Old-guy newbie needs to stop slicing

LowPost42 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-04-2005, 04:32 PM

Gord makes a great point.

To add one more thing - just because you need a stiff driver shaft doesn't necessarily mean you need a stiff shaft in your irons.

Newbie4me · #17 (**permalink**) 04-08-2005, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowPost42

We're talking about the same grip here. If you look down at your hands at address, and can see 4 knuckles (or the back of your hand) on your left hand, it's a 4 knuckle grip - also known as VERY strong (this has nothing to do with grip pressure).

The only problem is, like I said, it's a bandaid solution. Yes, if you're casting, (often caused by the flying elbow) it seems to get the clubhead closed enough to promote either a straight shot or a pull-slice (or pull-fade, aka Power Fade). The problem is that if you use it and DON'T come from the outside - an immediate duck-hook is the result... low and left in a hurry. Not to mention that your club looks broken after the swing (as the head is all twisted around due to the ultra-strong grip).

Another couple of questions re: ball flight. Does your shot start straight then banana out right? Or does it go straight right then curve some more?

My assumption, from everything you've said, is that you're coming down the line nicely with an open clubface - very open.

You might try closing the clubface at address. The other thing you might want to check is your ball position. As Bonzi has stated, let's get it forward (if it ins't already). Try playing the ball level with your lead heel.

Since you're at the range, drop a couple clubs on the ground. Have the first one point out to the range (this is your target line). Put your toes up to this club. Have the other club touching your lead heel, making a 'T' with your target line club. Tee up the ball in line with the intersection. Swing away.

LowPost42:
Thanks for the quick reply. Sorry I haven't been able to respond sooner, but was away at a conference.

Sounds like the strong grip I am using is a temporary fix...
For your information, my driver gives me an immediate curve. Sometimes posing some danger to other golfers at the right end of the range (range has approximately 40 stalls). I usually hit it over the fence on the right.
My hit usually starts a little to the right, then reeeeaally curves to the right.
I can hit straight sometimes if I slow down my swing considerably (usually hits 180-200 on first bounce). I have been lucky at times and have hit into the 240 fence when the stars are in line...
Just for yucks, I tried a Taylor Made 540 (I didn't have clubs at the time so I asked the proshop for their best loaner with the firmest/low torque shaft) and found that I still hit slices, but not as bad. I was able to keep all 50 balls on the range, but didn't quite get the "feel" for the club. I was averaging about 220 (excluding the 10 "topped" balls until I got used to the club) and never really got in a good swing.
I'll try your suggestion and put the 2 clubs on the ground to adjust my ball placement. I have to admit that I have been putting the ball more torwards the outside toes of my left foot rather than the heal.

Thanks again for the assistance. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Newbie4me · #18 (**permalink**) 04-08-2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gord962

Is the shaft flex on your driver different than the flex of the rest of your clubs? Even if it is, there is no standard for what a 'stiff' or 'regular' flex is. One of my co-workers has a TM R580 with a stiff shaft. He took it in and the shaft tested as a XX stiff. He now has a frequency checked shaft and everything now works fine for him! From your posts above it sounds more and more like you are hitting too stiff of a shaft. Take it in to have it checked where they adjusted your irons - this could fix all your problems quickly.

Gord962:
Thank you for responding. Sorry for taking so long to reply. I was at a conference.
The rest of my clubs are Ping red dots with steel shafts and a Taylor Made #5 fairway wood with titanium shaft.
Good suggestion on taking the driver into the proshop for analysis. Maybe they can tell me my head spead as well.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Thanks again for the assistance!

Newbie4me · #19 (**permalink**) 05-17-2005, 03:24 AM

Okay, I'm back now.
I have been away at a conference in Florida and had to take care of matters in Hawaii. It was rough!
Just to update everyone, I was able to fix my huuuuuge slice. It was totally by accident.
In Florida, I tried a very firm driver and found that my slices were somewhat tamed, but it wasn't until I tried a regular flex that I realized what I needed to do.
The regular flex Mizuno driver accentuated any flaw that I had in my swing and I found that I turned too quickly (both shoulders and waist), which didn't allow me to square at my release point.
With a little bit of practice using the Mizuno, I was able to strike a few decent shots down the middle of the range. The whippy nature of the Mizuno allowed me to experiment with speed, wrist movement, and push.
I was able to force hooks by turning my wrist when my hands approached my right pocket (I am right handed).
I finally broke down and purchased a camera that can take digital video. I will post to this site if they allow me to post files that are 1.7 MB (back view) and 2.12 MB (side view) and would appreciate everyone's feedback.
I have only been swinging a club for 6 months and would appreciate it if you could be gentle with the comments! =) Nah, let the comments rip!
We learn better that way!
After the thousands of balls hit over 6 months, I recommend trying a regular flex driver to get a better idea of the mechanics involved. I can now hit decent shots with my firm flex Big Bertha II.
Looking forward to any comments.

Regards and good hitting,
Newbie4Me

Newbie4me · #20 (**permalink**) 12-01-2005, 05:11 AM

Okay, I'm back again with a lot of good information.
It's been a year since I started golf and I can finally hit pretty straight now. =) I'm losing 1 ball on 18 holes instead of the 20 lost in the beginning.
Let me start by going over what I _tried_ to do to get rid of my slice:
- I tried to guess what my shaft flex (or stiffness) should be. This forces you to adjust your swing speed, which is bad for consistency.
- I tried to time the "flip" of my wrist to turn my hand over at the "release point" of my swing. Hard to do and makes you "spray" your balls all over the place.
What I did to start hitting straight:
- Adjusted my grip. Made sure the "v" between my thumb and first finger of my left had pointed between my right cheek and right shoulder on setup (address). Made a *huge* difference!
- Got my swing analized. Strength of grip coupled with head speed gives you a good idea of the shaft flex you should get. Frequency testing should be done on the shaft to ensure it meets your flex grade. The flex showing on the shafts of modern drivers do not follow the same measurements. A X-tra stiff shaft from one manufacturer may not be a X-tra stiff for another. Frequency testing the shaft will allow you to get a consistent measurement of the different manufacturer's shafts. Swing analysis also checks the "lie" of your club's head. If I understand "lie angle" correctly, I believe it means the bottom of your club head should be flat against the ground (not toe touching or heal touching) at setup. If the toe of your club head touches the ground, the toe will hit the ground first during your swing, which twists your club head into an "open" position causing a slice.
I hope the information I posted helps. It took me the majority of the past year to finally start to hit straight. Sad part is, it was a combination of grip, shaft stiffness, and head "lie angle" that caused my severe slice.
If this information helps one person, it would be worth the year I spent suffering to find the answer.
Let me know if this helped you.

Aloha!
Newbie4Me

mhpopp · #21 (**permalink**) 03-12-2006, 02:32 AM

a thin coating of vasoline on the face of your driver will take care of your slice. its illegal, but it works!

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