junior golfer.

The Differences Between Adult and Junior Clubs

Most adult golf clubs are made far too heavy for a junior. All the forgiveness built into the larger drivers and cavity-back irons will not help if your child can not properly swing. Junior golf clubs are built to be lighter based upon the golfer’s strength limitations.

Another facet of junior clubs is the grips. Teens have smaller hands. Hence, adult-sized grips can make it difficult for the junior golfer to properly grip and hold the golf clubs. If the grip is too large, your junior will experience twisting of the shaft causing unnecessary strain and difficulty. Consequently, sporadic accuracy that will occur.

Junior golf clubs are designed with thinner grips and lighter shafts for those grips. Shorter shafts with proper weighting and balance are a typical advantage in junior club sets.

NOTE: Custom Junior Clubs can be extended and retrofitted one or two times to fit teens as they physically grow.