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  1. #1
    Senior Member Touring Pro (European Tour)
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    Default My Quest for Total Driving Improvement (and a lower cap!)

    Driver has always been my weakest club in terms of consistency and I have recently come to a low point where something needs to change. I've tried all sorts of drivers over the years (looking for a quick fix) - even no driver for a while! However I really want to have more confidence off the tee and I don't want to avoid playing a driver anymore.

    If I'm honest with myself I would be lucky to hit 3-4 fairways a round on average (most of those with my 4 wood) and I can't remember the last time I hit 50% of fairways in single round. My home course pretty severely punishes you for missing fairways which is killing my handicap as generally my irons and short game are much better than my current 17.6 cap would suggest. My previous low of 11 was when I was a member of a more open course (less trees) which did not punish my errant tee shots.

    Therefore I am setting a short term goal over the next 3 months to vastly improve my game off the tee and particularly improve my driver. I feel that even if I could average 50% fairways off the tee I would likely shave 4-5 shots off my cap by virtue of less recovery shots per round.

    My current assessment of why I am poor off the tee:
    1. Swing Tendancies
    I tend to get quite far inside on my backswing and then flip it at impact (not good for consistency when hitting a driver). I think I get away with it with my irons but it shows more in my driving. I do try to counteract this with a wider takeaway and smoother transition but old habits return fast.

    2. Confidence
    As with anything if you suck at it for a long period of time you lose confidence leading to even worse performance. This has led to quite a bit of anxiety off the tee. I feel much more settled on second shots. I need to turn this around.

    I do have a coach who I will see to make some technical swing changes and to work on the mental aspects but I'm not looking to rebuild my swing from the ground up either. This post is more for me to track my journey and keep me accountable to progress. I'll keep my fairway stats for each round moving forward so I can track the progress and report back.

    I wondered if anyone has been in a similar situation and turned their driving around to make it a strength of their game? If so what what worked for you?
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  2. #2
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    Flavzz: on the range try some 1/2 swings by shortening the backswing and slowing down the follow through.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    Default

    The Shark was amazingly accurate with Driver, one of the best ever. His tip/mantra "Maintain the V"


  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by thecollective View Post
    Flavzz: on the range try some 1/2 swings by shortening the backswing and slowing down the follow through. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Will do mate. I did have a hit at the range tonight and was focussing on slowing down my transition which did help a lot.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Daves View Post
    The Shark was amazingly accurate with Driver, one of the best ever. His tip/mantra "Maintain the V"
    Thanks mate. As my takeaway gets quite inside I bet I don't maintain this V.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  6. #6
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    ****. I could have written that. Will follow with interest.

    I am off half your cap but same driver stats and lose 2-5 pills per round off the tee. The confidence of no stock driver shot is demoralizing.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Diamonds View Post
    ****. I could have written that. Will follow with interest. I am off half your cap but same driver stats and lose 2-5 pills per round off the tee. The confidence of no stock driver shot is demoralizing.
    Haha. Glad to hear I'm not alone. It's super demoralising when you don't know which way it's going.By the way my stock shot is a draw. My bad miss is a hook left or a block right.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Flavzz View Post
    Haha. Glad to hear I'm not alone. It's super demoralising when you don't know which way it's going.By the way my stock shot is a draw. My bad miss is a hook left or a block right.
    Yep, flippy flip. Cricketers curse. Too much Mohammad Azzhuradine.

  9. #9
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    Go and get fit. Easy.
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    Criticism doesn't bother me, as it means I am doing something and people are watching.
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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by markTHEblake View Post
    Go and get fit. Easy.
    That is on the cards but I want to get it on the right fairway first.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Flavzz View Post
    My home course pretty severely punishes you for missing fairways which is killing my handicap as generally my irons and short game are much better than my current 17.6 cap would suggest. My previous low of 11 was when I was a member of a more open course (less trees) which did not punish my errant tee shots.
    Your course has improved a lot re: trees. When I was a member there 15 years ago there were double the amount and no clearing of lower branches.

    Agree, as I believe my weakness is off the tee too, although it is more distance related than blocks or pulls. Seeing small signs of improvement on the last round by shortening a bit and after looking at a photo of my swing. Now playing with some shafts.
    Once you go yellow, you will never go back

  12. #12
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    My top tip is don't follow tips from amateurs on the internet, find a professional who you like and can work with, and improve your swing that way.

    Although if you don't want to do that, here's my tip (): next time you're at the range, try to hit big slices that start out left of the target. I've seen your take-away, and you do get a long way inside. Put a ball about a metre behind the ball you're hitting and try to imagine taking your clubhead away over that ball.

    I made a few changes earlier this year to try to hit more draws off the tee, but I've gone back to my preferred fade, I find it's much more consistent & reliable.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobsYourUncle View Post
    My top tip is don't follow tips from amateurs on the internet, find a professional who you like and can work with, and improve your swing that way.Although if you don't want to do that, here's my tip (): next time you're at the range, try to hit big slices that start out left of the target. I've seen your take-away, and you do get a long way inside. Put a ball about a metre behind the ball you're hitting and try to imagine taking your clubhead away over that ball.I made a few changes earlier this year to try to hit more draws off the tee, but I've gone back to my preferred fade, I find it's much more consistent & reliable.
    Cheers BYU. I'm well aware of the risks of taking tips from you lot 😅. It's interesting you mention trying to play a fade. One of my good mates mentioned this yesterday. I'll be working closely with my coach primarily and this post is largely to track my performance but I am interested in what has worked for people in the real world. That's a good drill you mention. Will give it a go too.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  14. #14
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    For stat tracking off the tee I prefer to focus on effective drives rather than straight out Fairways hit.
    Having a full swing at your next shot from the second cut is not much different to hitting off the Fairway.
    Naturally if it's buried in a thick bit of cabbage it's not effective.
    This might help reduce some of the frustration that comes from not hitting the first cut much.

    One big tip I can give you with swinging the big dog is make sure your leaving 1/2-1 inch of grip space from the pad of your hand to the butt of the grip. Far too many people grip it all the way to the end unconsciously trying for the big wind up arc to smash it a mile. This just results in crossing past parallel and the hands flip back instinctively to recover the lost position/shape.
    Hit Them Well or Hit Them Often

    W.I.T.B


  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hatchman View Post
    For stat tracking off the tee I prefer to focus on effective drives rather than straight out Fairways hit.Having a full swing at your next shot from the second cut is not much different to hitting off the Fairway.Naturally if it's buried in a thick bit of cabbage it's not effective.This might help reduce some of the frustration that comes from not hitting the first cut much.One big tip I can give you with swinging the big dog is make sure your leaving 1/2-1 inch of grip space from the pad of your hand to the butt of the grip. Far too many people grip it all the way to the end unconsciously trying for the big wind up arc to smash it a mile. This just results in crossing past parallel and the hands flip back instinctively to recover the lost position/shape.
    Good tips Hatch. Agree with your thoughts on effective drives too.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  16. #16

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    Agree about effective drives too. Last round I hit 8/14 fairways but had 3 or 4 missed that were still in good position for a normal second shot, so more like 11 or 12 good drives.

    I used to hate hitting the driver because I'd always slice it into the trees. I bought a new one which helped, but also after a bit of research figured out my grip was weak. I changed my grip to be more neutral/slightly strong, and focused on trying to keep my hands out in front more during the initial takeaway. Now I hardly slice it at all, I also have that crappy hook when I miss but mainly with long irons and no other clubs (maybe a takeaway issue?). Driver is either straight, slight draw or a push right, but I have a lot more confidence with it now than I used to.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kelsey86 View Post
    Agree about effective drives too. Last round I hit 8/14 fairways but had 3 or 4 missed that were still in good position for a normal second shot, so more like 11 or 12 good drives. I used to hate hitting the driver because I'd always slice it into the trees. I bought a new one which helped, but also after a bit of research figured out my grip was weak. I changed my grip to be more neutral/slightly strong, and focused on trying to keep my hands out in front more during the initial takeaway. Now I hardly slice it at all, I also have that crappy hook when I miss but mainly with long irons and no other clubs (maybe a takeaway issue?). Driver is either straight, slight draw or a push right, but I have a lot more confidence with it now than I used to.
    Nice mate! I'd be stoked with more than 10 effective drives per round. I have a session with coach tomorrow so will report back.

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flavzz View Post
    Nice mate! I'd be stoked with more than 10 effective drives per round. I have a session with coach tomorrow so will report back.
    Cheers mate. It was my best round for a while with the driver in terms of fairways, but I often miss in spots that still allow a proper second shot. Unfortunately couldn't capitalise on those drives often enough and wound up with a ton 🤣🤣

  19. #19
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    I had 3 issues with my driver 12 months ago
    Grip which is obviously all sticks , both hands were weak and I was to much in the palm of my right hand
    a two way miss
    and the third was my confidence was shot with it
    Changed my grip which took away my two way miss and then my confidence has come back
    Also for me I have to make sure I don’t get to quick in transition, I have tendency to not finish my backswing properly I get to quick

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kelsey86 View Post
    Cheers mate. It was my best round for a while with the driver in terms of fairways, but I often miss in spots that still allow a proper second shot. Unfortunately couldn't capitalise on those drives often enough and wound up with a ton ������������
    As you and Hatchy both noted, it's so important to have a clear line for your second shot, even if it's from the first cut.

    Quote Originally Posted by Coopers Country View Post
    I had 3 issues with my driver 12 months ago
    Grip which is obviously all sticks , both hands were weak and I was to much in the palm of my right hand
    a two way miss
    and the third was my confidence was shot with it
    Changed my grip which took away my two way miss and then my confidence has come back
    Also for me I have to make sure I don’t get to quick in transition, I have tendency to not finish my backswing properly I get to quick
    Good to hear those changes worked for you mate, two way misses are not fun. Consistent tempo whatever that may be for the individual is always a key to playing well.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  21. #21
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    Week 1 - I caught up with my coach today for a lesson and to discuss my plan to improve my driving.

    As I've been working on my takeaway I hit my first 5 drives pretty well (as you do in lessons). My tempo and takeaway were good but some analysis on the slow mo revealed a few areas for improvement. My inside takeaway is not currently an issue but I did take the club back slightly too far and would get crossed up at the top, creating a lot of work for myself to square the clubface at impact. My hips also tend to get a bit slidy through impact (another tendency I am aware of).

    We worked on a few things to help this. Tried to keep the club layed off more at the top (think exaggerated feeling of Fowlers backswing as a reference). Then let the club drop and try and turn the lower body more to clear the left hip (much easier said than done). We also slightly weakened my left hand in an attempt to gain back a little club head control. I'll practice this every day for a week and report back. I did hit some good balls on the range but I will need to ingrain this if I want to see any long term gains. Turning the lower body successfully will take a lot more time I think.
    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Flavzz View Post
    but I did take the club back slightly too far and would get crossed up at the top, creating a lot of work for myself to square the clubface at impact.
    Hence my 1/2 swing suggestion. Hatchy alluded to it as well, too long wind up is the most probable cause of inaccuracy with the driver.

    Your sway will also improve with a shorter swing plus you will get more distance

  23. #23
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    My best days with the big dog are always when I feel like I'm only taking a 3/4 swing when in actual fact it is a full or very near full swing and I can feel I wait for the back swing to finish before starting the down swing.
    Quick/aggressive tempo and lack of hip turn is always my achilles to maintain through the course of a whole game. Quick transition = lack of hip turn.
    Hit Them Well or Hit Them Often

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  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hatchman View Post
    My best days with the big dog are always when I feel like I'm only taking a 3/4 swing when in actual fact it is a full or very near full swing and I can feel I wait for the back swing to finish before starting the down swing.
    Quick/aggressive tempo and lack of hip turn is always my achilles to maintain through the course of a whole game. Quick transition = lack of hip turn.
    D-type M4 $329 less 15%, perfect for you


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  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by thecollective View Post
    Hence my 1/2 swing suggestion. Hatchy alluded to it as well, too long wind up is the most probable cause of inaccuracy with the driver.

    Your sway will also improve with a shorter swing plus you will get more distance
    Agree mate.

    Quote Originally Posted by Hatchman View Post
    My best days with the big dog are always when I feel like I'm only taking a 3/4 swing when in actual fact it is a full or very near full swing and I can feel I wait for the back swing to finish before starting the down swing.
    Quick/aggressive tempo and lack of hip turn is always my achilles to maintain through the course of a whole game. Quick transition = lack of hip turn.
    It's hard to resist the urge to transition quickly but it always produces a better shot when I slow it down.

    Quote Originally Posted by thecollective View Post
    D-type M4 $329 less 15%, perfect for you


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    WITB
    Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 65g S
    5 Wood: Ping G425 w Tensei Orange AV Raw 75g S
    4 hybrid: Ping G w Alta R
    Irons: 5-PW Ping i210 w PX LZ 5.5
    Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 50-10*, SM8 58-10*
    Putter: 2022 Bettinardi BB-8W, 35 inch
    Bag: Jones Original Carry Bag


 

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