Driver help

[GTnKY]

I've just started playing golf again after eight years. Back issues kept me away. I've gone to PING irons that approximated the specs I used previously. I still have my old putter. I picked up a three wood that I liked the look and feel. Now, the club I'm having issues with is my favorite/worst club historically - my driver. I previously used a driver with a 360cc clubhead, and 44" in length. Obviously, clubheads are much larger today. I think I can deal with that. What I'm having trouble with are the lengths of most drivers. Out of all I tried, only two were 45". The rest were 45 1/2" to 46". I'm having consistency issues with these. To be honest, I'm having similar issues with my irons. However, I just want what was familiar - my 44" driver. I'll be flexible on the size of the clubhead. What does everyone think is the best approach? Custom made driver to the specs I want? Full disclosure here; I've looked at some GolfSmith offerings. If they are representative, I'm not that interested. Or, a brand name that I have cut to 44"? If I can get the feel right? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks, Gary

[Hammer 4]

I've just started playing golf again after eight years. Back issues kept me away.

I've gone to PING irons that approximated the specs I used previously. I still have my old putter. I picked up a three wood that I liked the look and feel.

Now, the club I'm having issues with is my favorite/worst club historically - my driver. I previously used a driver with a 360cc clubhead, and 44" in length.

Obviously, clubheads are much larger today. I think I can deal with that. What I'm having trouble with are the lengths of most drivers. Out of all I tried, only two were 45". The rest were 45 1/2" to 46".

I'm having consistency issues with these. To be honest, I'm having similar issues with my irons. However, I just want what was familiar - my 44" driver. I'll be flexible on the size of the clubhead.

What does everyone think is the best approach? Custom made driver to the specs I want? Full disclosure here; I've looked at some GolfSmith offerings. If they are representative, I'm not that interested.

Or, a brand name that I have cut to 44"? If I can get the feel right? I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,

Gary

First of all..Welcome to TST. I came back to the game last Oct. after a 10+ yr layoff, I also have back issues. I have a question for you. How long have you been practicing and how do practice, since you took up golf again..?  The reason I ask is, are you giving yourself enough time to get back in a good swing groove.? Are you sure what your doing is correct..? I.E. more often than not, it's not the arrow, but rather the shooter, and that the clubs could be fine, with the exception of the driver.

So, I'm on my 9th month of practicing as per my instructors, I do drills, and practice with a purpose, and just this month, I'm beginning to get consistent with my irons, driver, 3 wood, and hybrid clubs are still a work in progress, but getting better each time out. What I'm trying to say here is, my old swing is gone, I swing nothing like I did 15 yrs ago.having said that, are you giving yourself enough time to swing like you want..?

Re: the driver, to get a shortened shaft, you would either have to find one used, and I've seen a couple, or have a club fitter cut one down for you. BTW, the 460cc heads took me a bit to get used to. Hope you have an easier time than I did.

I'm sure others will chime in with more info. Anywho, enjoy your stay here.

[Dave40]

An inexpensive brand name used driver that you can cut down is what I would do. Most drivers less than 10 years old are good.