Back 9 driver woes

[mddubya]

I've got a question for ya'll. On the front 9, most of my drives are long and true. Straight down the fairway. But by the time I reach the back 9 they turn into a power fade as Jack used to call them. And the last 2 holes it may or may not be a slice. I don't feel like my swing is changing over the course of the round so what gives? Anyone else have this problem?

[Eracer]

Are you staying hydrated? Eating something every six holes (a piece of fruit or a power bar?)

What's happening is that your muscles are getting fatigued. You may not feel tired, but your muscles aren't firing properly, and you are having a hard time turning the clubhead over. A quick fix is to set up for a draw on every tee box.

[warbirdlover]

I know what it is. I fight this too. As you get tired you start gripping the club harder. When I grip too tight I slice. Either that or you start overswinging (also causes slice) trying to keep hitting those bombs.

Of course I could be wrong...

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by warbirdlover

I know what it is. I fight this too. As you get tired you start gripping the club harder. When I grip too tight I slice. Either that or you start overswinging (also causes slice) trying to keep hitting those bombs.

Of course I could be wrong...

I agree with this. As I get tired I have to consciously remind myself to keep my grip relaxed.

[MCDavis]

ALWAYS eat something at the turn (fruit, breakfast bar, hot dog, burger, enchilada) and keep fluids going as you play. Makes a big difference.

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by MCDavis

ALWAYS eat something at the turn (fruit, breakfast bar, hot dog, burger, enchilada) and keep fluids going as you play. Makes a big difference.

I'm not riding in your cart if you eat Mexican food at the turn. Uhn-uh, no way, no how...

[MCDavis]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I'm not riding in your cart if you eat Mexican food at the turn. Uhn-uh, no way, no how...

That was more for Jeff's benefit...there's no telling what those New Mexicans serve at the turn!

I bet the Canuck crowd serves moose burgers.

[slickpitt]

I sometimes have this problem... but mine usually shows up around hole 7 or 8. Basically I think that's when I really get loosened up, so taking a bigger backswing is easier, which in turn throws my timing off. I really have to watch it.

[Pa Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by warbirdlover

I know what it is. I fight this too. As you get tired you start gripping the club harder. When I grip too tight I slice. Either that or you start overswinging (also causes slice) trying to keep hitting those bombs.

Of course I could be wrong...

I run into this alot, and mine is usually the matter that I start overswinging a little. Although my shots tend to be Pulls or Pull Hooks. Which between yours and what the initial poster mentioned, the only difference is that I am getting the face closed. Probably because I still usually relax my hands.

Anytime my ball goes or finishes left, it usually comes as a result of my swinging to hard. Usually happens latter in the round when my driver is going well, and I figure as well as it is going, why not go after it a little more. Not a wise choice.

Just gotta remind myself to consciously relax my grip, arms and my swing and hit it the way it has been working up until then. Not necessarily a bad habit to know about, because I also know that if I ever need to hit a draw or hook with any club I simply go after the ball a little more. Also explains why I used to have a predominant draw to straight starting hook, I used to go after ever shot.

Just gotta remind myself to relax and swing normal.

[ezra76]

I usually experience the opposite. Driver sucks on the front, warms up by 7 or 8 and is decent on the back. My problems seem to stem from trying to control and steer it too much. When I stay loose, pick target, belt it at target, it's usually within 20yds. of online, which is good enough for me.

[rubber314chicken]

It sounds like you are over turning. Thats what was causing my power hooks. Now I just keep the right foot planted until I can't because of the turn.

I also have to remeber to keep the grip relaxed, hands infront of the ball if I'm using an iron, face square, and head (my head) up. The rest is all good once I do that.

[Wi-Golfer]

If I walk 18 then I run into a similar issue around holes 13-14. I have to constantly remind myself to keep a very loose grip, slow back swing, etc. If I do that, then it's all good, otherwise it's hook city.

[mddubya]

Thanks guys, I'll give these a try and see how it goes.