Having trouble with Drivers/Woods

[drs6222]

Been hitting my irons really well as of late. Having the ball near the middle of my stance and coming down on the ball feels really natural.

Than, I put the ball on the inside of my left foot and my drive/wood swing just feels completely wrong. When I hit the ball, it sounds decent, but at about 50 yds just dies, like there is an incredible amount of topspin and just drops like a curveball, comparable to a 12-6 curveball in major league baseball.

I have tried to open the face up, it doesnt seem to work.

Any help would be appreciated, I know it might seem hard without picture/video analysis....

Thanks!

[Joetruth]

Do your swing in slow motion to see where the lowest part of your drive is, sounds like the lowest part of the swing is too far behind the ball so when the club contacts the ball it is putting topspin like you said. Tee the ball low just in front of center (this should be the lowest part of the swing), swing easy until you make good solid contact, then tee it a little higher as you move the ball forward until you have the contact and ball flight you desire. Hope this helps.

[Garthmo]

Do your swing in slow motion to see where the lowest part of your drive is, sounds like the lowest part of the swing is too far behind the ball so when the club contacts the ball it is putting topspin like you said. Tee the ball low just in front of center (this should be the lowest part of the swing), swing easy until you make good solid contact, then tee it a little higher as you move the ball forward until you have the contact and ball flight you desire. Hope this helps.

+1 That's what i would think

[drs6222]

Thanks, will try, once it stops raining around here.

So tee the ball low, near the center of my stance for a start....?

Also, the correct ball height should be 1/2 a ball length above the top of the driver?

[Joetruth]

Yes, a little in front of stance, ball height to center of driver to start. As if you were hitting a 3 wood off tee.

A practice swing should tell you where your low point is, where you sweep the grass. the ball should be about 1 inches in front of that to start.

Do easy (60%) swing speeds or less. You should be making solid contact with a low ball flight. When this is accomplished, then adjustments can be made to tee height and how far forward. To far forward and you will top the ball like before. To high tee you will pop ball up. Find the combo for your swing and stick with it.

As far as ball 1/2 ball above driver head, that is personal choice. I like mine a little lower, to hit a lower shot, with less launch angle. I have a 10.5 driver.

[drs6222]

Thanks, but just to clarify, start with the ball center height in front of my left foot?

I will see where the driver scuffs the grass.....

My swing for driver/wood has really been affected by the spring of softball and no golf :(

[drs6222]

Thanks everyone for their advice. I was able to start relaxing, swinging easy and making contact. I still wasn't hitting the ball cleanly.

Luckily my Dad came into town and he helped instantly. Something was wacky with my right elbow, and he said to almost exaggerate digging it into my side and trying. Hit my best shot yet with my Callaway Squarewood.

Can't wait to play this weekend

[itzzzberny]

Sweep with your driver/woods (even high irons)...
Hit down with your irons...