Driver question

[Dylparington]

Hi, not sure of my HC but I regularly go round easy parkland courses in late 80s.  Best round is 16 over.

I have always favoured irons or hybrids and have never used the driver.  I am a big guy and I can hit long enough to play consistent with 4 iron and up.

The issue is, I cannot even begin to hit consistent driver shots.  I cannot set up with it.

It feels too long to fit my swing, it's 4 inches too long!  I set up as per textbook but I assumed my driver, a 9.5 degree Cleeveland Launcher, was a very long club but it is 43.5 inches to the top of the head!  If I grip down 2 inches or so it feels in the slot.

I have no idea what is going on but for me to hold this 43.5 in club in setup, I either need to stand so tall I rock backwards on follow through, or put the ball so far away I have to reach out with my arms miles forward at address.

I am 6ft 1 so very confused.  Any ideas what's happening?  A bit skint for lessons at present  

[Valleygolfer]

Without pictures or video, it will be difficult to help you. If you can post something in the swing thread, that would help your cause. Sounds like you are too upright at address with the driver and/or the ball too close to you. Bending forward is normal, just not for you since you haven't hit the woods with play. I would suggest reviewing the 5sk videos to learn correct set up for starters.

[dennyjones]

Welcome to the forum.   I'm glad you found us.   Read the "How to" section and post a video of your driver swing.    There is no cost and the members will be more than helpful.    

Quote

https://thesandtrap.com/forums/forum/13-member-swings/

 

[Joeyvee]

I set up as per textbook

 

That textbook may be detrimental. I recently changed my setup and it helped IMMENSELY. All I did was watch this video. Try it. It can't hurt. Hit ten balls at the range doing this. 

 

 

[Buckeyebowman]

And if the Driver feels good gripping down two inches, why not just do that and hit it! There's no rule of golf telling you that you have to grip it all the way up!

But, I have a feeling there's a little bit more at work here than mere club length.

Edited June 10, 2017 by Buckeyebowman

[Dylparington]

Right, I have been on the range a lot this week. thanks for the replies.

So, what's been going on is I have not been hinging wrists up nor keeping right arm in, I've been swinging too "Up and down".  Ilearned most of my golf playing par 3 and the pitch shot with little wrist has been my natural tendancy.

 

I started rotating my left wrist up in BS and also found keeping right hand rotating has helped immensely.

 

Not gripping down helps A LOT.  However my shot shape has gone from extreme slice to slight pull/hook. What's good is that I am beginning to control my swing now - with a consistent position at top of BS,I am now finding that neutral groove and can tinker with grip if neccesary if I am hitting draw or slice.

 

The wrist hing just did wonders for my balance - hope people know what I mean here....if youdon't hinge fully, the club weight stays outside and pulls you around. With my army swing before I never really gotthe hip out the way.

[Buckeyebowman]

Yeah, I think I know what you mean.