Modifying Your Driver

[jammer59]

I'm probably missing one or more on topic threads but I'd like some feedback on the idea of modifying a driver to make it more 'manageable.'

I currently use a Callaway X460 10 degree, stock stiff shaft, standard length and my control and distance are wildly erratic but the big misses to tend to be strong slices. I can average about 215 carry and 225 to 235 net with my 3 wood off the tee and generally straight with pulls and pushes versus hooks and slices.

At this stage of my game (first year) shooting 90(ish) with a low of 83 and a high of 102, should I be concerned about the driver? Ideally, I'd like more carry and accuracy off the tee and I've heard about the Perfect Driver from Wishon and the Fairway Driver from AGT.

Does anyone have experience with these 'thriver' models or have you had luck reducing the length of a standard driver -- does this work?

I'd appreciate ideas and tips. My driver swing speed is low 90s ( I don't know ball speed) but my launch angle is low 9-11 degrees.

[warbirdlover]

I've got a X460 Tour 9.5º with Fuji 26.3 stiff shaft and it's been disappointing. I think it's the shaft so am going to re-shaft with something yet to be decided. That would be my suggestion to you also. Correct shaft and flex can make a huge difference.

[Tomboys]

I'm probably missing one or more on topic threads but I'd like some feedback on the idea of modifying a driver to make it more 'manageable.' I currently use a Callaway X460 10 degree, stock stiff shaft, standard length and my control and distance are wildly erratic but the big misses to tend to be strong slices.

First off, congrats on doing very well your first year of golf. I think during my first year of golf I was still bouncing my shots off houses, trees and the ground 3' in front of me. In fact, some days I wanted to play my divots because they flew further than my ball.

While you're doing just fine given the amount of time you've been playing, I would suggest that you don't modify your driver at this point. All things being equal, the reason why your driver is erratic is because your swing with your driver is erratic. Granted, while there may be a driver head / shaft combination that may somewhat reduce the penalty of your bad swings, your drives won't improve dramatically until you improve your swing.

I can average about 215 carry and 225 to 235 net with my 3 wood off the tee and generally straight with pulls and pushes versus hooks and slices. At this stage of my game (first year) shooting 90(ish) with a low of 83 and a high of 102, should I be concerned about the driver?

Your 3-wood distance is plenty long for now. At this point, I would work on my short-game more than I would on my driver. Based on my very unscientific "guesstimates", the courses that you'll be playing on (from the white tees) should have par 3's that are less than 200 yards, par 4's around 360 yards, and par 5's right around 500 yards. With good swings, there's nothing (length-wise) that should prevent you from hitting all the greens in regulation.

Here's the best part of learning how to hit your mid and short irons well; it will improve your driving. Most people try to hit their drivers 300 yards, so they swing way too hard. However, most people don't try to hit their 7-irons 200 yards, so they tend to swing more "within" themselves. So, if you apply that same smooth "within" yourself swing on your driver, you should see straighter and more accurate drives.

Ideally, I'd like more carry and accuracy off the tee and I've heard about the Perfect Driver from Wishon and the Fairway Driver from AGT.

With all due respects to the different opinions on this site, you can't buy a "game". While certain types of equipment can enhance your "game", there's no substitute for skill. IMO, take whatever money that you're contemplating spending on equipment and use it for some lessons. Don't get me wrong. Just taking lessons is not going to make you a scratch golfer. However, if you combine lessons with practice and playing, you'll be better served than spending $400 on a new driver or any piece of equipment right now.

DT

[WilsonsRBest]

Good advice Tomboy

[benhd1]

Swing speed in the low 90's, you should not have a stiff flex shaft....you are not swinging hard enough for the tip to kick, club face open at inpact, slice!!!
Get on a swing monitor and buy the correct shaft! My two cents.

[jammer59]

Tomboys -- excellent advice. At this point, I'll retire the driver and stick with the 3 wood and keep focusing on swing fundamentals and scoring. I'll address the driver later since I can, with decent swings, reach any GIR where I typically play for now.

When I'm more ready to relook at the driver, I'll have it prpoerly fitted to account, as Benhd, suggests for shaft characteristics. I'll note that I did have the current driver fitted at a Golf Galaxy (cost about 35 bucks for the fitting) and that's how I ended up with this particular shaft.

Thanks, everyone.