am I normal

[Doug R]

or not? I am a golf fanatic who generally shoots in the mid 70s to low 80s...Been playing for over 25 years...I only know the basics such as my grip and a swing that works for me..I play forged blades because thats all I really know..anyway, I guess what I am getting at is that I am afraid and always have been to really get into the technical side of golf..meaning, I know nothing about all these different shafts people talk about..I've always played s300's and have never been fit for clubs..buy off the rack and they always seem to work for me...I feel if I start learning about everything its going to screw up my game...I have no idea how long my driver is (inches), I rarely hit in anyway..anyway, the rant on the golf mags and all the tips they have inspired this from me....hope this made sense

doug

[ezra76]

You are normal, I am abnormal. I am a firm believer that once one has a reasonably repeatable swing, a distinct ballflight and consistent ballstriking abilitly, equipment can make a big difference in changing playability and ballflight. Shaft technology is just insane. I recently scored a Rombax shaft and it completely different than the shaft that the driver came with. To find what's right for you is more a question of "what do I want the ball to do" today. If you want to hit drives higher and more right to left, there is a combo to help you do that. If you want to hit a lower, boring flight with a slight fade, there is also a combo to enhance that. Max distance, Max control, somewhere in the middle, whatever you want, it's out there if you have the swing to hit it.

[Mors Ab Alto]

I think it all depends on what you plan on trying to do? Obviously, you want to get better, but your current scores indicate that you are a pretty good player already. I would be afraid that if you start getting to wrapped up in equipment that you may actually hurt your game. However, if you are trying to get to scratch, you may want to see what kind of technological advances you can use to your advantage. Just don't forget the basics.

[warbirdlover]

What you can do (at least with the driver) is find out what the optimum launch angle is, spin rate etc and get on a launch monitor and try different club lofts, clubs, shafts, shaft brands, shaft flexes and you will only be "finding out" what works best for you. It won't screw up your swing and you'll have a better understanding of what works and why.

If something is working good for you, you owe to yourself to find out why so when you ever switch you can buy something that will be better and not worse.

[Doug R]

well, I am curious about this launch angle stuff when it comes to my driver..I bought one of those TM 580xd from golfsmith...stock shaft, etc...hit it nicely in the store and hit nothing but duck hooks with it last week on vacation..It was something that has never happened to me before..couldnt figure it out to save my life...tossed it back in the bag and kept hitting 3 woods down the middle...so my ? would be, is it me or the shaft?

[demon]

Originally Posted by Doug R

well, I am curious about this launch angle stuff when it comes to my driver..I bought one of those TM 580xd from golfsmith...stock shaft, etc...hit it nicely in the store and hit nothing but duck hooks with it last week on vacation..It was something that has never happened to me before..couldnt figure it out to save my life...tossed it back in the bag and kept hitting 3 woods down the middle...so my ? would be, is it me or the shaft?

Both!

You are reacting to the shaft. could be a weight problem compared to your 3-wood or your previous driver (too light). Try keeping the top of your left hand toward the target longer (reverse that if you are a lefty).

[JEFF4i]

Don't forget about angle of decent.

Also, keep in mind you can lower your handicap without changing your swing, but rather, refining.