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Driver Distance - Hitting up on the Ball vs. Hitting a Draw

post #1 of 4
8/6/12 at 10:27am
Thread Starter 

Seeking opinions: To improve my Driving Distance, should I work on hitting Up&Out on the  Driver or work on developing a reliable Draw?  I have been contemplating working on developing a  reliable 10 yard draw as my stock  tee shot.  At this time I usually just play a straight ball and if it pulls( most common)/pushes/draws of fades, I'm usually still ok as I am a pretty straight hitter.

Been doing some reading (e.g - Andrew Rice site  "Getting the most out of your driver", etc) about benefits of hitting up & out (5 degrees up /5 degrees out is optimum)on the Driver and I also saw that iacas(Erik B.)  has posted that he is now teaching students to hit up on their drivers (Fade shape) to help them improve their  driving distance.  Not sure why(scientifically speaking), but I'm certain a draw for me at this time goes farther the a fade. (I'm in TX so roll is a factor).  FYI:  Last time I was on a lunch monitor, by club head speed was ~95mph, BallSpeed 134, angle of attack -1.8.  Launch 12.5, Spin 3447 club path: -5.5 (Outside in).  Input would be appreciated.

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post #2 of 4
8/6/12 at 11:11am

The "draw" part won't help you get more distance.

 

Hitting up is going to increase your driving distance, but since you're already hitting -5.5 you're in jeopardy of hitting even more across the ball.

 

I'd work on getting your swing path more neutral before you worry about hitting up more. Trying to do it in the reverse order could have you hitting big pulls and slices.

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post #3 of 4
8/6/12 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you for the input Erik...Yes, the outside-in path is a big problem; definitely need to work that out.    I always enjoy reading all your posts/articles, etc. and really respect the way you present your information and opinions - well thought out, and great explanations that the common player can understand.

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post #4 of 4
8/6/12 at 1:06pm
Think I have been working on the same thing.....

Recently been reading impact zone for the first time and it is quite convincing in terms of NOT hitting up on the ball with the driver - and I think Byron Nelson advised this.

I do think with modern equipment that a high gentle fade goes further - eg JB Holmes. Even Quiros is not routinely drawing the ball

At my club we used to have a few "sneaky long" drivers with a draw maybe 5 years ago, but they all seem to hit high straight or a fade now.

Also don't ignore the gear effect from hitting on the upper third rather than middle of the club, seems to help distance.
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