One of the most frustrating aspects of golf is the idea that you can shave off a few unneeded strokes, but you don’t know how. Sometimes, you can take a look at your driver; the driver is crucial in setting up each hole. Here are some tips for picking the right golf driver for your game.
1. The club head – The best club head size for your game is determined in your decision in the balance between control and the size of the “sweet spot”, which is the area that provides the best hit in a shot. The smaller sizes range from 150 to 155 cubic centimeters and are considered standard; they provide the most control but have a smaller sweet spot. Midsized club heads are about 195 cubic centimeters and are moderate in both control and sweet spot size. Oversized heads are any ones larger than midsized. They give the largest sweet spot, but are harder to control, partly because of the sheer weight.
2. The shaft – Choosing a shaft is a two-step process. First, you must decide between graphite and steel shafts. Then, you must choose a flex level. The decision between materials relies on your experience and end goals. Steel shafts are strong, durable, and offer control; however, you must be strong in order to produce the same distance that graphite does. Overall, stronger players should use steel shafts if control isn’t quite up to par. Graphite shafts are versatile but expensive. They are less durable and offer less control, but require less strength.
Flex, as the name implies, is the flexibility of the shaft. There are five basic levels of flex in golf: L for Ladies, A for Seniors, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff. Flexible shafts provide more power, which is a great aspect for beginning players as well as those with weaker swings. However, as shafts become less and less flexible, there is more control available. This is why stronger players should drift towards the Stiff and Extra Stiff flex levels; that is, if you have a 90-110 MPH swing, try out the stiffer two levels. Average swings are around 75-90 MPH, and players with those swings should stick with the regular level for now.
3. The weight and length – Obviously, the basic characteristics of weight and length should be considered. Basically, lighter clubs give faster swing speeds and farther hits. This translates into a simple concept: Players with stronger swings choose heavier clubs for more control. Lighter drivers work better for those without stronger swings.
The length of the driver is another decision in the balance between control and distance. Drivers with a length of 43 to 44 inches are considered traditional. Drivers 45 to 46 inches long can give a slightly longer distance. Any longer than 46 inches poses the opportunity to have a greatly increased potential for distance as well as a greatly decreased range of control.
Many of the aspects that must be considered depend on your swing and willingness to sacrifice control for other benefits. These are your tips for picking the right golf driver for your game.
