Okay, so I’ve been stuck at a 15 handicap for what feels like forever. I decided it was time to really figure out this driver thing. I mean, everyone says driving is key, right?
My Quest for the Best Driver
First, I headed to the driving range. I just started whaling on balls, no real plan, just trying to feel things out. My usual miss is a nasty slice, so I was really focusing on keeping the clubface square. I hit about a hundred balls, and honestly, it was a mess. Some good, mostly bad.
Next, I booked a lesson with the local pro, Mark. He watched me hit a few, and immediately spotted a couple of things. My grip was too strong, and I was swinging way too much from the outside-in. We worked on weakening my grip a bit and trying to feel like I was swinging more “out to right field” (I’m a righty). It felt super weird at first, but I started seeing a straighter ball flight.
- Grip change: Weaker grip.
- Swing path: More in-to-out.
- Focus: Smooth tempo, not killing it.
Mark also suggested I try a few different drivers. He had a bunch of demo clubs, so I grabbed a few with different shafts and lofts. I tested each:
The regular shaft felt a little too whippy.
The stiff shaft felt better, more control.
Then, I tried one with a slightly higher loft (10.5 degrees instead of my usual 9.5), and boom! That was the ticket. The ball launched higher, and my slice was way less pronounced.
I spent the next few weeks really practicing those changes. I’d go to the range a few times a week, just grooving that new swing. I even played a few rounds with the demo driver, and my scores started to come down. Not dramatically, but I was definitely hitting more fairways.
Finally, I decided to pull the trigger and buy a driver similar to the demo I’d been using. It wasn’t cheap, but I figured it was an investment in my game. I’m still not breaking any records, but I’m hitting the ball longer and straighter than ever before. That 15 handicap? It’s still there, but I feel like I’m finally on the right track to breaking through!
So, my advice? Get a lesson, try different clubs, and don’t be afraid to make changes. It’s a process, but it’s worth it!
