Most golfers believe that strong players who generate lots of clubhead speed need extremely stiff shafts in their clubs. It?s even become something of a macho thing: players automatically go for stiffer shafts, not wanting to be caught dead with "sissy" regular shafts in their bags.

The truth is, the correct shaft flex for you depends as much on your style of swing as it does on your strength. For example, players with long, rhythmic swings (the swing of the late Payne Stewart is a good example) will benefit from a more flexible shaft than a player with a quicker, more compact swing (Arnold Palmer and Craig Stadler, for instance).

So don?t be ashamed to use a regular shaft, if it?s the right fit for you. Remember, one of the most macho long hitters of all time?John Daly?has said that he looks for the most flexible shaft he can control.