Shortened driver update.

[johng]

following on from my 'proper' custom fitting topic - I have an update on my driver.

Having played 2 rounds with the now 44" shaft - not 46" - I can say that it has been a fantastic change.

Previously my NIKE STR8 was set with the face fully closed to offset my swing flaw, exagerated by the shaft length. Now with the shorter shaft and increased control I play with the face in a neutral position. My distance is no better than my previous 'sunday best' but the consistency is amazing. Routinely in the fairway and around the 220-230 yards distance.

Also - unexpectedly - i am beginning to be able to hit slight fades and draws, with some degree of intention

I feel so much more confident and in control it's incredible. I also read recently that most top pro's only have drivers of 44-44.5" long yet most clubs are standard with 45-46"+ in length.

If you have the opportunity to experience this 1 to 1 level of custom fitting i would seriously suggest you grasp it.

I will never again purchase an off the shelf golf club - despite claims of custom fitting - unless their is an option to have the shaft length changed.

Now for the weekends WBM's.

John.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Very interesting post especially as I play TM which I think is one of the longer shafted drivers on the market. I can see the logic in shorter being better (think how well most players hit a 3 wood) but I'd need to try it for mysefl to really see how much difference it makes to my shots overall

 

[mono217]

Sounds like its worked wonders for you

 

[JustOne]

John, out of interest how tall are you?

regards.....

 

[johng]

John, out of interest how tall are you?

regards.....

4' 8"




only joking.... I'm 5'10".

Typical welshman shape - short legs and longer arms

 

[Imurg]

Oh no - does that mean I'm a Welshman?????

This might be the answer to my problems. I generally hit the 3 wood straight or with a slight draw - the bad shot is a fade or push.

Maybe with an inch off my shaft (ooh matron!! ) I'd be more accurate but still get the distance.

Useful info.

 

[Macster]

Interesting info John.
I'm the same, this year have really struggled with a Driver, and more often than not badly faded it rather than the draw that I get with irons, 3W or 5W, which have Steel shafts.
Ive tried my original G5, a Custom fitted 909D2, and also an 905R, with pretty much the same results, 80% fades, with the occasional belter thrown in to annoy me.

Currently I'm trying to source a Steel shafted Driver, and will make sure its significantly shorter than usual, and see what the results are too.

 

[johng]

Oh no - does that mean I'm a Welshman?????

You can but hope and dream!

 

[Prubs]

Everyone has a bit of welsh in them (true brits) lol

 

[Smiffy]

Everyone has a bit of welsh in them

So do most sheep

 

[TWM]

We can always do a trial of gripping one inch down the shaft.

 

[Basher]

My lad grips his driver most unusually.
He grips it right at the bottom of the grip with his right index finger and thumb tip actually on the shaft!

Seems no detriment to his swing as he outdrives me easily. He's a good 4" taller than me and has a very upright stance on the tee.

I think a lot has to do with your stance and swing, after all, we all have different swings and methods of playing the game.

 

[drawboy]

Anthony Kim grips down the shaft on every club as he say's it gives him more control. I find that very interesting as if there is anyone who will have the full custom fit service at their disposal it would be a top touring pro. When you think about it, it is very easy to try, grip down to 40" and see the results,however just cutting a few inches off of the butt of a club isn't really practical as it would change the balance and swing weight of the driver. It makes you wonder if manufacturers deliberately make drivers over length to keep us coming back and buying because we cannot get on with the one's we have.

 

[USER1999]

I don't get the difference between gripping 2" down the grip, and chopping 2" off.

Surely if you feel the shaft is too long, grip down a bit.

 

[birdieman]

I don't get the difference between gripping 2" down the grip, and chopping 2" off.

Surely if you feel the shaft is too long, grip down a bit.

My thoughts entirely!

All that is happening is by shorthening the shaft its the equivalent to choking down the club. The club will be effectively stiffer and control over the shot increases, there should be a little loss in distance too as clubhead speed is lost.

Players that drive poorly often pick the club up and return it to the ball too steep, if you have a nice wide takeaway and shallow plane you'll hit a 45" driver fine.

Step away from the hacksaw!

 

[thegogg]

Interesting thread as the driver is my major problem club.

Where do you measure the shaft length from, is it from where it enters the ferul (42") to the top of the grip or is it from top of the shaft/grip to the floor when holding the club (45")?

I use a Ping G10 and normaly hit a big power fade (slice) but occasionaly hit a very long straight one so I'm going to try and grip further down and see if this gives me more control and a straighter ball flight.

 

[johng]

I don't get the difference between gripping 2" down the grip, and chopping 2" off.

Surely if you feel the shaft is too long, grip down a bit.

True enough, however, the grip itself can be a difference. Choke down by that ammount and your hands can become too active as the grip thins far more than normal. You also have the couple of inches poking out above the grip. Not a major problem, but for the 'more rounded' gentleman it could prove an annoyance.

Swing weight is lightened as the mass of the club is less, but again this could be advantageous to some people.

Fully agree that 'one size doesn't fit all', but for me it has been a positive move forward and certianly has helped my confidence with the driver increase.

As i said, no real distance gains, but far more control and forgiveness.

John.

 

[RGDave]

I'm glad it worked for you.

I went down this route and thought I was doing the right thing until I discovered the Wilson Spine Driver. The Spine has a longer shaft than even the stupid Taylor Made and Nike clubs on the market.

Modern drivers ARE too long but it's all about finding what works for you.