Forgiving, Low-spin Driver?

[ChrisPietersen]

So I’ve been away from the course for quite a while now, playing maybe 5 rounds over the past 2 years.

Before this layoff, I was playing to an 11.9 and my bag setup was fitting of my game. I was always an average driver at best, but being a very high spin player I was playing a Titleist TS4 with a 72g X-stiff shaft.

In my recent outings, this setup is proving to be a bit too much for me. I’m a bit all over the face and have a big 2 way miss.

I’m thinking of changing to something a bit more forgiving, but don’t want to increase my already high spin numbers too much.

I am considering something like a Titleist TSR2 or Ping G410 Plus lofted down a bit. Also thinking of going down to a stiff shaft, but keeping it at a heavier weight or more stout profile. Thinking this might help me get back to my consistent pull-fade from the past. Any thought on whether this would work?

As a cheaper option, I could go a bit older and get a Ping G LST head and put it in an extra 60g X-stiff shaft I have lying around, cutting it down an inch to help get back some consistency first. Then I could look at getting a proper fitting done again after I have gotten my swing a bit more grooved in.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[iacas]

I'd recommend getting fit, but basically… a low spin driver is often some of the least forgiving. When you have lower spin, it's much easier to tilt the spin axis.

The CG is often closer to the face, too, making it even less forgiving.

[ChetlovesMer]

15 hours ago, ChrisPietersen said:

So I’ve been away from the course for quite a while now, playing maybe 5 rounds over the past 2 years.

Before this layoff, I was playing to an 11.9 and my bag setup was fitting of my game. I was always an average driver at best, but being a very high spin player I was playing a Titleist TS4 with a 72g X-stiff shaft.

In my recent outings, this setup is proving to be a bit too much for me. I’m a bit all over the face and have a big 2 way miss.

I’m thinking of changing to something a bit more forgiving, but don’t want to increase my already high spin numbers too much.

I am considering something like a Titleist TSR2 or Ping G410 Plus lofted down a bit. Also thinking of going down to a stiff shaft, but keeping it at a heavier weight or more stout profile. Thinking this might help me get back to my consistent pull-fade from the past. Any thought on whether this would work?

As a cheaper option, I could go a bit older and get a Ping G LST head and put it in an extra 60g X-stiff shaft I have lying around, cutting it down an inch to help get back some consistency first. Then I could look at getting a proper fitting done again after I have gotten my swing a bit more grooved in.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

There are several things to unpack here. 
First, start a MySwing Thread. It's always tough to help anyone out without seeing their swing. 

Second, if you have a "big 2 way miss" and your "all over the face". There isn't a driver that's going to fix that. ... If there was the USGA or the R&A would ban it. 

Third, The PING G LST is a great driver. ... just my opinion. But I think its a great driver. I'm not a fan of how it sounds, it's loud, but it performs great. 

Forth, I would never cut down a shaft without a fitting. Just choke down a bit. Lots of folks, even some tour pros choke down a bit on the grip. 

Fifth, why do you want to hit a pull fade? 

Sixth, do you have a swing coach? I'm a firm believer in getting coaching as regularly as you can. 

Seventh, I think waiting on a fitting until you feel you've achieved some consistency is a good idea. Again, on this note, work with your swing coach. He or she can help tell you when your ready to get fit for a new driver. 

Finally, I think chasing better drives by constantly changing drivers is folly. Drivers are so good now a days, if yours is less than 5 years old it's probably fine. Having said that, if you like shiny things ... and I do... then go for it. Tinkering with your equipment can be fun. I know I like to make some changes in what's in the bag now a again. 

Let us know how you get on. 

[NZ Golfer]

On 1/12/2025 at 11:34 PM, ChrisPietersen said:

So I’ve been away from the course for quite a while now, playing maybe 5 rounds over the past 2 years.

Before this layoff, I was playing to an 11.9 and my bag setup was fitting of my game. I was always an average driver at best, but being a very high spin player I was playing a Titleist TS4 with a 72g X-stiff shaft.

In my recent outings, this setup is proving to be a bit too much for me. I’m a bit all over the face and have a big 2 way miss.

I’m thinking of changing to something a bit more forgiving, but don’t want to increase my already high spin numbers too much.

I am considering something like a Titleist TSR2 or Ping G410 Plus lofted down a bit. Also thinking of going down to a stiff shaft, but keeping it at a heavier weight or more stout profile. Thinking this might help me get back to my consistent pull-fade from the past. Any thought on whether this would work?

As a cheaper option, I could go a bit older and get a Ping G LST head and put it in an extra 60g X-stiff shaft I have lying around, cutting it down an inch to help get back some consistency first. Then I could look at getting a proper fitting done again after I have gotten my swing a bit more grooved in.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

I wouldn't change anything unless you believe your body / flex has changed ... I recommend going to the gym which has helped my game greatly stopping the back muscle issues I was getting with my office job etc ...

And just play more golf and practice more before making drastic driver changes ... maybe play your 3w in the meantime till skills improve

Coaching yes ...If your a cheap-ass like me maybe at your local GC you have a scratch golfer you can catch up with a shout a few drinks to help you with your game its usually just a few of the basics to get you back to your HC ...We know  it's not an easy game ... confidence is important .. and this can only develop with time and work which develops confidence in your game .. we all go through cycles from poor for me 10+ HC to great 6 HC... 

Once your back to your previous game try out some new drivers ... I tried Smoke triple dia Callaway today ...still rather my EPIC FLASH