Would a new driver make much difference to my game?

[gregbwfc]

I've recently got back into golf after about a 5 year break - currently playing off about +24 so nothing amazing.

Ive had my driver for about 10 years now, a Taylormade R7 Superquad. Probably hit the fairway 1 in 3, but OOB 1 in 10!

I'm thinking about upgrading, but wanted your opinions on how much you think a new driver could help me.

E.g. have the developments in golf tech improved significantly improved over the last 10yrs that it could actually help me? Or not?

If so are there any drivers you'd recommend for beginners, price range £150-200

Thanks 

[Patch]

My recommendation is if you have a qualified club fitter, who also can build you a driver, per your fitting specs, that's the best way to go. 

If a club builder is not available, then get fitted for a driver in your price range. After 10 years, new technology might help save a few strokes off the tee.. 

Also, once fitted, check the specs on your old driver. It may still fit your current swing specs. A new driver, that matches your old driver, might be of less help. 

[xrayvizhen]

The answer to your question is no, it won't that make much of a difference. The newer technology is marginally better than older clubs, no doubt about it, but with a 24 handicap you won't see the benefit of upgrading....yet. To prove it, go into a golf store with a computerized hitting area, bring your current driver and then try some of the newer equipment side by side. You'll see there won't be a significant variation between the old and the new. I did just that this past winter, comparing my current 2008 Taylor Made Burner and the newest offerings from both Taylor Made and Callaway. The result was just as I've said above.

Spend your money instead on some lessons and green fees. Work on your game and once you've improved, then upgrade. Doing it in reverse won't be as effective.

[Piz]

The weights in that SuperQuad are probably worth more, on the after-market, than the driver itself.  Try moving them around, while you work on your swing; you may find that you have one hell of a club on your hands.

[jmanbooyaa]

I think a new driver would help. Way more foregiving and it is a club you can grow with while still getting back into it. 

[Piz]

Winning the lottery wouldn't make any difference...why would buying a new driver?  The only way to get better, at anything, is to devote the time necessary to improve.  Bone a hundred chickens and you can do it in your sleep...with the same knife you started out with.   What you will have, after all that, is a clearer picture of what to look for in a boning knife.

[70sSanO]

So how well did you hit the R7 5-10 years ago?  If you used to hit it well, then a new club won't help; unless you have had some physical change.  If you always hated the club and hit it poorly, a change might be good.  Different club weight, shafts, etc. can help some.  That said, if you hit a bad slice because of poor mechanics, technology won't remove bad mechanics.

John

[gregbwfc]

Thanks for the advice - mixed responses! 

I bought a used Cleveland Classic Custom XL in the hope it would improve my driving consistency. Apparently it's one of the more forgiving drivers in golf. I hit a couple hundred balls on the range, plus a couple of outings on the course and I must say I hate it! 

Going back to my Taylormade R7 and will probably get a few lessons to iron out any fundamental issues I probably have. 

Thanks 

[Moxley]

9 hours ago, xrayvizhen said:

The answer to your question is no, it won't that make much of a difference. The newer technology is marginally better than older clubs, no doubt about it, but with a 24 handicap you won't see the benefit of upgrading....yet. To prove it, go into a golf store with a computerized hitting area, bring your current driver and then try some of the newer equipment side by side. You'll see there won't be a significant variation between the old and the new. I did just that this past winter, comparing my current 2008 Taylor Made Burner and the newest offerings from both Taylor Made and Callaway. The result was just as I've said above.

Spend your money instead on some lessons and green fees. Work on your game and once you've improved, then upgrade. Doing it in reverse won't be as effective.

I agree, head size and moi both limited over 10 years back, not sure what would help a new one go noticeably straighter.

[chilepepper]

3 hours ago, gregbwfc said:

Thanks for the advice - mixed responses! 

I bought a used Cleveland Classic Custom XL in the hope it would improve my driving consistency. Apparently it's one of the more forgiving drivers in golf. I hit a couple hundred balls on the range, plus a couple of outings on the course and I must say I hate it! 

Going back to my Taylormade R7 and will probably get a few lessons to iron out any fundamental issues I probably have. 

Thanks 

Lessons.......always a good choice

[Shindig]

On 7/22/2018 at 1:06 PM, gregbwfc said:

I've recently got back into golf after about a 5 year break - currently playing off about +24 so nothing amazing.

Ive had my driver for about 10 years now, a Taylormade R7 Superquad. Probably hit the fairway 1 in 3, but OOB 1 in 10!

Have you looked at the TST instructional content about driving?  Something like this might help you, especially since the other driver didn't seem to solve the problem.

Also, two things to be aware of:  fairway isn't super important, but in play is important (so those OOB are worrying).  Do you play for your miss, assuming your miss is consistent enough to play for?  And also FYI, handicaps are negative numbers (implicit, you don't write negative whatever).  +24 would be averaging better than birdie -- playing off plus whatever means the other side of scratch.  I know, it's counter-intuitive at first.

[gregbwfc]

6 hours ago, Shindig said:

Have you looked at the TST instructional content about driving?  Something like this might help you, especially since the other driver didn't seem to solve the problem.

Also, two things to be aware of:  fairway isn't super important, but in play is important (so those OOB are worrying).  Do you play for your miss, assuming your miss is consistent enough to play for?  And also FYI, handicaps are negative numbers (implicit, you don't write negative whatever).  +24 would be averaging better than birdie -- playing off plus whatever means the other side of scratch.  I know, it's counter-intuitive at first.

Thanks for this, very useful guide/video. Will definitely try out some of those tips next time at the range.

Didn't even realise it was possible to play the other side of scratch, so thanks for the tip on that too!

I probably hit a couple OOB most rounds which is my main frustration at the moment, ruins the scorecard! I know I could probably improve my scores if I just left my driver at home, but at the same time I'll never improve with it unless it's used.

 

[Mr. Desmond]

Depends on the reason you are a 24 hc - you've been away from the game ...

To all the doubters, Drivers recently are all about more launch and much more forgiveness with better manufacturing processes and design. Having hit too many drivers over the last 10 years, they are that much more forgiving and worth the bucks.

But with this caveat -- you need to get fit for head and shaft, length, and applicable adjustments in the head (loft/lie) -- take your time in getting fit.

I'd go through the process of regaining your swing, maybe even a few lessons to get rid of some bad habits, practice, and then find an outdoor demo day with LM and plenty of head and shaft options.

Have fun.

Edited July 27, 2018 by Mr. Desmond

[Shindig]

2 hours ago, gregbwfc said:

I probably hit a couple OOB most rounds which is my main frustration at the moment, ruins the scorecard! I know I could probably improve my scores if I just left my driver at home, but at the same time I'll never improve with it unless it's used.

This depends on the hole.  You've hit your driver enough times that you probably have an idea what the typical shape is and how often you get particulars.  There are some holes it's an absolute asset and you should hit it.  If there's a particular hole where you regularly get into trouble with the driver, think about it (before the round is better than when you're on the tee) and decide what you're going to do next time you play it.  I'm decently good with my driver and I hit a hybrid off the tee on one of the par-4s at my home course.  

Also, you could improve your driving at the practice tee.  Don't get into the habit of hitting driver-driver-driver... think about what the last result was, think about what you want to do, make sure you're practicing properly... but there isn't anything wrong, if you have something specific to work on with your driver, with hitting a small bucket of shots with just your driver.  But let it take an hour and have something you're working on.  See this:

 

But I don't think leaving it behind is good for your scoring in general.  It might be better some days.  Don't let hitting into the rough bother you.  But those out of bounds, or into a hazard like water or a fairway bunker, are things you want to plan your shot to avoid if possible.

[gregsandiego]

19 hours ago, gregbwfc said:

Thanks for the advice - mixed responses! 

I bought a used Cleveland Classic Custom XL in the hope it would improve my driving consistency. Apparently it's one of the more forgiving drivers in golf. I hit a couple hundred balls on the range, plus a couple of outings on the course and I must say I hate it! 

Going back to my Taylormade R7 and will probably get a few lessons to iron out any fundamental issues I probably have. 

Thanks 

Forgiving Schmorgiving. Is there really such a thing? I spent a lot of money on a new Cobra a while ago (a model like Ricky Fowler uses) and it didn't solve anything. I went back to a Taylormade R5 - something I got for $25 on eBay I think.

[jmanbooyaa]

I agree the swing is the overall issue but I still maintain a new driver with all new tech can help. I know personally hitting an older driver without the current foregiveness of the TM m1 i just got would be an issue for me. My swing has flaws but by tweaking my current driver i have gained distance and more accuracy. It has made golf more enjoyable for me. 

[DDBowdoin]

It's worth it if you get properly fit and they fitter moves away from OEM shafts if you can afford it.  Off the rack I don't think you'd see a difference but the minute you're on a Trackman with 12 different shafts you will at least see an improvement in the launch, spin, and overall distance figures.  It won't make you a better golfer it will just produce a better result on those swings where you put the pieces together.