So, I get the physics of a longer shaft = increased clubhead speed.
I also get that it's easier to hit a shorter driver (at least for me) consistently.
I was at PGATSS and noticed the HL4 offset driver and fairway woods. They reminded me of a club I made through Golfsmith 20+ years ago that I remember hitting well, so I hit them on the launch monitor with good success.
Anyhow, I wanted to try a shorter driver, so I ordered one with the shaft I wanted 1" shorter.
It's very noticable that the club is shorter, and it's easier to hit in the center of the face for me (as expected). It also doesn't allow my miss to be a big banana-ball slice, even with a 3-piece urathane ball. I'm hitting it more per round than I ever have, and in yesterday's round they were all in- play, usually first cut if not in the fairway.
Here's the odd thing:. I'm hitting it longer. Much longer. And longer than my past good, straight drives, not just the bananas.
Is it simply a function of hitting the sweet spot (or closer to it) more? It seems counter-intuitive that is gain distance.
Heck, I was willing and expecting go give up a few yards to be in play. I'm not complaining, but man, being in play sure makes a difference, especially when it's 30+ yards further than "in play" with a hybrid or iron off the tee like I had been doing a lot.
Oh, one other observation from my last few rounds playing driver again: IMO, driving is more important than putting for anyone who's used to a lot of OB penalties trying to get off the tee.
I missed some short putts yesterday, and generally had a bland putting day, but my best driving day ever.
It was also my best score ever.
I also get that it's easier to hit a shorter driver (at least for me) consistently.
I was at PGATSS and noticed the HL4 offset driver and fairway woods. They reminded me of a club I made through Golfsmith 20+ years ago that I remember hitting well, so I hit them on the launch monitor with good success.
Anyhow, I wanted to try a shorter driver, so I ordered one with the shaft I wanted 1" shorter.
It's very noticable that the club is shorter, and it's easier to hit in the center of the face for me (as expected). It also doesn't allow my miss to be a big banana-ball slice, even with a 3-piece urathane ball. I'm hitting it more per round than I ever have, and in yesterday's round they were all in- play, usually first cut if not in the fairway.
Here's the odd thing:. I'm hitting it longer. Much longer. And longer than my past good, straight drives, not just the bananas.
Is it simply a function of hitting the sweet spot (or closer to it) more? It seems counter-intuitive that is gain distance.
Heck, I was willing and expecting go give up a few yards to be in play. I'm not complaining, but man, being in play sure makes a difference, especially when it's 30+ yards further than "in play" with a hybrid or iron off the tee like I had been doing a lot.
Oh, one other observation from my last few rounds playing driver again: IMO, driving is more important than putting for anyone who's used to a lot of OB penalties trying to get off the tee.
I missed some short putts yesterday, and generally had a bland putting day, but my best driving day ever.
It was also my best score ever.
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