New Driver

Hi,

I'm a newbie here. I've been playing golf for 2 years now and have finally been able to hit consistent shots recently. I found that by starting the downswing slowly and having the right elbow close to my right hip before applying any power, I can hit really straight shots really far.

For example, my 8 iron goes 150 yards on a rainy evening and my 4 iron goes 205 yards dead straight.

However, I'm looking for a driver. What would be a good one for a beginner? I've been hearing that the Taylormade's are pretty good. Any thoughts?

Also, I own a set of Callaway X-14's. What other good sets are out there?

Hi Big Sheesh,

First thing is do you like the oversized head or a smaller profile head?

As for products, (I'll stick to OEM) the Taylor Made R7 (not surprizingly the most expensive) is the cream of the crop right now, and their R5 is right behind it (quite a bit more affordable). Ping's G2 is a close as well as Cleveland's 460 launcher and Cobra's SZ. If you are looking for a head smaller than 400cc, I would suggest the Titleist 983K.

Taylor Made definitely dominates the driver market - both on the PGA tour and for the weekend duffer.

Instead of just buying a driver off the shelf, I would suggest testing a few drivers out. Ask at your local golf store if you can hit a few balls with each so you can determine if you like the feel/look/playablility. Make your decision from the results.

__________________
Gord

Quote of the month:
"It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification." ~Bruce McCall

Thanks for the quick feedback Gord. I prefer the smaller clubsize drivers. I'm not big on 400cc drivers.

One question that's been bothering me is selecting the right shaft length. I'm 5'8" and 148lbs. The shaft length of drivers are made for the average man. Now I don't know if I need to cut the shaft or not. Is there a site that tells you exactly how to customize shaft length?

Have a look at Golfsmith Big Sheesh, the snake eyes drivers are very good and some of their smaller headed models are practically being given away ($60 for a head and $30 for a shaft) Failing that try one of the older Callaways, the Hawkeye VFT is still a great driver and there are loads of them out there these days since they were so popular when they came out.

5'8" is around average height in most parts of the world so the average shaft length should suit you. Being lighter than average you are probably better to go for a similarly light shaft, maybe about a 55-60 gram shaft (Callaways System 50 shaft would be ideal)

Good Luck,

D.

An average set of men's clubs are made for someone 5'10". There should only be a 1/2 inch difference, so don't bother cutting. Make sure you don't go too much over a regular flex shaft (maybe a regular flex tipped to a 'firm' flex) - a stiff shaft would be too stiff.

I would try looking at an older Taylor Made. The 360XD is a very good driver. It has a smaller head and hits very straight. This was the driver I started with, I still carry one in my bag. I now use a 580Xd which also is a great driver but with a lager head. You can buy a 360XD for about 129.99 and the 580Xd for about 229.00 maybe even cheaper. Just something to consider.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Sheesh Thanks for the quick feedback Gord. I prefer the smaller clubsize drivers. I'm not big on 400cc drivers.

I have a late 1990s Taylor Made driver, 300 series with 8.5 degrees loft. I have a Harrison Pro Titanium 2.5 shaft - stiff flex and 44.5 inches in length. I absolutely nail this driver and it is straight. I spined the shaft myself and it is very close. I now have the best shaft/head/flex combination that I have ever had. I have demo'd several of the new drivers and, as with you, I do not like the 400 cc size. Also, these new drivers do not offer superior performance. I might be able to hit 5 - 10 yards longer with some but distance is not what I need. I have plenty of length. I won a long drive contest in Colorado about a year and a half ago with a drive of 365 yards, slightly up hill into a very slight breeze. Keep in mind that at 5,000 feet elevation golf balls carry between 10% and 12% farther. I would get a titanium driver for the sheer strength to weight ratio. I would recommend the Taylor Made 300 or 320 series drivers. EBAY has many of these for sale, as would a local resale golf store (assuming the store has one for resale).



There are many good iron sets out there. A good set for one person might not be a good set for another. I suppose a golfer has to evaluate their game and assess their skills, honestly. Then the golfer has to determine what kind of game they want to play then decide what iron set maximizes that method of play. For me, a forged blade is what I really need. Now, what forging will offer me the performance benefits I want with the forgiveness I need? I play to a 6-8 handicap, averaging 8 to 10 rounds a year with little practice time. I used to be a 2 handicap (scratch handicap swing with a 10 handicap brain).

__________________
Joe drinking Hacker