MiniJeffrey

I've had some similar problems. My shots used to be very high (in fact they are still very high lol) and tended to go right. In the beginning this was so extreme that it was a nasty slice. At the moment I've reached a point that I do not slice anymore, it's dead straight or a small fade. I can live with that. So what did I change? I use a stronger grip and my backswing is shorter. This has helped me a lot to eliminate the slice and change it into a fade. What I still do: hitting out-in (causing the fade) so now I focus a lot on changing that but it sure isn't easy. As for the height of my balls, I don't really mind. It's true that I lose some distances but I can live with that. The only problem is playing in cross wind where the high trajectory can cause severe problems.

It alsy varies from day to day. Some days I just can't seem to get distances and other days it goes like nothing. Weird sport :)

It's true that players who are so passionate about golf that they join an internet forum will probably be the better players and thus the players that hit it further. But does hitting 175 yards with your i7 makes you a better player than someone who hits it 140 or 150 yards? I think not, golf is so much more than distance. It's a bit sad that almost all players I play with are constantly talking about distance instead of talking about achieving a decent total game. Especially male players seem to have the testosterone-problem and think they are way better because one needs an i8 while I needed an i6. I finished the hole in PAR, as did he. It's true that for a 150m distance I would grab my 5i and my 8 hcp friend (who is luckily not a testosterone-player :p) probably a 7i, but he has been playing for 20 years so everything should be put into perspective. On my golfcourse I think there are 3 holes where I have currently been unable to hit GIR, can live with that. A decent shortgame can still save PAR. My irons haven't arrived yet, me sad :(

Not offending anyone, but I do believe some numbers here on TST are exaggerated. Not saying they are lying, but I think some people are giving their premium-numbers (hitting a shot at 95 or even 100%). That's of course not an average. And again, numbers are numbers and everything is relative, especially distance. You seem to hit pretty decent distances. If I may believe my pro at the club and the pro who did my trackman analysis, the 'normal/average' distance with an i7 for men is around 130m (142 yards).

Impressive numbers, but these seems to be above average? Also, numbers are numbers... I've seen people who have been playing for two years and on the driving range they seem to hit it great and would normally outdrive me with any club, but then you play some holes with them and they cant hit a fairway or green in regulation. So I'm not a very big fan of 'oh my god numbers' or 'I have to hit as far as possible'. It's just nice to see that I can win from long-hitters because my shots are normally straight (or a small fade) and my short game is great. Also, I've read things here like 'If I could only drive 216 yards, I'd quit the game'. That's very disrespectful to the shorter hitters imo. On the other hand, I know I can do better in terms of distance, and I'm working on that. Would be happy if I could move one club. So when now I need a i7 (120-130m) I would then need an i8. I'm trying to achieve that before 2015... I'll keep you posted XD.

My average spin was ofc not 9.700... It was around 7.700. Still high I know. My average smash factor was 1.32. You are right, on the shots I felt I had hit the sweetspot my Smash factor was 1.34 - 1.4. You're a hcp 32? So with 5-6.000 rpm, how far do you hit with your iron 7 on n average shot (not a perfect shot, not a wasted shot)?

You are right. The shot with 9.700 rpm only got to 115m (125 yards), It dropped dead, no roll at all. It was also off to the left. Luckily I am not intending to hit my iron-7 shots with 10.000 rpm... :)

Update: So I've had a trackman analysis. What a beasty-computer! It seems I put a huge amount of spin on my balls. With my 7-iron I was able to hit 9.700 rpm of backspin on it, the pro said this was extraordinay. However, this may be great for approach shots to the green as the ball will drop dead or even spin back, but it comes at a cost (I lost about 12 yards and roll is impossible with 10.000rpm). It also seams I hit 'normal' distances, but I should be able to get better distances with some adjustments to my swing. My 7-iron (with nex clubs) went about 120-125m carry, 126-135m roll. Would be happy to push it to 140m roll but I'm quite happy with how it goes now. Still tend to hit a bit out-in, making my balls go a bit left, sometimes with a small fade, but working on that too. I took the advantage of the analysis to order new clubs: Ping i25. Can't wait to have them!

How's it goin dude...Belgium huh?......I will never forgive you guys.....

My pro says it's my swing. I got a decent swing, but I tend to lower my club to quickly making the loft of my club higher than it should be. Also this results in my hands not being far enough in front of the ball upon impact, which also makes the loft and ball go higher. Will work on that this winter, when the season is over.

Wow, seeing all these distances... It seems I'm really a short hitter :o. Below my average distances when having a good contact with the ball (not perfect, nor bad shots). I know I lose a lot of distance because I play the ball very high, but doesn't reallymatter. I'm happy with my game and I have gone in 11 months from hcp54 to hcp28,5, so it's not that bad I guess... XD. In meters: 5W: 170m 4i: 165m 5I: 150m 6i: 135 7i: 120m 8i: 110m 9i: 100m P: 90m S: 75m

I'm a community manager at the Belgian National Railway Company. I got a bachelor in IT-webdevelopment and I'm passionate about economy, finances, IT and communication. So if the opportunity shows up I would love to do a master in economy or communication one day. :)

Hello there! Im Jeffrey, a 26 year old Belgian guy who started about 11 months ago with golf. I have to say I never had the idea that golf could be something for me. Which youngster sees himself on the golfcourse? But after some swings I was immediately sold. It has been hard work in my club, starting at our pretty Compact Course at hcp 54, quickly heading to our full 18 holes course. Now I reached hcp 28,5 and I think there is still (a lot of) potential to improve so wondering where the trip could take me. Would be very happy with a hcp 18 but I take it step by step. Let's see where the end of this season will take me. Jeffrey