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Tall Golfers, We Have Some Tips ‘Fore’ You

As a golfer over 5’11”, you have a few benefits working in your favor.

With a naturally larger swing arc, it’s easier for you to get more distance and power. Being able to hit the ball further with less effort is an awesome asset…but it also means you need to be accurate. There’s no shortage of examples to look toward for inspiration: Tiger Woods is 6’0″, Jon Rahm is 6’2″ and Dustin Johnson is 6’4″!

CA’s head golf pro and director of player development, Joan Lovelace, is here to share her top tips to help you play to your advantage.

Custom clubs + upright lie angle

First things first: If you’re tall, it’s super important to get fitted for longer golf clubs.

“If you’re trying to hit a club that’s too short, you’ll be crouched in your swing,” says Lovelace. “This will affect your turn and the centeredness of your hit.”

Another factor that affects hitting a straight shot is your lie angle. This is the measure of the angle formed between the shaft of the club and the ground when the club head is in a normal playing position. Your lie angle affects the direction of your shots — even on an amazing swing, the wrong lie angle will send your ball to the right or left. 

Tall players will benefit from a more upright lie angle. If your club is too flat, the ball will pull to the left (known as a hook). So you’ll want to check that the angle between the shaft and the ground is larger than it should be, making the club shaft more upright compared to the ground.

Try for a fluid, smooth swing

Again, because your arms are longer, your swing arc is bigger and you’ll create more centrifugal force. The good news is that your club will go faster — the bad news is that there’s a greater margin for error.

To improve control, try to find a slower, smoother tempo. Ernie Els is famous for perfecting this long, fluid swing, which is why he’s called “Big Easy” and has 72 professional victories under his belt at 6’3″! Practice hitting the ball at about 75% of your capacity, and note the effect on your accuracy.

Focus on balance

When it comes to balance, tall golfers are at a bit of a disadvantage. A shorter player has a lower center of gravity, which is extra helpful for playing on windy days (For tips on how to play your best in the wind, check out our blog post).

Taller players, you’ll benefit from taking your time and swinging from a strong, stable foundation. Make sure your stance is evenly balanced, with your feet no wider than your shoulders. Poor posture also sabotages your balance, so keep your shoulders upright and be careful not to slouch.

Improve your game with CA

At the end of the day, height isn’t everything in golf. Whether you’re on the taller or shorter side, it’s all about making the most of what you’ve got.