Golf Driver/Putter advice

[ChiShankCity]

Hey everyone. I recall posting something about golf iron suggestions a while back, so apologies if I'm duplicating a topic before. I finally got a new set of irons (I had been playing with Ben Hogan Apex Forged irons from the 80's). I think the ones I got are Mizzuno 919 hot metal 5-pw. I didn't really hit a ton of irons when shopping around. Hit 3 different irons (Callaway, Taylor Made) and the Mizzuno's felt the best and I didn't want to have paralysis by analysis by hitting 20 different kinds of irons.

However, I do need a new driver and putter as well. And from my perspective, there seems to be a much higher volume of drivers and putters to choose from.

The current driver I have isn't great, but if I were a really good player, I could probably be functional with it (Taylor Made Jetspeed). I've never felt really great swinging them and I picked them out maybe 5 years ago because they were on sale for like 80 bucks during Father's Day weekend.

But anyone have suggestions for the driver? Obviously not looking to break the bank but something functional. What to look for?

I get the sense putter and wedges are more about feel vs specs. But again, any suggestions would help.

I was recommended not to get a 4-iron. Does this mean I should like into a hybrid and woods?

Specifics about my game (if it matters):
- Driver have less control. Either hit it straight or slice. Haven't measured distance, but I'm probably carrying below average. Getting the proper launch is typically a problem. Occasionally, I pop it straight up off the top of the driver. So probably am swinging a bit down rather than swinging slightly up.
- Irons I have a slight fade...

Sorry, lot of questions!

 

[nctransplant]

Hey everyone. I recall posting something about golf iron suggestions a while back, so apologies if I'm duplicating a topic before. I finally got a new set of irons (I had been playing with Ben Hogan Apex Forged irons from the 80's). I think the ones I got are Mizzuno 919 hot metal 5-pw. I didn't really hit a ton of irons when shopping around. Hit 3 different irons (Callaway, Taylor Made) and the Mizzuno's felt the best and I didn't want to have paralysis by analysis by hitting 20 different kinds of irons.

However, I do need a new driver and putter as well. And from my perspective, there seems to be a much higher volume of drivers and putters to choose from.

The current driver I have isn't great, but if I were a really good player, I could probably be functional with it (Taylor Made Jetspeed). I've never felt really great swinging them and I picked them out maybe 5 years ago because they were on sale for like 80 bucks during Father's Day weekend.

But anyone have suggestions for the driver? Obviously not looking to break the bank but something functional. What to look for?

I get the sense putter and wedges are more about feel vs specs. But again, any suggestions would help.

I was recommended not to get a 4-iron. Does this mean I should like into a hybrid and woods?

Specifics about my game (if it matters):
- Driver have less control. Either hit it straight or slice. Haven't measured distance, but I'm probably carrying below average. Getting the proper launch is typically a problem. Occasionally, I pop it straight up off the top of the driver. So probably am swinging a bit down rather than swinging slightly up.
- Irons I have a slight fade...

Sorry, lot of questions!

You probably need to find a 12 plus degree driver.

 

[cletusnow]

Hey everyone. I recall posting something about golf iron suggestions a while back, so apologies if I'm duplicating a topic before. I finally got a new set of irons (I had been playing with Ben Hogan Apex Forged irons from the 80's). I think the ones I got are Mizzuno 919 hot metal 5-pw. I didn't really hit a ton of irons when shopping around. Hit 3 different irons (Callaway, Taylor Made) and the Mizzuno's felt the best and I didn't want to have paralysis by analysis by hitting 20 different kinds of irons.

However, I do need a new driver and putter as well. And from my perspective, there seems to be a much higher volume of drivers and putters to choose from.

The current driver I have isn't great, but if I were a really good player, I could probably be functional with it (Taylor Made Jetspeed). I've never felt really great swinging them and I picked them out maybe 5 years ago because they were on sale for like 80 bucks during Father's Day weekend.

But anyone have suggestions for the driver? Obviously not looking to break the bank but something functional. What to look for?

I get the sense putter and wedges are more about feel vs specs. But again, any suggestions would help.

I was recommended not to get a 4-iron. Does this mean I should like into a hybrid and woods?

Specifics about my game (if it matters):
- Driver have less control. Either hit it straight or slice. Haven't measured distance, but I'm probably carrying below average. Getting the proper launch is typically a problem. Occasionally, I pop it straight up off the top of the driver. So probably am swinging a bit down rather than swinging slightly up.
- Irons I have a slight fade...

Sorry, lot of questions!

Take 2 weeks off, then give up golf altogether.

 

[dadika13]

Hey everyone. I recall posting something about golf iron suggestions a while back, so apologies if I'm duplicating a topic before. I finally got a new set of irons (I had been playing with Ben Hogan Apex Forged irons from the 80's). I think the ones I got are Mizzuno 919 hot metal 5-pw. I didn't really hit a ton of irons when shopping around. Hit 3 different irons (Callaway, Taylor Made) and the Mizzuno's felt the best and I didn't want to have paralysis by analysis by hitting 20 different kinds of irons.

However, I do need a new driver and putter as well. And from my perspective, there seems to be a much higher volume of drivers and putters to choose from.

The current driver I have isn't great, but if I were a really good player, I could probably be functional with it (Taylor Made Jetspeed). I've never felt really great swinging them and I picked them out maybe 5 years ago because they were on sale for like 80 bucks during Father's Day weekend.

But anyone have suggestions for the driver? Obviously not looking to break the bank but something functional. What to look for?

I get the sense putter and wedges are more about feel vs specs. But again, any suggestions would help.

I was recommended not to get a 4-iron. Does this mean I should like into a hybrid and woods?

Specifics about my game (if it matters):
- Driver have less control. Either hit it straight or slice. Haven't measured distance, but I'm probably carrying below average. Getting the proper launch is typically a problem. Occasionally, I pop it straight up off the top of the driver. So probably am swinging a bit down rather than swinging slightly up.
- Irons I have a slight fade...

Sorry, lot of questions!

Few things here...

1. Taylor Made and Callaway have stepped out in front of the driver market. I'd try to get the 2016-17 model driver from either brand and you should be good to go. Go swing those two drivers and see which one feels better.

2. Always buy on eBay. Their clubs are 30-40% the price of any store, they are brand new from big time club dealers, and it is extremely reliable. I haven't bought a club anywhere else in 10 years and never once had a bad experience.

3. Once you get that driver, spend a few hours on the range with it. You'll be a disaster if you go right to the course.

4. On putters, it's 100% feel. Swing a few at a golf store and then buy it one ebay.

5. I disagree with @nctransplant on the heavy degree driver. Seems like you need to move the ball up in your stance some, rather than just pop up a 12 degree driver. I'd get 10.5.

 

[nctransplant]

Few things here...

1. Taylor Made and Callaway have stepped out in front of the driver market. I'd try to get the 2016-17 model driver from either brand and you should be good to go. Go swing those two drivers and see which one feels better.

2. Always buy on eBay. Their clubs are 30-40% the price of any store, they are brand new from big time club dealers, and it is extremely reliable. I haven't bought a club anywhere else in 10 years and never once had a bad experience.

3. Once you get that driver, spend a few hours on the range with it. You'll be a disaster if you go right to the course.

4. On putters, it's 100% feel. Swing a few at a golf store and then buy it one ebay.

5. I disagree with @nctransplant on the heavy degree driver. Seems like you need to move the ball up in your stance some, rather than just pop up a 12 degree driver. I'd get 10.5.

Hank Haney disagrees with you on loft. The higher the loft the more forgiving.

 

[nctransplant]

https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/gear/gear-blog/what-loft-of-driver-should-i-use-69479

 

[gteeitup]

@SJung851 putters are all about feel...try the ping anser and an odyssey of similar face.

can’t recommend a driver better than a callaway...i still play with a bb2 and hit it 280+, where i want, which is all i need...keep in mind, that bb2 technology might be 15 years old.

 

[plm]

I would echo jcolucci. Just spent 100 bucks to get fitted at the old Dana Radar golf institute with Stan roach. They will change drivers and shafts and put you on a launch monitor to measure spin and distance and dial in something for your swing. To me the shaft is more important than the driver head.

 

[plm]

Gteeitup I agree about Calloway drivers. I’m playing a razr fit now and was convinced I wanted a taylormade m5. They measured my razr fit at 105mph swing speed, spin was 2200 and distance around 267 consistently. M5 distance went to 274 but spin went up to 2500. Not worth the $500+ for 5 yards. Wasn’t even looking at the new epic but hit some balls with it. Spin was 2000-2200 and distance was 284-289.

 

[nctransplant]

I play the Rouge subzero. Love it. I've also had really good luck buying from Callaway preowned.

 

[grillheel]

I play the Rouge subzero. Love it. I've also had really good luck buying from Callaway preowned.

Rogue not rouge. Women, and some men, use rouge. NTTAWWT.

 

[nctransplant]

Rogue not rouge. Women, and some men, use rouge. NTTAWWT.

Sorry spell check and I didn't check my work.

 

[TarHeelMark]

Sorry spell check and I didn't check my work.

Sounds like your phone is making a similar goof when you type “dammit” correctly but it comes out “damnit”?

 

[nctransplant]

Sounds like your phone is making a similar goof when you type “dammit” correctly but it comes out “damnit”?

Damnit

 

[UNC71-00]

What’s the budget @SJung851 and what’s your handicap?

 

[ChiShankCity]

What’s the budget @SJung851 and what’s your handicap?

I haven't played 18 in a while. My guess is I'd shoot around 95.

Would rather keep my driver to $250 an under. Putter to around $100-$150 if possible.

 

[UNC71-00]

I haven't played 18 in a while. My guess is I'd shoot around 95.

Would rather keep my driver to $250 an under. Putter to around $100-$150 if possible.

Do you have a Golf Galaxy nearby? They have a good selection of used clubs and markdowns on new clubs that are last years models. They will also let you hit on an indoor range. That's probably the best way to go about it.

 

[toophly1124]

I feel like you ask this question every 4-6 months. If you’re shooting 95s it doesn’t matter what clubs you’re using. Get lessons and go from there.

 

[ChiShankCity]

I feel like you ask this question every 4-6 months. If you’re shooting 95s it doesn’t matter what clubs you’re using. Get lessons and go from there.

That part already taken care of. Asking this because my coach told me the clubs I was using was absolutely affecting my score because they're so old. Wanted to get more opinions because he's recommending everything from this year's models.

 

[nctransplant]

That part already taken care of. Asking this because my coach told me the clubs I was using was absolutely affecting my score because they're so old. Wanted to get more opinions because he's recommending everything from this year's models.

Golf club technology has changed dramatically. He's right. Get fit somewhere and bite the bullet. The game will be much more pleasurable. If you are near Goldsboro NC, see Ray Smeltzer at First Tee. He is awesome.

 

[toophly1124]

Yep. Buy the M6, some P790 irons, vokey wedges and a DJ spider putter and you’ll be better in no time. I’ll reiterate. If you’re shooting 95 plus and your instructor is telling you it’s bc of your clubs then you need a new instructor.

 

[toophly1124]

Unless you’re talking 1950 style shit. Then yea I’d agree persimmon probably isn’t the best bet anymore.

 

[dadika13]

Yep. Buy the M6, some P790 irons, vokey wedges and a DJ spider putter and you’ll be better in no time. I’ll reiterate. If you’re shooting 95 plus and your instructor is telling you it’s bc of your clubs then you need a new instructor.

Yeah, I've never bought a club that's taken more than a shot or two off my game consistently.

Lessons and practice took me from a 95 to 85.

 

[ChiShankCity]

Yeah, I've never bought a club that's taken more than a shot or two off my game consistently.

Lessons and practice took me from a 95 to 85.

I understand it's the player and not the tools. However, the upgrade in irons has added about 15-20 yards distance and its aided the mis-hits a lot. Whether that distance lowers my score remains to be seen.

And I went through the process of trying to correct my flawed swing before shopping around. I wouldn't be looking for upgraded clubs if I swung it like Charles Barkley.

 

[toophly1124]

Lessons and practice took me from a 95 to 85.

10000% Preach.

 

[UNC71-00]

I understand it's the player and not the tools. However, the upgrade in irons has added about 15-20 yards distance and its aided the mis-hits a lot. Whether that distance lowers my score remains to be seen.

And I went through the process of trying to correct my flawed swing before shopping around. I wouldn't be looking for upgraded clubs if I swung it like Charles Barkley.

Golf Galaxy

 

[bleeduncblue]

I've been a PGA Professional since 2002. My advice: go to Dick's or some place like that and put your hands on drivers and putters, figure out what looks/feels good to you. If you're a 90+ player, dont spend a lot of time or money on getting fitted - buy a driver you can adjust (loft, weight, face angle) then go back to your teacher and work on ball flight and adjustments to dial it in. You can easily buy a good, lightly used adjustable driver for $150 to $200.

Regarding putters, I agree with what others have said, it has more to do with feel and "I like the way it looks" than anything - but studies have also shown that SOUND has a lot to do with putting ability. Meaning you need to hit putts with it (outdoors if possible) so you can determine if you actually like the the sound of the putter - sound and feel go hand in hand. Most amateurs use putters that are too long for them, so they end up too far from the ball and the putter is too upright (toe off the ground too much).

eBay can be a good option but there are also a lot of counterfeit golf products on there, so be careful.

Good instruction matters but consistent practice of what you've learned matters the most. If you have, for example, 2 hours a week to practice (not play) then spend 1.5 hours on putting and shots 50 yards and in .. and the other 30 minutes on your alignment and swing tempo with the rest of your bag.

 

[ChiShankCity]

I've been a PGA Professional since 2002. My advice: go to Dick's or some place like that and put your hands on drivers and putters, figure out what looks/feels good to you. If you're a 90+ player, dont spend a lot of time or money on getting fitted - buy a driver you can adjust (loft, weight, face angle) then go back to your teacher and work on ball flight and adjustments to dial it in. You can easily buy a good, lightly used adjustable driver for $150 to $200.

Regarding putters, I agree with what others have said, it has more to do with feel and "I like the way it looks" than anything - but studies have also shown that SOUND has a lot to do with putting ability. Meaning you need to hit putts with it (outdoors if possible) so you can determine if you actually like the the sound of the putter - sound and feel go hand in hand. Most amateurs use putters that are too long for them, so they end up too far from the ball and the putter is too upright (toe off the ground too much).

eBay can be a good option but there are also a lot of counterfeit golf products on there, so be careful.

Good instruction matters but consistent practice of what you've learned matters the most. If you have, for example, 2 hours a week to practice (not play) then spend 1.5 hours on putting and shots 50 yards and in .. and the other 30 minutes on your alignment and swing tempo with the rest of your bag.

This makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks!

I played yesterday for the first time this year. Didn't score well at all, but some of that had to do with not knowing my distance with the irons. I completely forgot about that step while practicing.

Definitely a practice player at this point. Feel pretty confident at the range (grass or mat) but never have been able to transfer anything onto the real thing. Oh well, looks like I'm hooked onto the game though. Never thought I'd be into golf, but here we are. Take all my money golf.... All of it.

 

[dadika13]

I've been a PGA Professional since 2002.

Got any quick tips?

I slice my driver if I play it on the inside of my front foot. If I move it back into the middle of my stance it doesn't slice but it is a low ugly shot of like 210 yards in the air (I'm like 260-270 in the air on the front foot but it's 20 yards right).

Grip is already strong on the left hand, weak on the right (I'm righty). My swing is consistently past parallel and definitely a bit over the top. Any quick fix if I don't want to overhaul my entire swing? The idea of swinging to first base helps, but doesn't solve it.

 

[UNC71-00]

Got any quick tips?

I slice my driver if I play it on the inside of my front foot. If I move it back into the middle of my stance it doesn't slice but it is a low ugly shot of like 210 yards in the air (I'm like 260-270 in the air on the front foot but it's 20 yards right).

Grip is already strong on the left hand, weak on the right (I'm righty). My swing is consistently past parallel and definitely a bit over the top. Any quick fix if I don't want to overhaul my entire swing? The idea of swinging to first base helps, but doesn't solve it.

close your stance and then square your shoulders to your stance (as opposed to your line).

Its actually probably just an alignment issue. Address as normal and then get a buddy to line you up

 

[nctransplant]

Got any quick tips?

I slice my driver if I play it on the inside of my front foot. If I move it back into the middle of my stance it doesn't slice but it is a low ugly shot of like 210 yards in the air (I'm like 260-270 in the air on the front foot but it's 20 yards right).

Grip is already strong on the left hand, weak on the right (I'm righty). My swing is consistently past parallel and definitely a bit over the top. Any quick fix if I don't want to overhaul my entire swing? The idea of swinging to first base helps, but doesn't solve it.

Stick to something you know, like fries and burgers.

 

[tarheel0910]

Stick to something you know, like fries and burgers.

Speaking of, today is national hamburger day.

 

[dadika13]

Stick to something you know, like fries and burgers.

 

[tarheel0910]

Everyone here has a running joke. That joke is going to be yours. You'll just have to live with it.

 

[bleeduncblue]

Got any quick tips?

I slice my driver if I play it on the inside of my front foot. If I move it back into the middle of my stance it doesn't slice but it is a low ugly shot of like 210 yards in the air (I'm like 260-270 in the air on the front foot but it's 20 yards right).

Grip is already strong on the left hand, weak on the right (I'm righty). My swing is consistently past parallel and definitely a bit over the top. Any quick fix if I don't want to overhaul my entire swing? The idea of swinging to first base helps, but doesn't solve it.

I would bet a small sum that you (like 90% of RH amateurs) are aiming right of your intended target line - you either have your body lined up AT the intended target and therefore the club is aimed parallel right of that line OR you have your body AND your club lined up at the target and your lines would eventually cross over ... either scenario is not good and makes it nearly impossible to hit the ball with any consistency. Most "over the toppers" are simply making a swing path to correct poor alignment - their brain is telling them to hit it to the target but their alignment wont allow it to happen WITHOUT re-routing the club on the downswing/thru impact.

SO, first things first, make absolutely sure that you're lining up correctly with parallel body and club head lines (does that make sense?). Never ever ever practice full shots without clubs or sticks on the ground to keep your alignment correct and constant.

Assuming your alignment is correct, you will now more than likely hit pull-slices that start way left and curve right - or you'll hit dead pulls - or some combination of both. Go get 2 straight pool noodles and lay them down parallel to each other, 6" apart with a tee in the middle of the noodles length and width wise - set the noodles up so they align toward "right-center" field (with your intended target being dead center field) ... so the noodles should be about 5 degrees RIGHT of your foot path.

Now, start off with half speed swings with a 9 iron and NO BALL ... back and forth, back and forth, over and over ...make sure you do not make contact with either noodle .. once you can successfully do that, start adding forearm rotation to square the club face thru impact - AKA, try to get the toe of the club to the ball before the heel (your slice tells us that you hold the club face open thru impact, which you no longer need to do since your alignment and swing path are now correct).

After you've made a bunch (like 200) practice swings and you can go full speed without hitting the noodle and feel as though you're squaring the club face thru impact, you can start hitting balls but also half speed with a 9 iron. You can slowly eliminate a slice with this practice method but it takes LOTS and LOTS of patience and borrrrring practice swings. There is no quick fix for habitual excessive side to side spinning of the golf ball. It's just muscle memory that needs to change. GOOD LUCK

 

[nctransplant]

I would bet a small sum that you (like 90% of RH amateurs) are aiming right of your intended target line - you either have your body lined up AT the intended target and therefore the club is aimed parallel right of that line OR you have your body AND your club lined up at the target and your lines would eventually cross over ... either scenario is not good and makes it nearly impossible to hit the ball with any consistency. Most "over the toppers" are simply making a swing path to correct poor alignment - their brain is telling them to hit it to the target but their alignment wont allow it to happen WITHOUT re-routing the club on the downswing/thru impact.

SO, first things first, make absolutely sure that you're lining up correctly with parallel body and club head lines (does that make sense?). Never ever ever practice full shots without clubs or sticks on the ground to keep your alignment correct and constant.

Assuming your alignment is correct, you will now more than likely hit pull-slices that start way left and curve right - or you'll hit dead pulls - or some combination of both. Go get 2 straight pool noodles and lay them down parallel to each other, 6" apart with a tee in the middle of the noodles length and width wise - set the noodles up so they align toward "right-center" field (with your intended target being dead center field) ... so the noodles should be about 5 degrees RIGHT of your foot path.

Now, start off with half speed swings with a 9 iron and NO BALL ... back and forth, back and forth, over and over ...make sure you do not make contact with either noodle .. once you can successfully do that, start adding forearm rotation to square the club face thru impact - AKA, try to get the toe of the club to the ball before the heel (your slice tells us that you hold the club face open thru impact, which you no longer need to do since your alignment and swing path are now correct).

After you've made a bunch (like 200) practice swings and you can go full speed without hitting the noodle and feel as though you're squaring the club face thru impact, you can start hitting balls but also half speed with a 9 iron. You can slowly eliminate a slice with this practice method but it takes LOTS and LOTS of patience and borrrrring practice swings. There is no quick fix for habitual excessive side to side spinning of the golf ball. It's just muscle memory that needs to change. GOOD LUCK

If this was tltr @dadika, have your spatula travel from left to right when flipping those burgers. Inside to out.