So, back on the topic of the “right sticks,” (see previous post). One of the truly helpful things I learned in the book I talked about in the previous entry was the information on club length and loft. The author made the point that most of us are using drivers that are way too long and with too low a degree of loft. (Loft refers to the angle of the club face and has a bearing on how far the club can hit the ball.) Today, if you go to a sporting goods store and buy a driver, unless you are a really terrific pro-level golfer, you are buying a club that you will find very difficult to control and is not the best choice for you as a driver. The book suggests you consider a 3 Wood a better choice for a driver. Actually, when I made the measurements the author suggested (wrist to floor length, hand length, finger length, age, and estimated swing speed, it became apparent from the charts in the book that I should be using a 5 Wood as my driver. In addition, I learned that I should be using a “light” flex shaft. There are technically 3 kinds of shafts – Stiff, Regular, and Light. Sometimes you’ll see a Senior flex or Women’s flex as well, but these are basically “light” flex shafts. So, I purchased a 5 Wood with a light flex. This is a shorter club than the driver I had, by about 3 -1/2 inches, and has a loft that is twice as high. And, the book was right – I am able to hit with a lot more control and accuracy, and distance hasn’t suffered that much. The club I purchased is shown below, but there are many others that would be just as good or better.
| List Price: |
$199.99 USD |
Release date March 1, 2009.
|
|
Loading ...
This is really great information. As a golfer newbie myself I have an additional thought as well. Even though I like using my driver, and don’t want to completely go away from it, I think a big part of my frustration has been that I’ve been trying to use my driver too much. There are many times when my 3-wood would be a better choice. Or even a 5-iron. I often can hit as far or almost as far with my 5-iron as with my driver but much, MUCH straighter. I’ve heard other golfers say that newbies shouldn’t always try to go for it with every drive, but consider dividing the distance to the green in half. For instance, let’s say your at a 4 par hole that is 340 yards long. And let’s also say for the sake of argument that you typically hit 190-200 yards (but not particularly straight) with your driver and you hit 160-170 yards with your 5-iron and relatively straight. In this case, it’s a much better play to go 170 yards with your 5-iron, do the same on your second shot, and then your on the green in two. If you can then 2 putt, you’ve just parred the hole! That would be awesome for any golfer newbie! Just a thought. I even know some more advanced golfers who use this strategy! Happy golfing!
BTW, great website. I’m happy I was one of the people who inspired you to take up this incredible game!