Mens Golf Drivers

How to choose a driver.

Our first tip is, choosing a driver because it looks great is not the way to better golf. Sure, you need to feel comfortable with its looks, but shaft, loft, head size, kick points and spin rate play more important roles.

In years gone by most players associated distance with less loft and 7.5 or 8 degree drivers were common place. These days with the aid of computer systems such as Trackman we have come to learn that more loft can create extra distance when combined with the correct shaft. However more loft will not suit everyone. So how do you decide?

One of the first things to look at is the spin rate you hit the golf ball. This is important because backspin will affect the distance you carry the golf ball.

Spin Rate is generated primarily by Spin Loft and club speed. Spin Loft = Dynamic Loft-Attack Angle. High spin rate is caused by a combination of two factors. If, for example the Static Loft of your driver is 10 degrees and the Dynamic Loft (this is the loft of the club at impact) is 15 degrees you will generate a high Spin Loft.

Example spin rate:
PGA TOUR
Driver – 2686 rpm
6 iron – 6231 rpm

LPGA TOUR
Driver – 2611 rpm
6 iron – 2611 rpm

Male Amateur (Driver)
Scratch of Better – 2896 rpm
5 HCP – 2987 rpm
10 HCP – 3192 rpm
Average Golfer (14.5) – 3275 rpm
Bogey Golfer – 3127 rpm

Female Amateur (Driver)
Scratch or Better – 2831 rpm
5 HCP – 3027 rpm
10 HCP – 3207 rpm
15 HCP – 3287 rpm

The standard assumption for spin rate comes from the TrackMan Optimizer.

For a driver, a club speed of 94 mph, attack angle of 0 degrees, and optimized carry results in a spin rate of 2,772 rpm.

Let’s assume you have a low swing speed of (85mph or less) you will need a driver with 12-14° of loft. But why?

Imagine this. You’re watering your plants in the garden but your hose isn’t quite long enough to reach the roses. You angle your hose so the water flows at a steeper angle therefore gaining more distance. Like the arch of a rainbow.

If someone turned up the water pressure (swing speed) you could reach the roses by reducing the angle (lower ball flight) and less loft.

Knowing your swing speed and angles at impact will help gain a better understanding of the correct loft for you.

What shaft flex should I have?

"Flex" refers to the ability of a golf shaft to bend as forces are applied to it during the golf swing.

Most common shaft flex ratings are: Extra Stiff, Stiff, Regular, Senior and Ladies. Many people think if they choose a very flexible shaft they will hit the ball further, this in some part is true. However, a flexible shaft coupled with a fast swing will no doubt create poor or inconsistent alignment at impact resulting in wild tee shots.

Shaft flex will impact, the accuracy, trajectory and distance of your shot. Three pretty important things.

Example of shaft flex:

If you carry your driver 250 yards or more? Stiff shaft
If you carry your driver 230 - 250 yards? Regular shaft
If you carry your driver 200 - 230 yards? Senior shaft
If you carry your driver less than 200 yards? Ladies shaft

To find out more information or to book a custom fit driver session please email sales@uniongolf.co.uk