Cannot get any extra difference from my 5 Iron to my driver.

[TPO77]

Hi all. First post so Hi and all that.

I'm not new to golf but I've only just started trying to become a better player. Previously I just played the occasional round with friends that also aren't very good.

I've managed to correct my swing so that I can hit the ball straight more times than not but I just cannot seem to get any different distance between clubs. When at the range all my shots seem to come down at about the 125 yard mark which I know is pretty poor. This goes for everything from my driver to about my 7 iron. I just cannot hit it any further unless I try to tank it which makes the ball veer swiftly to the right. Has anyone got any advice on why this may be or anyway that I can improve it?

Rather than make a second topic I figure I'll ask in here. There is no way I can afford to have my clubs custom fit but I have a feeling my driver may be too long for me. I'm only 5"7. Is there anyone that can recommend what sort of size I should aim for. I was thinking of maybe looking at junior clubs but figured they might be of a lesser quality?

 

[Bobirdie]

maybe swinging the clubs with the arms?

try get your body into the swing more?

read up on weight shift and starting the downswing from the ground up

 

[Scottjd1]

Hi mate and welcome.

Could be the range balls as well, there is one near me and I can get a 5 iron to go anywhere sometimes.

Try and get out with some proper balls and see if you can get some more distance.

ill leave it to others to comment on swing etc.

 

[rosecott]

I just cannot hit it any further unless I try to tank it which makes the ball veer swiftly to the right. Has anyone got any advice on why this may be or anyway that I can improve it?

First rule of golf - don't try to tank it unless you are 100% certain of your golf swing.

 

[Foxholer]

Bear in are mind that Driving Range balls can be (desinged to be) short flying - though that does seem to be a bit too short. So does it also happen on the course?

Drivers (and irons) have pretty much got to the stage where the only way for manufacturers to show improvement year on year is 'cheat' somewhat. Current irons are built off a 44* or less PW which is a 9-iron in my set. That number doesn't matter really, but is why many sets come without a 3-iron (also more profit there too) and AW/GW are being made similar to sets, rather than as specialist clubs. Longer shafted drivers can be made - because heads can be made lighter - and produce better numbers on Robot testing kit but may be, and normally are, inappropriate for many/most users.

Shorter shafted drivers are normally easier to hit well which often translates to longer drives as well. 5'7" isn't particularly short, but a shorter Driver shaft length could well help. Tad pricey to go fiddling around with current gear, unless grip can be saved during the process - or you have one of the 'swappable shaft' heads.

 

[SocketRocket]

If your clubs are hitting a similar distance then the problem is probably due to you flipping your wrists to try and get the ball in the air. You need to learn to keep a flat left and a cupped right wrist into impact and let the loft on the club lift the ball. Allowing the left wrist to bend forward is a major power leak, try to imagine you are hitting the ball down into the ground so that it will bounce off the turf and fly under a bar one foot high just infront of you. This will not happen but the imagery of it will help you.

 

[TPO77]

Went out today and hit some balls just on a stretch of grass and seemed to be hitting them much better. Maybe just the weather yesterday or something. Focussed on my wrist form and that seemed to make me more consistent. Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

[Dave B]

I'd recommend getting a lesson as it sounds as if you are not using your body in conjunction with your arms. One of the most important aspects of golf is transfering the forces of your body through the swing into the club.

 

[TPO77]

I've got a lesson on Thursday so hopefully that'll help. It's quite probable David seeing as I've been putting so much effort into hitting it straight that I've lost my rhythm a bit. Thanks for all your advice though. Nice to see so many people with helpful responses.