[Scukonahuy]

So I was taking a few swings at an indoor place this morning - since its still freezing here. It was almost empty but I got to talking with the guy next to me who was just killing a Cleveland DST Tour (300+ yards on the monitor!). Turns out he was a pro and was testing out the club (which he loved by the way, mostly because of its accuracy)

Anyway I tell him I am looking to get the DST to get some more yards since I seem stuck at around 200-220 with my 09 Launcher. He takes a look at 09 Launcher, tees it up and sends it 295 yards on his first swing. Then gives it back to me and tells me to swing a few. I hit 3 shots, 190, 225, 223- all right in the middle.

His conclusion? Buying a new driver would be a waste of money, unless I just like getting new drivers. My control is first class. The flex and loft are perfect form me. But I am not taking a full backswing, and I need to focus more on using my 'core muscles' through the swing. Do that and I should easily be able to add 50 yards to the driver I have now (and save 300 bucks in the process).

As he leaves he says if I want to buy something I ought to get some new irons since it looks to him like my swing has out grown them.

I know that kind of advice has been given on this site before, but to have a pro standing there and show you makes a big impact. As always the club can only get you so far- then its all about the operator.... And how great to have a pro give me some free advice.

Unfortunately, my wife was listening to all this- so my plan to get a new driver is no longer happening!

[deermealec]

Most of the time, a new driver is not going to increase distance. It can of course and has for me on a number of changes I have made. Heck, look at the guy giving the advice. He hit the DST over 300 yards and according to you the Launcher 295. So 1 year new technology did give him an increase in yardage.

[Scukonahuy]

Most of the time, a new driver is not going to increase distance. It can of course and has for me on a number of changes I have made. Heck, look at the guy giving the advice. He hit the DST over 300 yards and according to you the Launcher 295. So 1 year new technology did give him an increase in yardage.

No question about it. And for him the accuracy of the DST club was even a bigger selling point than the distance! (though I don't know what he was hitting before). But for the kind of distance increase I need, getting more power through the swing is going to have more impact than any any new driver. Its a good point I think.

[Storwaytozy]

Sounds like pretty good advice. Cant argue about the source. But I fall into, I just like buying new stuff category. But a flawed swing is always going to be flawed until you fix it, that will always be the same.

[deermealec]

No question about it. And for him the accuracy of the DST club was even a bigger selling point than the distance! (though I don't know what he was hitting before). But for the kind of distance increase I need, getting more power through the swing is going to have more impact than any any new driver. Its a good point I think.

I agree. However I think it should be noted that many of the new 2010 drivers are designed for that very thing including the DST. Lighter balanced technology to get more swing speed.

I think that most with repeatable swings will not gain a huge amount of distance. The problem is we do not have repeatable swings as amateurs. But I still go back to the source. He picks up the 2009 Launcher and hits it 295. Then hits the 2010 Launcher and it goes 300+. That to me says his own advice is a little off.

[Scukonahuy]

hmmm..... still he was using the 8.5* tour version and maybe a non-standard shaft. He picks up my fit-on gold 10.5 stock club and still gets nearly 300 on it- that's pretty good.

Maybe I could get another 5 or 6 yards just by switching clubs as you say, but I think his point was that I could get 50 yards by increasing backswing and power....

[spapsinee]

Unfortunately, my wife was listening to all this- so my plan to get a new driver is no longer happening!

but your plan for new irons begins ;D

[MADwanker]

I think I have the same problem with not taking a full backswing. I hit my R9 about 220-230. Problem is, when I make an effort to take a fuller backswing, I get off balance and end up doing something I'm not proud of. I think it's because I over-rotate my hips on my backswing... I'm going to make a point to videotape my swing in the next few weeks...

And now your wife knows that a pro is recommending new irons... thats great!

[uranbigis]

Besides the advice, there is nothing like seeing a good golfer bang one out there with the actual 'suspect' club!

I am working on my turn also. It costs nothing, and it should improve my performance with all my clubs!

[standaman]

Too many golfers swing their drivers with their arms instead of turning the club with their core. The power difference is amazing. Watch Stricker today. No wasted energy there. The epitome of a "core" swing.

Kevin