When golf enthusiasts talk about equipment performance, they often discuss loft, flex, materials, and clubhead design, but one factor that receives less attention is torque. Torque in a golf shaft may sound technical, but understanding it can help golfers improve feel, stability, and shot consistency.
Torque is a measure of how much a golf shaft twists along its length when subjected to forces during the swing. As the club moves through your swing, especially during transition and at impact — the forces generated cause the shaft to twist around its axis. The ability of the shaft to resist this twist, or not, is what we refer to as torque.
What Torque Actually Measures
Torque is expressed in degrees, for example, a shaft might have a torque rating of 2.5° to 5.0°. This range describes how many degrees the shaft will twist under a standardized force. Lower torque values mean the shaft resists twisting more, while higher torque values mean it twists more easily.
It’s important to note that torque is measured independently from flex, although the two are related. Flex describes how much a shaft bends, while torque describes how much it twists. Both influence the club’s performance, but they affect different aspects of the swing and feel.
How Torque Affects Your Swing and Feel
A shaft with low torque will twist less during the swing, making the clubhead feel more stable. This stability is especially useful for golfers with higher swing speeds or aggressive tempos, as it helps minimize unwanted shaft rotation and provides a more consistent impact experience.
Conversely, a shaft with higher torque twists more easily. This can create a softer feel, which many golfers enjoy, especially those with slower or smoother swing speeds. While this can provide a more responsive sensation, it may result in slightly less stability at impact compared to low torque options.
Torque and Shot Control
One reason torque matters is because it can influence how the clubhead behaves near impact. When the shaft twists, it can slightly affect the orientation of the clubface, potentially affecting shot direction. A shaft with lower torque is often associated with more stable, predictable ball flight, whereas a higher torque shaft may introduce small variations in shot direction if not matched with the golfer’s swing style.
However, it’s important to understand that torque alone doesn’t determine accuracy, clubhead speed, swing path, timing, and impact location are primary factors. Torque contributes to how the club “feels” and how much rotational movement occurs before impact, which in turn can support better swing confidence and timing when matched properly.
Torque and Golf Shaft Materials
Both graphite (carbon fiber) and steel shafts experience torque, but the range of torque values tends to be wider for graphite shafts because of how they are manufactured. Graphite shafts often show torque ratings from about 3° up to 8°, based on fiber layout and construction. In contrast, steel shafts typically exhibit a narrower torque range (often around 2° to 4°) because the material is more uniform.
This is one reason why torque becomes a more noticeable factor when selecting graphite shafts, especially in drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. Modern graphite construction techniques, such as layering fibers in specific orientations, help manufacturers control both torque and flex to achieve desired performance traits.
Who Should Care About Shaft Torque?
For many casual golfers, shaft torque may not be a key factor, because stock clubs are often designed with torque ratings that are broadly acceptable for a wide range of players. But for golfers seeking optimized performance, understanding torque helps refine shaft selection.
Golfers with fast swing speeds or aggressive tempos often benefit from lower torque shafts because they provide greater stability and resistance to twisting. Meanwhile, golfers with smooth, moderate swings may prefer higher torque shafts that offer a softer, more responsive feel while still delivering good performance.
Torque Is One Piece of the Puzzle
It’s important to recognize that torque doesn’t work in isolation. For the best results, torque should be considered alongside other shaft characteristics, such as flex, weight, and kick point. A shaft’s flex affects how it loads and unloads during the swing, influencing launch and distance, while torque influences how the club feels and how stable it is during rotation.
A comprehensive club fitting can bring these elements together, helping you match a shaft’s torque with your swing characteristics and performance goals. Working with a fitting professional allows you to test different shafts in real time and see how torque complements other specifications to enhance your overall performance.
Final Thoughts
Torque is a critical aspect of golf shaft performance that measures how much a shaft twists during the swing. While it doesn’t solely determine shot outcomes, it plays a significant role in how a golf club feels and behaves during the swing. Understanding torque, alongside flex, weight, and materials, empowers golfers to make smarter equipment choices that can lead to better stability, more confidence, and improved consistency on the golf course