Avid Golfers: Suggest A New Driver For Me

[BingJohnson]

I'm an avid golfer. I shoot in the mid to high 80s (have broken into the 70s 3 times). I drive the ball 300+ pretty consistently, but my approach game isn't very good.

Just recently I blew the seams out of the bottom of my Callaway FT-5 driver. I loved that driver. But it is close to 5 years old now. I suppose it's time for an upgrade. Anyone have suggestions on new driver?

I need to make a purchase soon. I rely on the long ball for scoring.

[Obiwan316]

I'm an avid golfer although I'm not up to your level of play. I tend to shoot in the mid-90s and go into the 80s for my good rounds.

I have a Taylor Made R7 and love it. My brother has the TM Burner and loves it. We too smash the ball pretty far. Although, I sometimes don't go straight I talked to a guy recently that bought the new R11 and loves it more than any club in his bag. My in-laws and Dad; all big golfers all have Taylor Made drivers as well.

So, I would suggest one of the new TM drivers although I hear the new Ping driver is very good as well. I would go to a shop where you can hit them and see which one feels the best. Everyone is different.

[BingJohnson]

^^ Thanks. I planned to stop at a range that demos clubs today so that I could hit the FT-iZ and the Diablo Octane (I'm a Callaway fanboy). I will add the R-11 to my list.

[Obiwan316]

Did you make a pick?

[BingJohnson]

Yes I did. I ended up going with the FT-iZ. It felt very similar to the FT-5 I was using before. The R11 was nice, but it just didn't seem as hot as the FTs. The Diablo Octane was the least hot of all of them.

[NeoFoxTrot]

So, on the flip side, do either of you guys have any suggestions for someone who is just starting? My father-in-law has been trying to get me to play with him.

[BingJohnson]

Jul 7, 2011 14:33:55 GMT -5 NeoFoxTrot said:

So, on the flip side, do either of you guys have any suggestions for someone who is just starting? My father-in-law has been trying to get me to play with him.

They make clubs for high handicap players. The Callaway Diablo Octane that I hit when I was testing clubs is a Max Game Improvement Driver. I couldn't hit it as far as the other drivers, but damned if it didn't go straight every time.

Here is a list of 2011's Max Game Improvement Drivers. There is a 2010 list out there as well if you are looking to get a driver a little cheaper.

www.golf.com/golf/gallery/article/0,28242,2039298-1,00.html

[NeoFoxTrot]

Awesome, thanks Bing.

[MichaelVash7886]

Will have to check those out. I was ok with the short game when I played a lot but haven't had much luck with driving.

May pick up last years Diablo edge which is $139. Looks like I'll have to decide between 9 and 11 degrees.

[Obiwan316]

As far as starting out. Just hit the range and practice some. I would get a book or take some lessons that will help you. I took some lessons when I started and I felt like they helped some but they also screw you up. They try to make you into Tiger when you really just want your own swing to work out. It totally depends on how you learn though. They work for some people just not me. I do better working it out with myself on the range.

Grip is a big deal. Make sure that you have a proper grip. I still struggle with that.

Sometimes reading the right things or hearing them a certain way click. For example, I always struggled in the sand. I always read "take a donut of sand" or "hit 2 inches behind the ball." I read one day that said "just hit right behind the ball." This totally clicked for me and now I get out of the sand no problems really. I actually aim out of the sand and try to get it close where before I was about trying to just get it out.

[BingJohnson]

YouTube has some great videos for golf tips. You just have to know what you're looking for. This video completely change the way I thought about a golf swing.