Golf Club Swingweight

One of the reasons for the confusion is that there are so many definitions of golf club swingweight out on the web.  Here are a few samples of what you might find:

"The weight and balance of a club."

"The degree to which the club balances toward the clubhead."

"The ratio of the weight of the head to the grip end of the club." 

The PGA defines it as "A measure of the effective weight of a club."

This is all a bit confusing and doesn't really define the term very well.  The best definition that I have found comes from Ralph Maltby:

"The measurement of a golf club's weight distribution (grip, shaft, & head) about a fulcrum point which is established at a specified distance from the grip end of the club."

Although this is a much longer, and more technical definition for golf club swingweight, it really is the best.  Lets break it down to understand it better.

"The measurement" is done on a special scale called a swingweight scale.  This type of scale will give a direct reading of values such as; C0, C1, ... C9, D0, D1,... D9.  

"Weight distribution" refers to how the weight of the assembled club is distributed along its length.  Every part of the club will affect the swingweight, including the grip, the tape that holds the grip onto the shaft, the clubhead, and even the epoxy that holds the clubhead onto the shaft. 

The "fulcrum point" on today's swingweight scales is 14 inches from the grip end of the club.  It has been at different places throughout the years, but 14 inches has become the standard.

Another aspect of golf club swingweight that can be a little confusing, is the fact that it really has nothing to do with the total weight of the club.  Don't get me wrong here, total weight is very important in clubfitting.  Total weight will affect your swing tempo which will affect your distance and accuracy.

Remember, swingweight is about weight distribution.  If I put a club on a swingweight scale and it measures D2, and then add 1/2 ounce of weight to the grip end, and 1/4 ounce of weight to the head, the club will still measure D2 on the swingweight scale, even though I have added 3/4 of and ounce to the total weight.

Fitting yourself for swingweight is all about how your club "feels" when you swing it.  Take your 5 iron and swing it a few times.  Now take a penny or a dime and tape it to the head.  This is a 1 point increase on the swingweight scale.  A quarter is a 3 point increase. 

Try choking down on the club a 1/2 inch.  This would be a 3 point decrease on the swingweight scale. 

Once you determine what feels the best, measure your club on a swingweight scale and make all of your clubs to this scale reading.

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