Driver questions (looking for opinions other than the salesperson's)

[Jack Lee]

Gang,

I am starting 2010 off with new clubs in most of my bag. Other than the fact that I know that I am going to through my game for a loop while I adjust, I am looking for some thoughts here.

I got fitted for irons and ended up with the Taylormade TP (last model, not the R9). Now I am looking at the driver. I am currently hitting a Taylormade 300ti in 9.5 with a stiff shaft. It is working well for me, but I am looking for something that is a bit open as I have a draw to a hook. I don't want to spend a fortune, so the 400-500 dollar drivers are out. The shop I am dealing with pointed me at Tour Edge and has loaned me a demo to try out with tomorrow's round. (I will let you all know how it plays for me.)

The actual question (finally) is what have folks with draw to hook tendencies found to work well for a driver? I am also considering the G15 from Ping and the Adams Speedline (last model, not the current). I have looked at the Burner 07 TP that I found used.

Help!

Thanks!
Jack Lee

[Jack Lee]

ummmmm, Throw my game for a loop, not through.

Sorry.

[DaSportsGuy]

I'm not sure equipment really matters for a 36 handicap.

Anyway...I'm a slicer and tested the Ping G10 at a local range and it really straightened out my drives. Not particularly sure what they changed from the G10 to G15 or if it will have the same effect on someone who hooks the ball but I'd give it a shot. I think I'm going to get the G10 this Spring.

[Jay-Bird]

It's not the driver that makes you draw+hook. Without seeing your swing, I'd venture that - if you concentrate on keeping your left elbow in tight/in close to your body at impact - you could play the draw perfectly & not pull-hook.

It works for me.

Disclaimer:
I also use a driver with insanely high MOI.

[Meddle]

Burner '07 TP is excellent, and you can get a heck of a deal on it right now.

[Big_M]

I struggled with a hard draw, but through work I have helped correct it and learned to hit a little fade consistenly... the open face on my driver in my sig probably helped the process, as would anything with a neutral or open face.

[user9800]

When I was on the quest for my driver, I tried a draw driver to help with my slice. After testing it out on the range and thinking about it later. I chose to get a regular driver. I didn't want the club making up for my swing flaws. I am glad I went that route. I play with fitted clubs and have been lowering my handicap slowly. I have good equipment. That way I know it's the Indian and NOT the arrow ;) no excuses lol

[bogeymachine]

Hey im new to the site,didnt allow me to post so my question is along the same lines i guess. What is a good forgiving driver for a novice? Any help is appreciated.
thanks

[patriot07]

DaSportsGuy is right, driver specs don't matter much for a 36 handicap. You don't have a consistent enough swing for a particular set of specs to make a noticeable difference. Find any high MOI driver that you're comfortable with and go with it. The Burner 07 TP and Adams Speedline are both very, very good drivers and either will be fine. No experience with Tour Edge. If you're really looking to go affordable, almost any used Adams driver can be had for less than $100 and they're all very good. The redline series is very hot and pretty forgiving.

[andef]

the ping g15 has some heel weighting/closed face to help golfers who slice the ball hit it straighter. Not sure that would help you if you hook the ball already. I think the I15 is more of what you're looking for, not sure about its cost though

[WUTiger]

Gang,

As

Jaybird and DaSportsGuy said, work on your swing first. If you play with a 36 HDCP, your swing probably could use some more shaping. A good lesson is a whole lot less money than a $400 driver.

[normdamarine]

Well, I will just answer your question and not correct your spelling or tell you to take lessons... A good cheap club for around $150 is a Cleveland XLS Tour, the club is 2*'s Open so it will help you fight the hook. Another good club is the FT-9 Tour 1* Open but will cost a little more... Good luck...

[jpalermo]

If you cant beat it, play it..... I battled a bad slice for years, got an offset king cobra and it sorta fixed it.... I went back to a non-offset driver and the slice was worse than before. Moral of the story, learn how to control your hook then worry about a driver.

[jpalermo]

I forgot to put in there that I battled the slice and won, hit it reasonably straight with a slight draw because I fought the war, didnt patch it with a club...... The edit post button doesnt work?

[Danattherock]

It is working well for me, but I am looking for something that is a bit open as I have a draw to a hook. I don't want to spend a fortune, so the 400-500 dollar drivers are out.

Jack, I was a hooker of the ball till about a month back when I got the Callaway FT-9 Tour driver from Callaway Preowned. Paid $240 for it in "like new" condition which is brand new on that site. I have ordered there 7 times and "like new" is brand new. It was a Thanksgiving weekend sale, but the club is normally about $300-315 at the site. Fantastic driver and this is great for hookers being one degree open. Check out the website. Below is a post I put up back when I bought the driver. Pics are included of how I got the club from Callaway Preowned. Think shrinkwrap:) http://thesandtrap.com/forum/threads...perfect+driver

[Titleist Man]

ok to the OP im guessing that ur ballstriking is better tan ur handicap shows if you got fitted for the tp irons. I also have/had a bad hooking problem and the best club for it IMHO is this http://www.golfballs.com/PC2879-NR85...nd__ClubDriver

[ks8829]

I would consider the Nike Dymo Str8 Driver for about $100 on Ebay brand new. The wrench allows you to remove the head and make 8 different adjustments.

I am considering buying one myself. I can relate with you since, I am a hooker also with most of my clubs. What helps my swing from drawing or hooking too much is a number of things that might help you also:

1) make sure that my grip is neutral
2) check the distance your hands are from my body at address, try farther away
3) be careful on how your taking the club back and not too much inside, if anything slightly outside the line
4) try not to turn over the club after impact but keep the club face square after iimpact
5) keep the face slightly open at address

try one or all of the above items and see if what helps you from hooking the driver.