Backspinalot

Thanks. The back gets sore lower left side after a while hitting balls. I am getting better with it but I still feel like I am lacking the speed I had a few months ago. One thing I've been trying is focusing on pulling my left shoulder up and back through the ball. My left knee is a tad more flexed towards target than those pics. But same idea. I just think there is something that causes me to do that, like maybe the shoulder thing. I think I can get it worked out with time. Maybe I'll post a vid here. It stays flexed too long I know that too. There is power loss there and I am trying to make my swing as effecient as possible for higher launch and more speed. Thank you for those pics too.

Hi, So I have had this swing problem for as long as I can remember until last Fall I think I got it taken care of. I started swinging very very well in February, (left leg extended fully at impact and then hurt my lower left back somehow, then my swing went to crap from there. I was too shut at the top, and too flat. I am getting better with this but it took 6 weeks for my back to heal up. I don't know if the thing caused me to swing differently which introduced bad habits but now I am not nearly as fast as I was in CHS back in february, I am getting better, but not close yet. I am also hitting the ball with a low hook usually or just a low straight shot. I know I was doing this partially from being shot with the club at the top which I've pretty much fixed, and starting to hit a bit higher. But, I can see in my shadow that right at impact, my left knee goes foward to the target right at impact and collapses almost like I am not clearing my left side. In my practice swings I don't do it at all. But even with a pitch shot with a wedge it happens, and I have poor impact. I can sit there and hit for hours focusing on just extending the left leg at impact and make no progress. Febrary I was hitting a slight draw, 15 degree launch angle, good spin numbers and my BS average was about 172 and CHS 116mph. Flying it roughly 285 at sea level, now I am barely flying that at 4500feet elevation. Any drills or what might be the cause? Thanks

Does Callaway come out with a new driver every year? Will they likely come out with one for next year? I really don't care how adjustable it is, I could care less if you can adjust it in to a damn wedge. I am looking for a driver with the loft and shaft that could yeild me optimal carry distance while not being too hard to hit solid and have control of the club.

Yeah, I just didn't know why. He may tinker but he never changes anything just to mix it up for fun, there aubviously has to be enough reason for it. I liked the last year Razr because it just goes farther for some reason than the new one when I tried them both, that is what I came up with. Maybe he is thinking the same we know he is all about hitting far.

So why did Phil change back to his old Razr Hawk driver? I know he was using a Razr Fit earlier and now it's the razr hawk. Is it less loft? Set up for more distance? i am asking because I hit a Razr fit back in May and it just felt dead and didn't fly as far as other heads I tried. I also tried a Cleveland driver back in May and I was only flying it 260 when I was flying others 275 of same length on the range. I actually do like the Razr Hawk beter last years and maybe Phil is using it for the same reason? I am looking to buy a Razr hawk tour 9.5 degree head because I want to use a HOF Patriot shaft in it.

Hi, So I am a big phil fan, infact I usually don't watch the tournaments he doesn't play in or if he misses the cut, honestly ever since he won the Masters in 2010. I just love how he plays. I do have a question though, I know back in 2010 somewhat in 2011 he was all about hitting bombs off the tee and he was usually Top-10 in driving distance, flying the ball 300+. Now it seems like it is going the other direction, infact when he was playing with Luke Donald, a lot of times Luke was past Phil off the tee. I know he has his deal with arthritis and he's geting older, now is that the reason or is he not going after it anymore, or did he change his driver to scale in more for accuracy (higher loft, different shaft, shorter length etc.) I am asking because I liked watching him hit bombs not knowing where it would end up, funny thing is he doesn't seem to be hitting the ball much straighter now. Interestingly enough, looking at his stats, his CHS average is 116.7 this year, last year was 118.5, 2010 was 119.5. Nothing for 2009 but 2008 was 117.3. And then 2007 he was up at 122mph but ranked 29th in distance because he had low smashfactor, low launch angle and high spin. I just think it is interesting going through it. Your opinion?

Ok well I haven't had the best feedback yet! Jon , I am beyond confused, are you saying I sound like a 30 yr old pro/am golfer or are you talking about mopar? A "bunch" of kids in mid-highschool? "Heck, 16 yr olds can't even play the game well" I may be interpetting wrong but it seems to me like you don't get out much.... And since you're so curious about how I entered the usga tourney, I doubt you've ever signed up for one, on usga for the us junior am qualifier in utah you give the 6-digit I think it is number of your handicap so they can verify if they wish, I doubt as they are going through the online entries they will go to my index page and see "oh well he hasn't entered a score in a while, let's look into this!" call the pro at my GC and ask...pfff... needless to say I played in the tourney. I made the post hoping there were a few people on here who know about club fitting, shafts, etc. could maybe get me pointed in the right direction for stiffness, length etc. The original post was directed to someone who knows something and can share what they know based on my "specs". Not someone to tell me whether I should post scores and tellin me my handicap is horse sh*t... mopar, I already have an idea of what I want for irons (mind the pun) I am probably going to grow a touch but in the last 4 years of owning my ap1 irons I have grown tremendously, I would dare say the length of my irons is aound where I want my next set! That is why I said 1/4 inch off. I would just like to figure out what stiffness I should be looking at or if it isn't something worth looking at too hard. I will likely get standard lie, I am not very short or very tall and that is what I have grown up with. I don't know where you got 7/8 inch add to standard. I will look around though see what I can come up with in the next bit. rusty, flying the ball 280 at 4500 feet is about 260 at sea level give or take, just a guess. I hit the ball far for my size though I do take the club past parralel. I qestion since I may likely need X stiff in the driver next year if the regular shafts in my irons may be at all affecting anything? I don't want to get caught up in the whole equipment changes everything deal, just a question. Thanks

mopar, I hope you know it wasn't intentional. The idea of this thread was to get some opinions from people who know about clubs and club fitting advise me so I could have some insight on what I have picked out for a set of irons shaft/length combo etc. My average tournament score this year is around 75 if you drop two horrible days and I leave a lot on the putting greens. instead of going through a checklist of what I posted give some insight on what you think of all those things. Tell me, when is the best time to buy new clubs? I haven't done so in a while...Wait till next spring? Maybe around January mid winter? Why would I come here and lie about my scores so people on the internet think higher of me who don't even know who I am?>? Jon, Same thing, I haven't had a single situation this year where I needed my handicap except the number to sign up for a usga tourney. I don't take any foot wedges or any of that. Honestly Jon I don't care how good you think don't think I am I am giving you info about my game so you can give your opinion based on the info. No need to be competitive "he's better than him" on an internet forum maybe not but that kind of seems to be, " Start entering scores. No gimmes, no leather wedges, no "I would have made that except" etc and then repost the data. "...

Hi, for all you equipment experts out there... So I am about a 2-3 handicap on a 7100Y course I haven't been entering scores but that's about what I play to, 16 yrs old 140 lbs 5'8. I have always hit the ball fairly high so I am not the best wind player but that is ok with me. I don't know my CHS but I fly the ball around 280 off the tee at 4500 feet elevation. All of my clubs now are Titleist except 60 degree wedge and putter. My driver is 910 D2 9.5 set to 8.75 w/ Aldila RIP 60 Stiff shaft. My question actually isn't just about irons it is also my fairway wood. I think it is an f06 titleist except it has a Regular flex shaft and 17 degrees of loft. I like the extra bit of loft as it is easier to get up in the air, however, many of my mishits with it are a strong hook. Shold I worry abut a new shaft for it or leave it? Now to irons, Titleist AP1's I have had em for 4 years they are 4-PW with a standard regular flex shaft, I hit the 7 iron from about 185, they are cut down half an inch which I have actually grown to like. Now I demoed the Musclebacks on a demo day but I only got to hit like 3 6-irons and a couple 4 irons on the range. The thing is, I know callaway seems all hellbent that those irons are for only the best of best players, but I pured 2 of the 6-iron shots about 200 yards and I love the feel, the other one was a bit thin but I could work with it, I hit the 4-iron good too, now I probably wouldn't play with anything longer than a 5 iron of those clubs in my bag because if phil doesn't no way I could. My current clubs are pretty beat up and need to be regripped, I am wondering when/how much I should sell the set for or if I should trade em in, I could probably even wait till winter to buy them if they wold be cheaper. The other thing too, I want my irons to have a 3 iron, I don't mind my hybrid but I definately prefer hitting an iron. I was thinking to go 5-PW in the muscleback w/ 6.5 project X shafts cut down 1/4 or 1/2 inch, then 3 and 4 iron X forged same shaft. I can say this, the kids I play with who have blades/musclebacks hit the ball very well... and I heard from both of them that their ballstriking went up after adjusting to the new "hard to hit" irons. Thank you!

Wow, it really bugs you? i am assuming you are of an older age, but then again young cheer leaders is your profile pic hmmmm.... It doesn't bother me one bit. I will never forget 3 years ago a nationwide tour stop at my home course, colt knost 130 out in a fairway bunker, I was up on the green, Colt chunked it maybe 15 yards and I yelled "Get in the Hole!" I don't know if he heard but on the same hole he missed a 4 footer and I clapped and he looked over and gave me the dirtiest look ever, I was pretty embarissed but hey they could have been claps of encouragement. Funny thing is I walked right by him next day and he looked at me but I don't think he recognized me or maybe he did, I just smiled.

If I could hit a 47 inch 7 degree driver longer I would hit that. I just don't think I am big enough to swing such a long club. I tried my 910 D2 8.75 loft with a 46 inch Aldila RIP 60 and I didn't like it, I was too inconsistent as far as distance, so I took the plug out and now it is 45" 8.75 loft which I have no problem getting up in the air. I wouldn't mind experimenting with lower lofted heads to see what kind of shot I get towards. I didn't give it a lot of time the 46" but I think it is better any ways because Phil is hitting 45-45.5 and he has a good 7-8 inches on me. I am 135 lbs 5'7 or 5'8 off the tee I average closer to 280-290 and then I carry 265-270 range. This is at 4500 feet

The idea is high launch low spin. I tee it really high and tree to keep the head behind and sweep up more. I hit a high ball in general because I want to, when there is a bunker 270 out, I have my flight optimized for maximum carry, I could carry it 1/2 times. But yeah, I see how he would change to 9.5 for that reason. I am going to keep my driver how it is and if anything go to a lower loft, maybe get a 910D2 head with 8.5 loft and then set it to 7.75 eventually. I don't know my CHS but I carry the ball around 265 average here at 4500 feet I play with Calaway Hex Black (awesome ball)

Hi, Phil is definately my favorite player, and I don't watch golf if he isn't competing (well maybe to see Tiger, and I like Rory too). Who wants to watch Luke Donald hit 270 every fairway and then same approach shot, hole after hole? but I notice Phil isn't hitting the ball as far as he was 1 or 2 years ago. What is the cause of this? I know he is using a 9.5 lofted driver if that might be partly why. I know one point he used a 5.9 driver. Is there more control with 9.5 degrees loft or is phil deciding to back it down a bit? I am hitting a 910 D2 8.75 loft and I seem to hit it farther even on the fly than when it is set to 9.5. loft (Aldila RIP stiff 45") I always try to model my game after Phil's and it is just a lot more fun that way, getting creative with shots.

Hi, I am wondering what is the difference if any at all from range balls and play balls? I know it varies on the person etc. But say compare a Titleist ProV1 to a Nike Practice range ball, assuming no scuffs on the cover or anything they are good range balls. I am hitting with an estimated 105-107 CHS, I don't get crazy amounts of backspin, I would say in the 2k-2.5k range with a ProV1 I am wondering because today in calm conditions (hardly any wind) I hit a pretty good ball at the range (those Nike Practice ones) and it flew into the lower part of a pine tree I lasered to be 271. Mind you, our range is just slightly downhill and I am at 4500 feet above sea. This is with a Titleist 910 D2 8.75 loft and Aldila RIP 60 stiff shaft 45" which I love. I wouldn't say my CHS is exactly accurate, I measured at a Uinta golf in a little hitting net area they had a Vector pro thing and it said I was getting 115-117 CHS but then the guy said it reads up to 10-12 mph fast so not too reliable. I will hear older gentlemen sometimes say the range balls are 20 yards short of play golf balls just to make themselves feel better but I don't know, just curios Thanks

Hi, I am looking to possibly have 2 shafts for my current driver that I can interchange with the adjustable hossle deal (not mid-round of course). Right now I am 15 years old, 5'7ish and 135 lbs. I am a 3 handicap so I am pretty happy with my swing right now (however always looking for ways to create more power with it). I am hitting a Titleist 910 D2 with 9.5 loft and a Diamana Kail'i 65 shaft Stiff 45" in length. I hit on average 260-265 carry and then 270-285 with roll. I get a somewhat I guess you could say higher spin rate and traj.. But this is exactly how I want my ball flight, like Phil Mickelson. I like a high trajectory shot that flys a long ways, that way I have more options when it comes to carrying over obstacles. That's the other thing, I would much rather take a Phil Mickelson over say Luke Donald, hitting big drives that may hit less fairways but always recovering and having a short iron wedge in instead of Luke hitting every fairway and then hiting 7-iron into the green and 2-putt, that gets boring. My natural ball is a slight draw too. But I am looking for a longer shaft that I could fairly consistently yeild maybe another 10-20 yards (on the fly) if possible. I don't want to get a 48" shaft because that seems unreasonable especially being a little smaller. I would feel like I am playing tee-ball with a horizontal swing plane. I was thinking 45.5"-46.5" range but if you could guide me in the right direction with that that would be great. The other thing is which shaft to go with. I know I should get fitted for a shaft but I want something similair to the kail'i if not the Kail'i shaft maybe a more aggresive slightely lower spinning shaft. And when I decide on a shaft, how do i order it so that it has the other half of the Titleist 910 adjustment thing so I can interchange shafts with the wrench and not have to get a reshaft? Otherwise I may end up just plugging this shaft another inch or whatever I decide to balance out for power without losing control of the clubhead and having a solid ball strike a rare occurance. Thanks!

The excersize working out I have been doing is very light. I go like 1-2 days a week and just do Jamie sadlowski's workout. I don't know much about working out as a kid, but it isn't like I am doing heavy weight squats, deadlifts, and barbell bench press at high weight low reps. Those excersizes are mostly core and I do high reps at lower weight. That along with flexibility stuff and a longer shaft should at least have noticeable results wrong? Now shafts: I like the idea of a longer shaft for more speed. But if I got a longer shaft, how long should I get? Remember I am not very big so a 48" is out of the question. Maybe a 46" shaft? Or maybe 47"? I don't want to have it so long that I can not contol the club and can no longer make solid contact. Does anyone have reccomendations without getting too precise into the science of it have reccomendations for a certain shaft model to consider (optimum carry in mind)? I like how my Kail'i 65 shaft feels now it is a stiff, I would say it favors more carry over a shaft like and Aldila RIP 60 stiff which I like and prefer. I tried one of those on a Callaway Razr Fit head and it wasn't spinny enough and I lost 10 yards of carry on good contact. But wouldn't I want a more aggresive shaft that would be my go to shaft for added distance since I would most likely be swinging faster? I know it is harder without seeing my spin rates and traj. but I can tell you I carry it 265 and with a Kaili 65 shaft stiff I am hitting with a decent trajectory and a fair amount of spin. I will play around with the loft with my driver being adjustable too if need be Thanks

Thanks for the advice. Now my question is, would it at all be in my interest to get a longer shaft (46-47") that can be interchanged with my current shaft? I don't want to reach the point where it is messing with my swing and I am not making solid contact, but if I could have an extra shaft that may be an inch or two longer, I would like that. My only worry with that however is, I will lose control of the club, but disregarding accuracy for the most part at least for now, could I benefit from a shaft slightly longer which I could interchange with my current head with the wrench. If I got the longer shaft, should I get one identical to my current shaft which I like or possibly a more aggresive shaft? And the question of the lengthening my backswing, partly yes. Which brings me to the question, if I do wrist flexibility and the wrist excersize, would trying to hinge my wrists a little more at the top help me create more speed? Otherwise I won't touch that. Side Question: what training aids could I look into? The swing fan? I have been doing jamie's lag drill and that helps

So is there really nothing I can do for added distance except wait 3 more years? I have been doing some flexibility stuff and Jamie's workout and it has helped, I have been hitting the ball well lately, but what makes Jamie so fast and powerful? I am just very fascinated by Jamie Sadlowski and the fact that he is a small guy that packs a big punch. What sort of training does Jamie do to acheive those distances? Are there swing coaches solely for the purpose of increased speed and power, or was he just born that way? I know you are all thinking my logic is messed up that I am focusing on distance way too much but afterall, golf is a game of fun and a very few number play professionally, and a majority of the rest work soley on getting lower scores which doesn't necassarily mean more fun to me anyways, although I do strive to become a better player and I will never let myself get into a zone at the range or on the course where I am swinging HARD, there are a few little things I think about, like a wider arc and bigger shoulder turn, but never ever am I swinging out of my shoes.

mdl, PM sent I really don't like hearing the old "oh well you are just 15 and you will fill and and grow and then hit longer." and even worse "be happy with how far you do hit" The thing is, with sports in general, working and training to acheive a personal goal is part of what makes sports fun, to see an end result that you worked to acheive. Do you think a good college basketbal player who has a chance at playing profesional ball would like to hear "oh, well just relax and be happy with the level you are playing at, you don't need to worry about improving" I know, longer drives won't directly mean lower scores but if I can combine how much I have been practicing around the greens, to how I am hitting the ball, with an added 15-20 yards from flexibility training and fitness, that is a pretty good combo and I feel like I could be setting myself up to reach new heights in golf. I want to work with the stretch routine mdl was talking about combined with Jamie's workout on TPI and see if that won't get me anywhere.

And you have to remember jamie sadlowski is a good player and has played in Nationwide events I believe, so it isn't like as soon as you can get the ball out there deep scores instantly go up and your swing is ruined.

Ok, I didn't mean it like that. I got a little carried away but I am just fascinated by how Phil plays. I am not going to alter my swing from how it right now I decided. But if there are some flexibility excersizes I can do to allow myself to put the club in different positions that most people can't get that allow for more power and that deal, I am willing to do them.

The Luke Donald thing said above: No. I will never strive for a game like Lukes. It may be the best for scoring, but I lose interest and get burned out in this game very easily if I don't mix things up a bit and play like Phil. Hitting every fairway and a lot of greens gets very boring and I would get bored of golf so fast.

Oh and I forgot to mention 265 carry is at 4500 feet above sea level. I say model his game, I don't mean to want to be able to drive as deep as he does but, I just love how Phil plays and he is by far my favorite player, even to how he misses fairways and rebounds with some creative shot. I would rather shoot 73 hitting %50 fairways then shoting 73 hitting %75. I know it sounds like I am trying to miss more fairways and that's rediculous but I think you have to spice up the game a bit sometimes.

I know there isn't quick fix to get me hitting it 300+ but I would like to model my game very close to that of Phil Mickelson's. Everything from his creativity in shots around the green to his aggresiveness, high trajectory and length I like. I think he brings such a great image to Callaway. I would like to set a realistic goal like maybe 10-20 yards on the fly off the tee. I don't want to mess with my swing too much but I am willing to work at it. I think it would be a big advantage for me especially this year having to play the back tees competitively.

Hi, First, me: 15 yrs old 135 lbs, 5'7 about a 3 handicap. I am very happy with my swing right now and am able to work the ball both ways well, right trajectory and I am getting the club in the right places, I just think about alignment and turning the body more thru the ball, my arms take over sometimes. I am hitting a Titleist 910 D2 driver 9.5 w/ Kai'li 65 blue shaft Stiff. I am hitting with the traj. I want and everything. I can carry about 265 and get 270-285 after roll, and yes, it is geared for optimal carry distance. I can make a decent shoulder turn and I am somewhat flexible but probably more average in that way. I did the Jamie sadlowski work-out on TPI (watch on youtube if you haven't seen it) and that did help with distance, but I am wondering what allows him to get to those positions at the top and just all around in his swing? I don't want to feel like I am ever forcing a postion because that's when everything gets thrown off, but if I could naturally get more of a shoulder turn or whatever it is, without forcing it, that would help. Basically what I would like to know is what is it that allows Jamie to get into positions that he says most people can't, and what makes a long drive champion without being 250 lbs and being able to bench 300? and what sorts of specific stretches or excersizes should i be doing to help, or is that workout going to help with overall flexibility. I don't want to screw up my swing, because I love it right now, but I am willing to perhaps sacrifice accuracy off of the tee for added distance without taking the "big brute guy" route. if there is anything you need to know more about my ask. Oh and I do yoga through school, but I don't ever really get too involved with that getting distracted.