New drivers, can they help ?

[Blueman]

Ok, I am a in my 1st year of golf, have had some success by shooting in the 90's the last few rounds. 90 is best score.

I have been playing with goodwill clubs and discount drivers. My goodwill irons are ok, but until I get consistent with them,no point in getting better ones.  However my driver has been more stable.

Somehow, someway, I figured out I should choke up on it. After I did that, my driving has been pretty consistent.  It is hard to get a true carry/ total on drivers in Tesxas as it ALWAYS windy.  Average day is 10-15mph.  I hit 220-240 ave. into the wind, and 250-270 total with wind at back. Have snuck in a few 302's and 305s' but if I get 280-290, I have thought it was a lucky clean shot. Today I got 9 holes in with virtually no wind. My shortest was 240 and my longest was 280 as measured by the yd. markers.  I play this coarse a lot and they all looked close to where they normally are. Didnt see a 20 yd. forward tee marker.Normally I get one or 2 270's in if I have the wind behind me. Was hitting it really well today.

My question I guess is would a newer driver help ? I hit my buddies Covert the other day and it was a pizz missle ! I told myself I must have one . Just dont know if it would really help. He had it set to 9.5* and I really liked the trajectory. I am hitting an old hand me down 10* Hippo driver. The ball goes a mile high and am just wondering if a) I need a lower trajectory and B) would the newer tech help any ?

[PirateJim]

A properly fitted new driver will, no doubt, do you somewhere between some and a lot of good.  Your comment about your irons, however, should apply to the driver as well, IMO.  Sounds like you're hitting the driver you have pretty darn well and that it isn't likely the main thing holding you back from better scores.  Save your bucks and figure out where you need to focus your purchases to improve your scores.  If you're working with a teaching pro that person should be able to help advise on this.

When you are ready to buy the Big Dog, get a professional fitting.  The shaft on modern drivers counts more than the head it seems, and both the shaft and head loft very directly effect trajectory.  But waiting until your swing is grooved a bit more could save you money and frustration.

[Blueman]

Was thinking my money would probably be better served on lessons since my long irons are horribly inconsistent. But a new driver sounds more fun ! Plus it would help take the long irons out of my hands more often. Usually from 140 in I am decent. From 150- 250 out I am sunk.(although 150-160ish is not super bad) .

Am happy with my driver swing as it gets good results so that is why I wouldnt feel so bad upping my driver. Would be useless to drop cash on irons right now. Am thinking about going to golfsmith and get clubhead speed tested and maybe even fitted.  Are they a reliable clubfitter ? Or are they hacks just trying to sell high dollar items ?

[BirdieNumNums]

When I was in your position I set a goal for myself before buying new sticks. I said at 85 I'd get a driver at 80 Id get a putter and then when consistently under 80 I went for new irons.

You can adjust your goals in what you feel is realistic for yourself, but my idea was I needed to make sure to get a good swing before good clubs.  The new clubs will help you get more distance and more forgiveness, but won't fix your game.

[MacDutch]

If you hit your driver like you say, why buy a new one? Answer because it is fun. That's ok, but not the best advise.

Your long irons are the problem, maybe try a wood or a hybrid instead? I'm not using an I3 and 4 because of the same problem.

The I4 is replaced by a w7, mainly because the w7 is my easiest to hit club (also to get distance out of fairway bunkers). The I3 is replaced by a Hy3.

To tell you the truth: I am in my 4th year of golf and using my 4th driver. Using a Titleist 910 D2 and.... just ordered a Titleist 905T oldie via Ebay

[PirateJim]

I am familiar with buying clubs simply because I've got the itch for something golf'ish that's new and shiny.  If the kids don't have to eat half-rations next month because of the decision, hey, it's your money!  But lessons and time on the driving range (with the irons you don't hit so well) will probably pay better long-term interest.

My one experience with Golfsmith fittings was disappointing.  I had the distinct impression the guy was primarily interested in making sure I matched something they had immediately in stock.  Maybe he was planning to quit the next week and wanted to make sure he got his spiff for the sale?  That was just one guy, in just one store of a large and successful chain, so other's experiences may well be much better.

[CorkDoinWork]

I agree with the goals aspect. Start with a certain club, like a driver, then progress to new clubs as you shoot better. Eventually you will be playing great. Guidance is also always great so lessons wouldn't hurt.

[johnclayton1982]

I've got a fairly fitted bag.  I'd rank the immediate improvement from fitting this way:

1.  Edel Putter

....

...

...

2 (but way behind). Driver

3. Irons

4. Wedges

Just my $0.02.  Go get an Edel fitting.  Its about as much as a new driver ($300-330) and it is incredible the difference a fitted putter makes over an off the shelf one.

[Blueman]

I agree johnclay about the putter. I was stuck in the low 100's even though I was hitting 20-30% GIR.  Was 3 putting every dang hole. I shot a back 9 48 once and 3 putted every stinking hole. Was like, I played great and my score still stinks. I got a zebra putter for 20 bucks and practiced for 2 weeks straight. Went out for score and that was when I got my 90. Have since found out that although it has a great feel to it, the sight lines just get me close.  Uncle gave me a hand me down calloway putter. Sight lines are magnificient. I still miss my fair share of putts, but I have the line now.  Missing by 1" short, 1 " long from 8-20 ft. Putting is what got me out of the 100s.  Still some room for improvement though. Some breaks just kick me in the nads.  Think I could learn to read greens a little better.

Yes, 220-160 yds away is what kills me. I still can hit my 4i straight, that is when I dont chunk it. Chunking is my biggest mishit. Have been working with iron swing to get more of a sweeping motion. Have found a little more consistency. Went out last night and hit 8, 6-iron shots. 4 were 165ish straight. 1 had a slight chunk for 140ish.  1 faded 10 yds right. 1 drew 15 yds left , both 160ish. 1 topped for about an 80 yd roll. Was happy that I got most up in the air like that. Will try this swing in my best ball tourney this week.  I dont even go for greens past 180yds.  I did finally put my 3i up and practiced a 3 and 5 wood this weekend. had decent results. Enough so that if I got some room right, I might just try for greens from 220 out.   My goal for new irons is when I get the ball within 15 yds of target from 190 out 90% of the time, I may consider it.