New driver woes: making the transition to a stiff shaft

[gg1987]

I just bought a new driver (Cleveland classic xl 10.5 degree with Miyazaki B. Asha 4 stiff shaft). I had previously been using the classic sl290 with a regular shaft (Miyazaki C. Kua)--but was struggling with control (ballooning high fades or snap hooks). That being said, over the course of last season I seemed to adapt (somewhat) to the quirks of using a regular shaft, but was hoping to get more consistency with a new club. My swing speed is about 105. My performance with the new driver has left a lot to be desired... I can't seem to stop hooking the ball. Sometimes I even hit the ball right off the bottom edge of the face, with the ball driving into the ground about a yard in front of the tee. With my old driver I had been teeing up on the outer edge of my left foot, and was having some success doing so (when straight, the ball would carry about 280). Is my case of the shanks a product of ball position? Did I develop some bad habits over the course of using a regular shaft? Should I give up entirely on my new driver? Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

[MS256]

I just bought a new driver (Cleveland classic xl 10.5 degree with Miyazaki B. Asha 4 stiff shaft). I had previously been using the classic sl290 with a regular shaft (Miyazaki C. Kua)--but was struggling with control (ballooning high fades or snap hooks). That being said, over the course of last season I seemed to adapt (somewhat) to the quirks of using a regular shaft, but was hoping to get more consistency with a new club. My swing speed is about 105.

My performance with the new driver has left a lot to be desired... I can't seem to stop hooking the ball. Sometimes I even hit the ball right off the bottom edge of the face, with the ball driving into the ground about a yard in front of the tee. With my old driver I had been teeing up on the outer edge of my left foot, and was having some success doing so (when straight, the ball would carry about 280). Is my case of the shanks a product of ball position? Did I develop some bad habits over the course of using a regular shaft? Should I give up entirely on my new driver?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Just my opinion but it would be better off getting a club and shaft that fits your swing instead of trying to make your swing fit the club and shaft.

You aren't alone though because I've done that many times myself.

There's more to getting the "right" club and the "right" shaft than which flex is marked on the club. Flex is not consistent across the industry and then there are lower and higher kick points and other shaft dynamics. I'm also convinced that the flow of the shaft is important although most people disagree with me.

Since you already have the club you might as well give it a shot for a while. Chances are you will learn to hit it but you may be making compensations to make it work. Maybe the compensations are for the best and maybe not.

[saevel25]

I just bought a new driver (Cleveland classic xl 10.5 degree with Miyazaki B. Asha 4 stiff shaft). I had previously been using the classic sl290 with a regular shaft (Miyazaki C. Kua)--but was struggling with control (ballooning high fades or snap hooks). That being said, over the course of last season I seemed to adapt (somewhat) to the quirks of using a regular shaft, but was hoping to get more consistency with a new club. My swing speed is about 105.

Check this out to help you stop ballooning the ball. Basically stop hitting down with the driver!!

http://thesandtrap.com/t/44307/hitting-up-or-down-with-the-driver-in-an-inline-pattern

Little bit more on how to set up and hit a draw while hitting up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t_wM5nGU20

Just my opinion but it would be better off getting a club and shaft that fits your swing instead of trying to make your swing fit the club and shaft.

You aren't alone though because I've done that many times myself.

100% agree. Never change your swing to match the equipment. Given the swing will adapt to equipment. There is always a timing thing. Like if you switch out light shafts for heavier ones you might struggle a bit till the timing comes back. If you have to PRACTICE fitting your swing to a driver, then it is clearly not fitted for you.

[Jakester23]

2 questions Are you right handed? Is the ball starting on target then hooking? Or is the ball starting left (assuming you're right handed) of target as well as hooking or going further left?

[gg1987]

Thanks for all the comments everyone! Jakester, I'm right handed and the ball usually starts down the target line but hooks to the left pretty much right away. I think i may have developed too much of an inside swing path (perhaps because I'm too laid off at the top), which is resulting in a closed club face at impact. I'll dedicate some time on the range to see if i can work it out. If it continues to give me problems, then I'll probably just gift the driver to a golf buddy. Will certainly look to get fitted next time...

[Jakester23]

Take a look at this article its a valuable piece of information that might shed some light on whats going on as far as why your getting the straight draw. http://thesandtrap.com/b/playing_tips/ball_flight_laws