What golfer doesn't desire to hit longer and more consistent drives? In this article I will discuss four elements that are important when you are in the market for a new driver.
The first step to maximizing
distance with your new driver is to get fitted rather than selecting a brand or
model off the rack. This way the custom specifications of your new driver will
be matched to your size, strength, athletic ability and individual swing
characteristics. The tour pros spend a great deal of time with the equipment
companies trying to get the right combination of launch angle, spin and ball
speed to drive the ball longer. Amateurs are losing distance and consistency by
not taking advantage of the same opportunity. Here are the factors to consider
in finding the right driver.
Driver Length
Hitting the ball in the center of
the clubface is crucial to increasing your distance. All drivers sold off the
rack today are between 45.5 and 46 inches in length. This is too long for the
average golfer preventing most from reaching their distance potential. Most any
player will increase their distance and consistency using a driver no longer
than 44 inches. Keep in mind the average driver length on the PGA Tour since
2005 is 44.5 inches.
Driver Loft
The proper launch angle and spin
rate is what you are striving for. The lower your clubhead speed, the higher
you need to launch the ball with more spin. The higher your clubhead speed the
lower you want to launch the ball with less spin. Players should be analyzed
with a launch monitor to determine what loft provides their optimum launch
angle and spin rate.
Shaft
Weight, overall flex and bend
profile are factors to be considered in finding the correct shaft for your
driver. The stronger the player the firmer and heavier a shaft profile is
needed with a firmer tip which helps lower the launch angle. A weaker player
should look at a lighter, more flexible shaft with a softer tip. This helps
kick the head upward adding loft for a higher trajectory.
Total Weight and Swing Weight
A
physically stronger golfer with a more aggressive swing should be using a
driver with a heavier total weight and swing weight. The opposite is true for a
weaker golfer.
All
four elements are important in the fitting process and can make a dramatic
difference in your distance and consistency. My advice is to seek out an
experienced, professional clubfitter with the right fitting equipment at their
facility.
Steve Kirkpatrick is the owner of Golf Rx in Mt.
Juliet, Tn. He has been a PGA Professional since 1987 and was chosen as a
Certified Golf Digest Clubfitter in 2017.
