What’s wrong with gripping down, as compared with shortening the club shafts? I’ve always gripped down between 1.5 and 2 inches and my brother holds ALL of his clubs at the base of the grip, costing himself probably 4 inches or so (I’m 6’ and he’s 6’2” and gets the ball out there ok).

The reason I ask is that I understand that shorter shafts generally give better control, but why shorten the shafts when you can just grip down? Keeping the longer shafts then gives you the opportunity to grip “up” for a wide, down wind, fairway.

Does gripping down affect the wrist hinge or something?

I’ve only ever got my putter cut down because I don’t grip it at the top and it would sometimes come into contact with the crotch of my pants. So comfort may be one reason.

You may grip down to different levels, also as you go down the grip gets smaller so that may affect things, also gripping down a club will give a slightly different feel to a club that has been shortened.

With a longer club gripped down there is always the temptation to grip up a bit, which can lead to issues too. Or you may over time forget to grip down.

There is no right and wrong here though…personal preference and comfort.