If you believe that tall golfers have an advantage over shorter players, then think again.
While it holds true that 6ft tall golfers such as Lexi Thompson and Anna Nordqvist can capitalise on their inherent advantage of longer limbs to create a larger swing arc for greater distance off the tee, shorter golfers have their own set of advantages.
Golfers with a shorter stature benefit from a lower centre of gravity and this enhances better balance and stability, which is particularly advantageous in windy conditions.
The average height of players on the LPGA Tour is 5' 6"/1.67m, but you only need to take a look at the world's top 3 female players on the Rolex World Rankings to see that when it comes to golf, for the most part, height is irrelevant.
Topping the ranking list is America’s Lilia Vu, a four-time 2023 title winner, including two Majors, who stands at 5’ 4”/1.63m. Ruoning Yin from China cuts an extremely petite figure at only 5' 2"/1.57m, and she's followed by Frenchwoman Celine Boutier who matches Vu in height.
Akaya Furue from Japan is the shortest player on the LPGA Tour
Only a few players were undefeated at the 2023 Solheim Cup in Finca Cortestin in Spain, and one of those was Megan Khang. The American, who is the first LPGA Tour player of Hmong and Laotian descent, is just 5’ 1”/1.55m.
Yet these are not the shortest players to compete on the LPGA Tour. Amelia Rorer, who debuted in 1975 holds the record for the shortest ever at 4’ 11.5’ tall. Alison Nicholas, winner of the 1997 Women’s USA Open and two-time Solheim Cup Captain is just 5’ 0”/153m, which matches the same height as the shortest player currently competing on the LPGA Tour, four-time winner Akaya Furue from Japan.
Shortest Players On The LPGA Tour
- Akaya Furue - 5’ 0”/153m
- Meghan Kang - 5’ 1”/1.55m
- Moriya Jutanugarn - 5’ 1”/1.55m
- Ruoning Yin - 5' 2"/1.57m
- Cristie Kerr - 5' 3"/1.60m
- In-Kyung Kim - 5' 3"/1.60m
- Atthaya Thitikul - 5' 3.5"/162m
- Lilia Vu - 5’ 4”/1.63m
- Celine Boutier - 5’ 4”/1.63m
- Jenny Shin - 5’ 4”/1.63m
- Sei Young Kim - 5’ 4”/1.63m
- Lizette Salas - 5’ 4”/1.63
-
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Leaderboard And Live Updates - Taylor Pendrith Leads By One As He Searches For His First PGA Tour TitleThe Canadian leads going into Sunday, as an interesting final day is in store at TPC Craig Ranch
-
Major Winner Receives Fourth Invitation To PGA Tour Signature EventsWebb Simpson is set for another Signature Event appearance, despite the American currently sat 143rd in the FedEx Cup standings
-
Should Dogs Be Allowed On Golf Courses? It's A Debate That Divides Opinion...We consider the golf-dog-friendly debate, and 5 tips to ensure you and your dog have a relaxing round
-
'A Total Train-Wreck Of Emotions – Why Are Women More Prone To First-Tee Nerves Than Men?'We offer an insight into how women process first-tee nerves and why we may be more prone to them than our male counterparts!
-
'I Was Criticised, Bullied On Social Media And Forced To Retire As Lady Captain'Female golfers share the things they love and loathe about golf club culture
-
Do Par 4s Have To Be A Minimum Or Maximum Length?Can a par 4 be 200 yards or 550 yards if so desired? Are there actually any rules that say how long or short 'two-shotters' have to be?
-
'You Know You’ve Still Got To Go Through Hell To Get There, But If You Can Get It At Stage 2 or 3'... Hall Of Famer Juli Inkster On New Cancer ScreeningAre we entering a new worldwide era for cancer screening?
-
'There Is A Surprisingly High Proportion Of Players Who Simply Don’t Have A Clue' – The Five Rules I See Most People Struggle WithThe Rules of Golf can be complex and here is an explanation to some of those that people encounter most and often get wrong
-
Is Women's Golf Paying The Price Of A Jam-Packed Tournament Schedule?Yet again women's golf is playing second fiddle when the first Major of the year, The Chevron Championship, has to compete against a signature PGA Tour event
-
‘I Want To Show My Physique Off, How Strong I Am As Well And That I Can Be Glamorous’ - Charley Hull On Fashion, ADHD Diagnosis And The Match Everyone Wants To SeeOne of the world's best female golfers, Charley Hull, tells her story in the latest episode of Sky Sports Editions
