Long Driving... competively

Hi everyone - what a great, resourceful site this is!

I am a 21 year old student who was thinking about trying to up my driving game to compete in some competitions.

Right now I have a 7 degree Ping TiSi Driver with a stiff, stock (Cushin) shaft.

A typical drive for me is 310-320 yards. I have hit it as far as 370 (no wind factor). I believe that if I can add 30 yards or so, I can be rather competitive.

First of all, is there any difference between a 7 degree and 5 degree driver if you're achieving the same launch angle?

Next, how much of a difference do you think it will make to upgrade my driver? It isn't a terrible one, but I am guessing there would be a difference.

Lastly, I am 5'7", is there anything that I can do to narrow the advantage taller and stronger golfers have?

Thanks so much!

Matt

Also, with a 50" shaft, what kind of difference will that make in my distance? I certainly understand that all swings are different, but going from a stock shaft (45" I'm guessing) to a 50", will the difference be dramatic (assuming I can control it)?

Thanks again!

Matt

I heard that each 1" on a driver added is 6 MPH. So going from a 45" to 50" would be about another 30MPH! I also heard that each each MPH is about 2.2yds. so that should be an extra 66 yds! 370+66=436 good luck hitting it that FAR!!! you may be the next Mike Austin

Skywalker,

The math is right, but the caveat is that to add the length, you still have to make center-face contact to keep getting the distance.

Wallock, the difference between a 7 and 5 is spin. The less loft, the less backspin. So if you can change your setup to still achieve an optimum launch angle, then you're laughing (providing that dropping 2° will also provide optimum spin).

And please, please bear in mind that the number stamped on the bottom of your club is just a best guess, the target spec. It's +/- 1°, in actuality.

hey,
Also In articles ive read about long driving competitions ive read that they use drivers with 2.5* loft. Not sure if thats true but yeh.