Brian : I am hitting my irons well but don't have the same consistancy with the driver. I am much more erratic with the big stick and the swing feels different compared to the irons. Do you have any tips to help driving more consistant ? I was thinking of training myself to hit drivers different distances like I did with my irons to smooth things out. Thanks.
Cures for erratic driving ?
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EdStraker: I know that faults are magnified with the driver. The long irons and fairway woods are fine. what is strange is that you normally see a progression in a fault as you go through the bag to the longer clubs . This is not the case with me I am only seeing it in the driver and I play a 12* 2 wood. as my FW. I am not seeing nasty hooks ,pulls or slices with them at all. With the driver I am getting blocks and pulls as well as straight ones.
Perhaps it's an equipment problem? How long is the driver? Shaft flex compared to swing speed? Does your natural ball flight match the weighting of head?
Not that it's going to be the only fix, but I know way too many folks swinging the wrong driver...usually too long with wrong flex shaft. WRT to length...44.0-44.5" shafts can make a significant difference in control compared to stock 45 - 45.5" with very little (if any) loss in distance. Almost all the pros swing 44.5" or less. I play irons +0.5" over standard, but play a 44.25" driver standing @ 6'4 (38 inch wrist crest to ground). A stiffer tip section, shorter length may help you out.
I understand this is a "swing" fix forum, but properly fit equipment can also be a major benefit.
Not that it's going to be the only fix, but I know way too many folks swinging the wrong driver...usually too long with wrong flex shaft. WRT to length...44.0-44.5" shafts can make a significant difference in control compared to stock 45 - 45.5" with very little (if any) loss in distance. Almost all the pros swing 44.5" or less. I play irons +0.5" over standard, but play a 44.25" driver standing @ 6'4 (38 inch wrist crest to ground). A stiffer tip section, shorter length may help you out.
I understand this is a "swing" fix forum, but properly fit equipment can also be a major benefit.
Syprik: Driver is a 9.5 * R510 TP with Fujikura Tour Spec SPD 660 TR in stiff Swing weight D2 length 44 3/4". Irons are Snake Eyes Smith and Wesson blades with Project X 5.5s Swing Weight D6 1/4" longer than standard . I understand Project X 5.5s play to a rifle 6 in stiffness. My swing speed averages out at 109 MPH but I can get it up tp 112 this is on an upward curve due to Brian. Does this info show anything up IYHO? Thanks.
Brian Manzella
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Wish I could post a longer answer but....
Practice hitting the driver off of the ground or a very low tee.
You CAN'T come from 'below the plane' and not drop kick it.
Then, after making some good contact with the low 'lie', transfer THAT feel to you 'high tee' swing.
Practice hitting the driver off of the ground or a very low tee.
You CAN'T come from 'below the plane' and not drop kick it.
Then, after making some good contact with the low 'lie', transfer THAT feel to you 'high tee' swing.
Hue.
Driver spec seems fine (great driver combo btw...I play same club head but with 757X tipped 1/2" to play 44.5"). SS is 120. Two things to look into (in order of importance):
1. Swing path...swing path...swing path. Get video analysis to see if you are too "in to out." I suspect this may be your problem given the description of ball flights. If you are on spot, however, then...
2. Consider tipping the shaft 1/2-3/4". You are nearing the X flex realm in the 660TR (tour spec) with your SS (110mph). But don't be swayed by the "macho syndrome"...always best to play a shaft slightly soft than too stiff. Considering the hosel depth is rather shallow in TM drivers, it's common practice to tip a bit to get shafts to play to flex (unlike a full bore through, ex titleist head). Even if your swing path turns out to be the culprit, you may want to consider tipping anyways and then adding a butt extension to attain your preferred length (butt extension will do nothing to feel/performance of club if you are wondering).
Driver spec seems fine (great driver combo btw...I play same club head but with 757X tipped 1/2" to play 44.5"). SS is 120. Two things to look into (in order of importance):
1. Swing path...swing path...swing path. Get video analysis to see if you are too "in to out." I suspect this may be your problem given the description of ball flights. If you are on spot, however, then...
2. Consider tipping the shaft 1/2-3/4". You are nearing the X flex realm in the 660TR (tour spec) with your SS (110mph). But don't be swayed by the "macho syndrome"...always best to play a shaft slightly soft than too stiff. Considering the hosel depth is rather shallow in TM drivers, it's common practice to tip a bit to get shafts to play to flex (unlike a full bore through, ex titleist head). Even if your swing path turns out to be the culprit, you may want to consider tipping anyways and then adding a butt extension to attain your preferred length (butt extension will do nothing to feel/performance of club if you are wondering).
Syprik: Thanks. I am making a couple of changes at the moment getting my backstroke more upright so when the stroke pattern settles I will focus on my swing path more. I tend to swing too far right "in to out". One thing I have found is that as my swing speed has increased the shafts seem to feel softer than they used to. I have just instaled the Project X shafts after playing DG S300 Sensicore and am just getting used to the shaft. They give a different ball flight and seem to be half a club longer and have a different feel. I tend to like the feel of a softer flex over too stiff. I am going to give Brians advice a go.
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