The Golf Thread - 2016!
Discussion
cheddar said:
Are you DEFINITELY bending your knees? If not bend them.
If you are then here's a drill:
Take a PW, hold it in your left hand by the club head with the head pointing down, slowly start your backswing until completion keep your arm VERY loose then power your hips through until your belt buckle faces the direction of intended ball flight, the club will naturally 'swoosh' through its arc on just the hip rotation alone.
Do this before every game as part of your warm up, start gently and gradually increase. Imagine powering off of your back foot and transferring your weight forwards.
All this is assuming you're right handed
Thanks for that I'll give it a go, I know my practice swings are normally pretty good then I have a habit of straightening up or standing up a bit sometimes when I'm actually taking the shot. If you are then here's a drill:
Take a PW, hold it in your left hand by the club head with the head pointing down, slowly start your backswing until completion keep your arm VERY loose then power your hips through until your belt buckle faces the direction of intended ball flight, the club will naturally 'swoosh' through its arc on just the hip rotation alone.
Do this before every game as part of your warm up, start gently and gradually increase. Imagine powering off of your back foot and transferring your weight forwards.
All this is assuming you're right handed
StescoG66 said:
A wee spot of advice please folks. I will set the scene - I previously had a Titleist 909D2 9.5 degree with Aldila VooDoo stiff shaft which I hit well, but could be wild with on occasions. My swing speed is on that borderline between requiring a stiff and regular at mid 90's mph.
Fast forward to now, I have acquired a 913D2 with 10.5 loft (de-lofted via the shaft to 9.75), and am using a light-ish Aldila Rogue regular shaft. Am far, far more comfortable with it, can swing easier, the strike is far sweeter as a consequence and the clubhead feel is immeasurably improved - when I went back to the 909 it was like swinging a lamp post!
However - I have lost a bit of distance and I feel the ball flight is a touch too high. Given that shafts these days seem to be designed to get the ball in the air, I have now managed to get my mitts on an 8.5 degree 913 to use with the shaft(s) I have. My theory being the lesser loft will counteract the tendency of the shaft to hit the ball high. Are my theory and practice correct? I have three shafts to switch between as an experiment - the aforementioned Aldila, a Diamana 50R and a Mitsubishi Bassara 55R.
Might not be the shaft.Fast forward to now, I have acquired a 913D2 with 10.5 loft (de-lofted via the shaft to 9.75), and am using a light-ish Aldila Rogue regular shaft. Am far, far more comfortable with it, can swing easier, the strike is far sweeter as a consequence and the clubhead feel is immeasurably improved - when I went back to the 909 it was like swinging a lamp post!
However - I have lost a bit of distance and I feel the ball flight is a touch too high. Given that shafts these days seem to be designed to get the ball in the air, I have now managed to get my mitts on an 8.5 degree 913 to use with the shaft(s) I have. My theory being the lesser loft will counteract the tendency of the shaft to hit the ball high. Are my theory and practice correct? I have three shafts to switch between as an experiment - the aforementioned Aldila, a Diamana 50R and a Mitsubishi Bassara 55R.
Typically, what sort of flight do you get? Does it start low and rise, does it launch high and keep going up or do you get a rainbow flight?
Usually, the last thing you want to do for someone with a slower swing speed is give them less loft as that usually create's more spin (which at slower SS kills distance)
For example, I have a Driver SS averaging about 109mph. I play a 11* 917 D2 head and wouldn't dream of dropping to 8.5.
JamesNotJim said:
StescoG66 said:
A wee spot of advice please folks. I will set the scene - I previously had a Titleist 909D2 9.5 degree with Aldila VooDoo stiff shaft which I hit well, but could be wild with on occasions. My swing speed is on that borderline between requiring a stiff and regular at mid 90's mph.
Fast forward to now, I have acquired a 913D2 with 10.5 loft (de-lofted via the shaft to 9.75), and am using a light-ish Aldila Rogue regular shaft. Am far, far more comfortable with it, can swing easier, the strike is far sweeter as a consequence and the clubhead feel is immeasurably improved - when I went back to the 909 it was like swinging a lamp post!
However - I have lost a bit of distance and I feel the ball flight is a touch too high. Given that shafts these days seem to be designed to get the ball in the air, I have now managed to get my mitts on an 8.5 degree 913 to use with the shaft(s) I have. My theory being the lesser loft will counteract the tendency of the shaft to hit the ball high. Are my theory and practice correct? I have three shafts to switch between as an experiment - the aforementioned Aldila, a Diamana 50R and a Mitsubishi Bassara 55R.
Might not be the shaft.Fast forward to now, I have acquired a 913D2 with 10.5 loft (de-lofted via the shaft to 9.75), and am using a light-ish Aldila Rogue regular shaft. Am far, far more comfortable with it, can swing easier, the strike is far sweeter as a consequence and the clubhead feel is immeasurably improved - when I went back to the 909 it was like swinging a lamp post!
However - I have lost a bit of distance and I feel the ball flight is a touch too high. Given that shafts these days seem to be designed to get the ball in the air, I have now managed to get my mitts on an 8.5 degree 913 to use with the shaft(s) I have. My theory being the lesser loft will counteract the tendency of the shaft to hit the ball high. Are my theory and practice correct? I have three shafts to switch between as an experiment - the aforementioned Aldila, a Diamana 50R and a Mitsubishi Bassara 55R.
Typically, what sort of flight do you get? Does it start low and rise, does it launch high and keep going up or do you get a rainbow flight?
Usually, the last thing you want to do for someone with a slower swing speed is give them less loft as that usually create's more spin (which at slower SS kills distance)
For example, I have a Driver SS averaging about 109mph. I play a 11* 917 D2 head and wouldn't dream of dropping to 8.5.
109mph is serious mon, proper golfer James!
DuncanM said:
How does less loft create more spin, everything else being equal?
109mph is serious mon, proper golfer James!
All things being absolutely equal. Loft will not create more spin, but I can 1000% guarantee things aren't equal. 109mph is serious mon, proper golfer James!
Its called spin loft. Basically it's the difference between your AOA and dynamic loft (angle of attack and the loft you present at impact) The higher the difference the higher amounts of backspin you will create.
I use to a lot quicker but over the years I've played technique always trumps raw speed. A strike out the middle of the face beats a SS 10mph quicker and out the heel.
JamesNotJim said:
A good example why loft is good.
Imagine a hose pipe, when you want to get the water to go further, you aim the pipe up to gain distance (the perfect rainbow flight). If the water pressure was the drop (Slower SS) you have to aim the pipe higher to maximise distance.
Ooh I like that Imagine a hose pipe, when you want to get the water to go further, you aim the pipe up to gain distance (the perfect rainbow flight). If the water pressure was the drop (Slower SS) you have to aim the pipe higher to maximise distance.
I get dynamic loft, well explained James!
JamesNotJim said:
StescoG66 said:
A wee spot of advice please folks. I will set the scene - I previously had a Titleist 909D2 9.5 degree with Aldila VooDoo stiff shaft which I hit well, but could be wild with on occasions. My swing speed is on that borderline between requiring a stiff and regular at mid 90's mph.
Fast forward to now, I have acquired a 913D2 with 10.5 loft (de-lofted via the shaft to 9.75), and am using a light-ish Aldila Rogue regular shaft. Am far, far more comfortable with it, can swing easier, the strike is far sweeter as a consequence and the clubhead feel is immeasurably improved - when I went back to the 909 it was like swinging a lamp post!
However - I have lost a bit of distance and I feel the ball flight is a touch too high. Given that shafts these days seem to be designed to get the ball in the air, I have now managed to get my mitts on an 8.5 degree 913 to use with the shaft(s) I have. My theory being the lesser loft will counteract the tendency of the shaft to hit the ball high. Are my theory and practice correct? I have three shafts to switch between as an experiment - the aforementioned Aldila, a Diamana 50R and a Mitsubishi Bassara 55R.
Might not be the shaft.Fast forward to now, I have acquired a 913D2 with 10.5 loft (de-lofted via the shaft to 9.75), and am using a light-ish Aldila Rogue regular shaft. Am far, far more comfortable with it, can swing easier, the strike is far sweeter as a consequence and the clubhead feel is immeasurably improved - when I went back to the 909 it was like swinging a lamp post!
However - I have lost a bit of distance and I feel the ball flight is a touch too high. Given that shafts these days seem to be designed to get the ball in the air, I have now managed to get my mitts on an 8.5 degree 913 to use with the shaft(s) I have. My theory being the lesser loft will counteract the tendency of the shaft to hit the ball high. Are my theory and practice correct? I have three shafts to switch between as an experiment - the aforementioned Aldila, a Diamana 50R and a Mitsubishi Bassara 55R.
Typically, what sort of flight do you get? Does it start low and rise, does it launch high and keep going up or do you get a rainbow flight?b
Usually, the last thing you want to do for someone with a slower swing speed is give them less loft as that usually create's more spin (which at slower SS kills distance)
For example, I have a Driver SS averaging about 109mph. I play a 11* 917 D2 head and wouldn't dream of dropping to 8.5.
As I say - the strike and feel is great, just need to tweak the ball flight. Have taken a punt on the 8.5 and we will see how it fares. Given my 10.5 is wound back to 9.75 it will make for an interesting experiment. Edit: I can of course put the 8.5 up to 9.25
Thank you for the help and advice. Have a great Christmas and hope we all manage to get a few games under our belts.
Edited by StescoG66 on Saturday 24th December 09:22
There's some confusing stuff going on here.
Less loft on a driver will not create more spin. With a lower loft you reduce spin loft, so spin is lower.
The reason why most amateur golfers need more loft on their driver is for increased launch angle to create the desired flight, and enough spin to keep the ball in the air long enough.
Too much spin, and too little are both killers of distance.
Less loft on a driver will not create more spin. With a lower loft you reduce spin loft, so spin is lower.
The reason why most amateur golfers need more loft on their driver is for increased launch angle to create the desired flight, and enough spin to keep the ball in the air long enough.
Too much spin, and too little are both killers of distance.
HaplessBoyLard said:
There's some confusing stuff going on here.
Less loft on a driver will not create more spin. With a lower loft you reduce spin loft, so spin is lower.
The reason why most amateur golfers need more loft on their driver is for increased launch angle to create the desired flight, and enough spin to keep the ball in the air long enough.
Too much spin, and too little are both killers of distance.
Beautifully explained - thank you. In that case my theory may just be correct, as I suspect I am putting too much spin on the ball as I have lost a lot of run - it pretty well lands and stops nowLess loft on a driver will not create more spin. With a lower loft you reduce spin loft, so spin is lower.
The reason why most amateur golfers need more loft on their driver is for increased launch angle to create the desired flight, and enough spin to keep the ball in the air long enough.
Too much spin, and too little are both killers of distance.
Like many things I suppose the difference is minuscule and small changes can make a big difference
StescoG66 said:
HaplessBoyLard said:
There's some confusing stuff going on here.
Less loft on a driver will not create more spin. With a lower loft you reduce spin loft, so spin is lower.
The reason why most amateur golfers need more loft on their driver is for increased launch angle to create the desired flight, and enough spin to keep the ball in the air long enough.
Too much spin, and too little are both killers of distance.
Beautifully explained - thank you. In that case my theory may just be correct, as I suspect I am putting too much spin on the ball as I have lost a lot of run - it pretty well lands and stops nowLess loft on a driver will not create more spin. With a lower loft you reduce spin loft, so spin is lower.
The reason why most amateur golfers need more loft on their driver is for increased launch angle to create the desired flight, and enough spin to keep the ball in the air long enough.
Too much spin, and too little are both killers of distance.
Like many things I suppose the difference is minuscule and small changes can make a big difference
Thats a good thing most of the time, with most clubs, but usually not in driving where greater roll is desired.
The rainbow profile is ok, but ideally a low, boring flight that peaks later than halfway is better. But you dont want so much spin that you get a soaring ballooning flight, as that costs distance and puts you at the mercy of accidental sidespin and the wind.
No functioning apostrophe on this bloody keyboard, sorry...
StescoG66 said:
Beautifully explained - thank you. In that case my theory may just be correct, as I suspect I am putting too much spin on the ball as I have lost a lot of run - it pretty well lands and stops now
Like many things I suppose the difference is minuscule and small changes can make a big difference
The thing is, it might not be the club at all. There's several reasons you might be launching it too high. Like many things I suppose the difference is minuscule and small changes can make a big difference
Without knowing how you're swinging and general strike location on the club face, all this talk of changing the setup of the club is kind of pointless.
You feel comfortable with what you've changed to, and you say you strike it well, which is great, but it's not fitted.
The answer, really, is to go and see a pro and explain whats happening. They can determine what's causing the issue you're seeing, and what you need to fix it.
JamesNotJim said:
3 clubs and a putter comp today. Stuffed it round in +1 gross. Got beat into 3rd on count back. Nice little £30 voucher and a bottle of champers. Even got £8 for a 2 aswell. This winter is turning out to be a lot better than last year, was struggling to play to 10.
Wow, what a great year you've had James!What's been the biggest change?
Oh, and Merry Xmas everyone
First (half) round following hand/finger surgery in August - finger shattered into multiple pieces in an. DIY accident - a few screws now holding it together...
Beyond hitting a house (twice) (high, 50* right) off the first all went well and broadly played bogey golf from the 3rd onward with a few pars...
Expected for an 7/8 handicap :/
Beyond hitting a house (twice) (high, 50* right) off the first all went well and broadly played bogey golf from the 3rd onward with a few pars...
Expected for an 7/8 handicap :/
JamesNotJim said:
3 clubs and a putter comp today. Stuffed it round in +1 gross. Got beat into 3rd on count back. Nice little £30 voucher and a bottle of champers. Even got £8 for a 2 aswell. This winter is turning out to be a lot better than last year, was struggling to play to 10.
Great result! Well done :-)StescoG66 said:
I do seem to get a nice arc, but it launches too high, and against the wind (a frequent occurrence playing at Crail!!) it climbs somewhat. Downwind is ace!!
As I say - the strike and feel is great, just need to tweak the ball flight. Have taken a punt on the 8.5 and we will see how it fares. Given my 10.5 is wound back to 9.75 it will make for an interesting experiment. Edit: I can of course put the 8.5 up to 9.25
Thank you for the help and advice. Have a great Christmas and hope we all manage to get a few games under our belts.
If you're in Crail then you should get yourself along to the range at wellsgreen, st andrews or drumoig and test the different shafts on a launch monitor. Then it's the (simple) matter of working out which gives the best combo of clubhead speed and launch angle. You might find that your initial set-up has a bearing on things too and that a small tweak to posture or ball position (for example) will make a dramatic difference to your results. As I say - the strike and feel is great, just need to tweak the ball flight. Have taken a punt on the 8.5 and we will see how it fares. Given my 10.5 is wound back to 9.75 it will make for an interesting experiment. Edit: I can of course put the 8.5 up to 9.25
Thank you for the help and advice. Have a great Christmas and hope we all manage to get a few games under our belts.
Edited by StescoG66 on Saturday 24th December 09:22
Looked around YouTube on Monday for a few tips, as you do, and found an old boy on there called Adam Bazalgette from the Scratch Golf Academy.
Found all his videos really nicely done, simple to follow and free of most of the BS the American coaches in particular seem to love. Anyway, as a high-teens handicapper I was particularly interested in this one of his:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNgn_0fADWM
and a couple of others which talk about delofting the club, something I am ashamed to say I had no idea about. What he said made so much sense I thought I may as well give it a go. Scored 39 using this technique including three blobs and didn't grossly mis
t any ball. Feeling very happy about the game all of a sudden and looking forward to tomorrow's round.
Just need to sort out bunkers, which are still a big issue on our local course, heavy clumpy sand in every one so ball either dies back into the bunker or flies miles across the green, usually into another bunker
Found all his videos really nicely done, simple to follow and free of most of the BS the American coaches in particular seem to love. Anyway, as a high-teens handicapper I was particularly interested in this one of his:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNgn_0fADWM
and a couple of others which talk about delofting the club, something I am ashamed to say I had no idea about. What he said made so much sense I thought I may as well give it a go. Scored 39 using this technique including three blobs and didn't grossly mis
t any ball. Feeling very happy about the game all of a sudden and looking forward to tomorrow's round. Just need to sort out bunkers, which are still a big issue on our local course, heavy clumpy sand in every one so ball either dies back into the bunker or flies miles across the green, usually into another bunker
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