Driving Distance

[Nwilson]

So, after not golfing for a couple years, I have gotten back into the game. My driver is proving hard to get down again so in my most recent rounds, I have been teeing off with my 3 iron Hybrid. Now according to the course given hole lengths and the distance markers on the hole, It has been rolling out around 220-230(off the tee and the fairway). This distance seems to be working okay for me. My question is, in theory how long will my driver go whenever I take the time to work on getting good shots with it?  Trying to determine if it would be worth it and if I should spend the time/money to work on it or just keep playing with my 3H,

[Hacker James]

Based on my own experience....you are more than likely getting better distances with the hybrid because it is easier to hit. When I first went to a 460 degree driver (from a standard size or even a persimmon), I had a hard time. My first 460 was an Adams Tight Lies 10.5 and it would balloon a lot. I then traded for an Adams speedline with much better results. Now I am using a TM R-7 limited and getting acceptable distance (220-240) given my age and ability (I am 71 years old).  Now, the driver is my friend and the one club I feel most comfortable with (although there are times when my RBZ 3W goes further and straighter).  I think the reason I get better results with the driver is because I use it more often. The RBZ 3W is new and I have not hit is as much and therefore am lacking a little confidence BUT when I hit it solid, it soars!

FWIW my go to club in a tight fairway is a #1 Iron of all things!  I can somehow manage to hit it fairly well when I am careful and make a point to swing smoothly. I also just acquired a Calloway Diablo Edge 4H and it will probably replace my 3I and 4I. My next favorite club is an older Olimar Tri Metal 21 Deg.

My history is a little like yours in that I have only recently gotten back into the game but enjoy it now more than ever and am confident that my index will go down as long as I keep playing regularly. Twice in a row I have shot 43 on one of the sides, but "blew it" on the other shooting a 51.  The first time it was on the front 9, the 2nd it was on the back. Go figger.

[Motley01]

Originally Posted by Hacker James

Based on my own experience....you are more than likely getting better distances with the hybrid because it is easier to hit. When I first went to a 460 degree driver (from a standard size or even a persimmon), I had a hard time. My first 460 was an Adams Tight Lies 10.5 and it would balloon a lot. I then traded for an Adams speedline with much better results. Now I am using a TM R-7 limited and getting acceptable distance (220-240) given my age and ability (I am 71 years old).  Now, the driver is my friend and the one club I feel most comfortable with (although there are times when my RBZ 3W goes further and straighter).  I think the reason I get better results with the driver is because I use it more often. The RBZ 3W is new and I have not hit is as much and therefore am lacking a little confidence BUT when I hit it solid, it soars!

FWIW my go to club in a tight fairway is a #1 Iron of all things!  I can somehow manage to hit it fairly well when I am careful and make a point to swing smoothly. I also just acquired a Calloway Diablo Edge 4H and it will probably replace my 3I and 4I. My next favorite club is an older Olimar Tri Metal 21 Deg.

My history is a little like yours in that I have only recently gotten back into the game but enjoy it now more than ever and am confident that my index will go down as long as I keep playing regularly. Twice in a row I have shot 43 on one of the sides, but "blew it" on the other shooting a 51.  The first time it was on the front 9, the 2nd it was on the back. Go figger.

A 460 degree driver? Wow that has some major loft on that sucker!

[Hacker James]

Naw, that's how "hot" it wuz...

[norrisedgar]

The modern driver is definitely worth investing time and money in. The 460cc drivers are incredibly forgiving if you get the right one to suit your game. Ideally going get fitted but if not always err om the side of more loft and flex. Also watch out for the length of shaft. Manufacturers for some reason are producing 46inch drivers as standard which is just ridiculous considering the only tour player I know of to use a driver this long is Mickelson and he's dumped his lol.