What is a yield in golf?

Definition

The amount of flex or bend that occurs in a golf shaft during the swing motion, affecting ball flight characteristics and feel. Shaft yield is measured in terms of flex ratings (extra stiff, stiff, regular, senior, ladies) and influences launch angle, spin rate, and overall shot dispersion. Players with faster swing speeds typically require lower yield (stiffer) shafts, while those with slower swing speeds benefit from higher yield (more flexible) shafts. Proper shaft yield matching is crucial for optimizing distance and accuracy, making it a key factor in professional club fitting sessions.