What should you be using from the tee box for your drives?

I know you are thinking the driver is the club everyone is supposed to use for from the tee box. The driver is the club of choice for most players but for many of us we struggle hitting the driver with any success. If you happen to be in this category you might want to listen up!

A driver has around 8.5 to 13.0 degrees of loft with an average length of 45 inches. This is the toughest club in the bag to get up in the air and hit straight due to the length and loft. The longer a club gets the more difficult it becomes to control the club head. As loft goes down spin rates go up. If you hit the ball with a slightly open or closed face the low loft will magnify the shape of the shot. It will turn that fade into a big slice and a draw into a monster hook.

If you are struggling with your driver you might try a club with more loft, like a 3 wood, 5 wood or even a 7 wood. This will put a shorter club in your hands with more loft which will greatly help getting the ball in the air with a straighter ball flight not to mention better contact.

It is not always true that the driver goes the furthest. I have seen many players who hit their 3 wood or 5 wood further than their driver. I have even seen beginners hit their 7 iron much further than any of their woods because they make solid contact and get the ball up in the air. A solid 7 iron will go further than a chunked or whiffed driver every time.

The trick is finding a club you have success with and hit solid. Never force yourself to hit clubs you don’t have success with. Try and find a club that gives you confidence and success even if it is different than your playing partners. Always play to your strengths and before you know it your game has already improved.

The Lesson Tee………
By Director of Instruction, Andy Scott School of Golf

Until next time……see you on the lesson tee.