Best Length for a Driver?

How long should your driver be to get maximum distance from your swing? The answer is: the length that you can control to get consistent impact in the center of the clubface with full swing speed on a repeatable swing plane that will yield accurate ball placement. 

A longer shaft will yield a larger swing arc and will produce a higher clubhead speed and yield faster ball speed. However, greater force will be required to swing a longer club and that makes it more difficult to achieve those higher speeds and still maintain center-face ball contact. Translation: your swing mechanics may change when swinging a longer driver than you can comfortably control.

When the shaft is just long enough to allow a golfer to swing with maximum power and remain on the optimum swing plane for his swing mechanics, the golfer will have the optimum club length shaft for his swing. 

A longer club will force the golfer to swing around his body instead of on the optimum swing plane. It will rob the golfer of the ability to maintain a stable position during the swing and will often result in an outside to inside swing path (over-the-top swing fault).

The correct club length is difficult to determine without launch monitor testing and swing analysis because there is no universal magic length for all golfers. Some golfers can achieve a stable efficient swing position with a 46-inch driver, others will need a 43-inch driver. Individual testing is required, and working with an experienced clubfitter with the right tools will offer the best chance of success. Golfers generally do not do an effective job of fitting themselves when it comes to driver length.

Long drive professionals are typically strong enough physically to swing around their body and still get full power. They can handle a longer shaft. Most amateurs lack that strength. That is why club fitting with different shaft lengths, total weight, swingweight, and clubhead designs is needed to get it right for just about everyone.