Increasng Driver Launch Angle

One Planer

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A quick question for the forum experts.

As a general rule of thumb, I set up to every club in a similar fashion, with the weight distributed 50/50 between my feet (Except for chipping and short pitches).

Generally, this is fine up to my fairway wood, however I have found with the driver I don't have a very high launch angle and flight which I believe is costing me carry and overall distance.

My question:

If I were to set-up to my driver with my weight 40/60 favouring my right side, would this this help with launch?

I'm assuming that with my weight a little more to the right, the tilt of my shoulders will also change (Right a little more lower than left against usual set-up) to help with launch?

Does what I'm suggesting (Weight 40/60) sound correct or should I be looking to keep it at 50/50?

Thoughts as always appreciated :thup:
 

One Planer

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Went high though didn't it ;) Adjust your aim next :whistle:

High yes! Into the cabbage, yes :angry:

If I keep the ball position as I do now, I get either a slight push or a nice push draw. The downside is the ball launches quite flat which, I think, is costing me distance.

I'm getting plenty of run on the ball as, well, the fairways are bone hard. When they are soft distance will drop for sure.
 

chris661

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I had the same problem and as flippant as my answer was that was what the pro I was with at the time told me to do. My problem stemmed from playing on links courses and purposely cheating the wind.
 

tsped83

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Always been told/taught/observed the ball position to be just off the front foot for driver. Gives you more time to square the club face and you're hitting on the up, which I know is a must for driver.

Might the resultant high fade be a consequence of something else in your swing? Besides, if it's repeatable is a high fade such a bad thing?
 

One Planer

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Always been told/taught/observed the ball position to be just off the front foot for driver. Gives you more time to square the club face and you're hitting on the up, which I know is a must for driver.

Might the resultant high fade be a consequence of something else in your swing? Besides, if it's repeatable is a high fade such a bad thing?

My ball position isn't drastically far back from the norm', probably a ball width at most.

I try and keep the ball position constant for most full shots and keep the ball under the logo of my shirt and adjust the width of stance.
 

duncan mackie

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I know this is going to sound very radical but........why not get a much more lofted driver?

Obviously this will have to be a model with the fancy CG to ensure you don't increase unwanted spin elements :)

I presume you have it teed up high enough to enable a positive angle of attack, and are striking the centre of the club face (ie about 1/3 from the top in the middle) etc etc etc

or you could just continue with what, from your description, seems to be working fine for you in practice
 

One Planer

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I know this is going to sound very radical but........why not get a much more lofted driver?

Obviously this will have to be a model with the fancy CG to ensure you don't increase unwanted spin elements :)

I presume you have it teed up high enough to enable a positive angle of attack, and are striking the centre of the club face (ie about 1/3 from the top in the middle) etc etc etc

or you could just continue with what, from your description, seems to be working fine for you in practice

If I can't get a 10.5° 910 D2 to launch a little higher, I need serious help :mad:
 

chris661

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To be honest Chris, no, I haven't.

10.5° should be more than sufficient in my eyes to give a good launch (?).

I'm convinced it's something I'm dong at address, hence my query.

If you are hitting down on it it won't be though. Try it it made a huge difference to me
 

One Planer

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If you are hitting down on it it won't be though. Try it it made a huge difference to me

Exactly, hence the OP about setting up a little differently favouring my right at address then moving normally into my downswing.

I may give it a nudge with a little more loft mind you. No point in having an adjustable driver if you're not going to adjust it :smirk:
 

chris661

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Exactly, hence the OP about setting up a little differently favouring my right at address then moving normally into my downswing.

I may give it a nudge with a little more loft mind you. No point in having an adjustable driver if you're not going to adjust it :smirk:

And hence my reply about moving the ball forward more ;)
 

duncan mackie

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If I can't get a 10.5° 910 D2 to launch a little higher, I need serious help :mad:

we will have to disagree (and we don't need to agree on that!:))

whilst in isolation it's easy to reference weight balance at address, swing plane and shoulder tilt the only absolute reality is that you will inherently compensate for all/any of these almost straight away - so pointless.

without solid data about your launch conditions you could have any (well most) combinations of AoA and actual loft at impact it's almost a pointless discussion.
 
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If I can't get a 10.5° 910 D2 to launch a little higher, I need serious help :mad:


I struggled to get high launch with a 12 degree driver - I would certainly try a higher lofted driver and see how you go
 

One Planer

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I'm very surprised that in the expert section of all places it's recommended an equipment change over technique.

I'll adjust my 910 for the next few rounds to see if I gain a noticeable difference.
 
D

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Equipment changes can also help when there are struggles.

I have changed my driver and now drive far better

Last year I had a habit of pushing putts so got a spider and now I don't push them.
 
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