Driver vs 3-Wood

[Ken1222]

I am 51.5 years old, 6'4" 215 lbs, in decent shape and a consistent 26handicapper, who hits drives about 250-260 yards (total carry) with 95 mph swing speed / 7 iron about 140 yards with 65-75 mph swing.

With my driver (Ping G5, R flex, Aldila NV shaft), 75% of the time I have the dreaded slice. With my 3-wood (Ping G5, R flex, 15 degrees, stock ping shaft) I hit straight down the middle, almost all the time, tho not as far.

Is the extra loft what makes the 3-wood go so straight? Does this indicate that I could benefit from a 12 degree driver loft? I demoed a 12 degree loft and seemed to be hitting the drives way too high.

Thanks

[iammike]

from what i know the 3-wood is more forgiving because of the loft. At least thats what people have told me.

Probably you'd benefit from lessons from a pro, seeing what is making your driver slice and not the 3-wood, more than buying a 12degree driver.

[J.P.]

  Ken1222 said:

with 95 mph swing speed with my driver (Ping G5, R flex, Aldila NV shaft), 75% of the time I have the dreaded slice. With my 3-wood (Ping G5, R flex, 15 degrees, stock ping shaft) I hit straight down the middle, almost all the time Thanks

Ken, just a couple thoughts here. 3 Woods are considered straighter because the increased loft adds backspin that mitigates the effect of unwanted side spin.

This is not a benefit found with lower lofted Drivers. BUT, if you truly swing at 95, and if your path is correct, (in to out, not out to in) it could be that the shaft flex "Regular" is not for you. You may have a better result with the NV Stiff flex. Head could be lagging behind depending on how you load the shaft. Go to a golf shop & get on a launch monitor to pinpoint the Driver problem. Is it out to in path? Is it open face at impact? Is it hitting off the heel? Once you know the real problem, you'll be better able to correct it!

[ronaldkuntoro]

I have the same problem!! I hit my 3 wood a mile... and my ping g5 driver keep slicing...

Maybe it is the ball position. Because your driver is longer and bigger, you have to really put the ball exactly in the middle of your left foot. I have a tendency to put the ball just beside my left toe. Also when on the tee box, I don't have a point to get my ball position aligned.

  Ken1222 said:

I am 51.5 years old, 6'4" 215 lbs, in decent shape and a consistent 26handicapper, who hits drives about 250-260 yards (total carry) with 95 mph swing speed / 7 iron about 140 yards with 65-75 mph swing.

[arbitrage]

I had the same problem until my playing partner pointed out the same thing you mentioned. I went from "power-fading" to hitting rockets dead center.

Sometimes it is really that simple.

  ronaldkuntoro said:

I have the same problem!! I hit my 3 wood a mile... and my ping g5 driver keep slicing...

[allin]

The extra 1 1/2 inches of shaft length can make a big differnce also. Sometimes just taking 1/2 inch off the driver shaft length can help your timing and not cost any distance.