High Handicapper going to get fitted for a new driver!!! HELP!!

[ysubuck]

This winter my Christmas present and my birthday present are me going to get fitted for a new driver.  I've read the success stories and I am sold, but I have a few questions about the process for anyone who has gone through it.

One question I have is that I haven't played as much as I would have liked this season.  Does it matter if I go in "cold" to get fitted for a driver?  What I mean is, I like to think that my swing improves as the season wears on and I'm definitely playing better in August than I am in March or April.  Should I wait to get fitted when I feel I am playing/swinging the clubs better or does it not make a difference?

Also, I'd love to hear some success stories from some high handicappers on this board!!

Thanks in advance!!

[inthehole]

As a fellow high handicapper, the only advice I can give you is to keep it short - my driver is about 3 inches shorter than standard (I'm 5'11") - so much easier for me to hit the sweet spot consistently.     My driver at full length is a disaster - don't let the fitter tell you that you can play with a full length driver - at our stage, making consistent contact & getting the ball on the fairway instead of the woods is our goal, not ultimate length.    I hit my shortened driver as far as the long one - you won't lose any distance at our stage

Originally Posted by ysubuck

This winter my Christmas present and my birthday present are me going to get fitted for a new driver.  I've read the success stories and I am sold, but I have a few questions about the process for anyone who has gone through it.

One question I have is that I haven't played as much as I would have liked this season.  Does it matter if I go in "cold" to get fitted for a driver?  What I mean is, I like to think that my swing improves as the season wears on and I'm definitely playing better in August than I am in March or April.  Should I wait to get fitted when I feel I am playing/swinging the clubs better or does it not make a difference?

Also, I'd love to hear some success stories from some high handicappers on this board!!

Thanks in advance!!

[Mr. Desmond]

If you can't put a consistent swing on a driver, or it goes right or left a lot, I'd only get fit for flex at any store -- don't get it complicated. I'd go to the preowned sites of Taylormade and Callaway and find a Superfast 2.0 HT (13 degree) or Callaway RazrHawk or Diablo 13 deg, - get the shaft to (at least) 45.5 inches (watch the swingweight), grip down, and take lessons with lots of video. Or find a used, high lofted driver you like.

The higher loft will place more backspin and less sidespin on the ball - so your drives have a chance to go straighter if you square the face.

good luck.

[bassplayer7770]

I think Tom Wishon would say you need properly fitted clubs to learn a proper repeatable swing, and there are others who would probably say to work on your swing first. If I were you, I'd consider at least hitting a small bucket at the range. Some fitters will let you take some practice swings first.

[SAGolfLuvr]

My first fitting was after 1 year of playing. It was simply seeing my average swing speed (107) on the Edwin Watts simulator and getting matched with a stiff shaft. That was free. I have had 7 high quality drivers since then trying to get more distance. I didn't gain much. My swing technique improved and I realized after spending all that money, 260 yards in the fairway is plenty enough. I agree with buying used drivers. They depreciate like buying new cars. A used TaylorMade Burner with the proper shaft for your swing speed will do fine. R7,R9,R11 are for mid to low handicappers. Used Callaway Diablo's, FTI, etc is just as good. You can find great deals on used Adams Speedline and King Cobra drivers. Make sure to hit them all on a simulator before leaving the store. Good Luck.