Driver loft

[keb]

My Callaway 460 driver has a 11 degree loft. Just resumed golfing this year after long hiatus. The additional loft was probably what I initially needed, but I am now questioning it. What is the best way to determine proper driver loft? Simply trying out clubs at the simulator?

[MGP]

It's all about clubhead speed, launch angle and backspin.

If your swing type and speed hits the 11° driver and produces a good launch angle with the right amount of backspin then you'll hit the ball a long way (relative to your swing speed).

Not knowing how high you hit the ball off the tee or with what kind of spin numbers, it's hard to say what's right for you. Getting on a launch monitor is the best way to find out.

That said, most amateurs use a driver that's too low loft. I recently switched from a 10.5° (actual 10°) driver to an 11.5° (actual 11.0°) driver and gained a solid 10 yards avg. because of a better launch angle and spin.

If what you have now works for you then keep playing it. Don't let what others are playing influence your choice in clubs -- what's good for them may not be good for you and vice versa.

[Shindig]

My Callaway 460 driver has a 11 degree loft. Just resumed golfing this year after long hiatus. The additional loft was probably what I initially needed, but I am now questioning it. What is the best way to determine proper driver loft? Simply trying out clubs at the simulator?

A launch monitor can tell you wonders about spin rate, distance, and so on. You can determine an optimal ball and driver loft.

[Hacksaw]

I'm not sure if this is correct, but I've heard that today's golf balls are meant to be hit by higher-lofted drivers (or point or two higher, whether 9° or 13°.)

I've always used a 12° driver and have found that I get an additional few yards from a 12° or 13° driver than that respective model's lower-lofted version.

[La Costa Golfer]

Don't get all caught up over the driver loft debate. 11* is fine and will provide additional accuracy. In fact...in the past I own two different lofts of the same driver! Reason is that I would select which club to carry based upon the course conditions. If I was in a blast it deep course and the weather has been dry...I would go with the 9*. If it was hilly, wetter, or narrower where I would have hit more 3Ws for more fairways...I would select my 10.5*. Kinda makes sense.

[Everardo]

My Callaway 460 driver has a 11 degree loft. Just resumed golfing this year after long hiatus. The additional loft was probably what I initially needed, but I am now questioning it. What is the best way to determine proper driver loft? Simply trying out clubs at the simulator?

For one don't trust the number stamped on the club, some might say 11 but be 12 or 13 (The err is usually on the higher side). Next spending some time with a competant fitter and launch monitor can do wonders. Good luck and welcome back!