Driver Loft: The Real Deal

by: B. J. Hathaway, G.S.E.B.

Hitting your driver well equals more tee shots in the fairway and better chances of hitting greens in regulation and lowering your score. The problem is that the driver is the least lofted club in your bag, and less loft creates more side spin for hits that are off center or where the path and face angle don't match up. This is why with the same impact factors your driver will slice much more than you pitching wedge.

We know from testing that missing the center of the face (the sweet spot) by one half inch can cost you 10 yards or more of carry distance. Most golfers would benefit from a shorter driver and despite the rumors will not lose distance because they could have better control for on center hits.

The next huge factor for hitting more fairways is the loft of your driver. The keys to longer, straighter drives are optimal launch angle and reduced spin. The problem is golfers have ego's (most of you don't need that 8.5 degree driver!) That along with bad information are reasons why you are not hitting more fairways.

The average male golfer has a driver swing speed around 87 mph, most women swing in the 70 mph range. These swing speeds require a loft range from 10-19 degrees to give a launch angle that can maximize carry distance. So the proper loft for your swing speed can increase your carry distance by as much as 15 yards, without swinging harder!

You may be asking, what about roll? How many times to you have a driver shot over water or a bunker and roll the ball through a hazard? If you play on a course with firm conditions then roll is great, but I would rather carry a shot over something than try to roll past or around it!

The key for every golfer is to find the right loft that fits your swing speed, the right length that fits your build and the right shaft. No matter if you shoot 98 or 68, having the right equipment will greatly increase your enjoyment of the game.

Come see myself or Carlos Santos at the Jones Creek Golf Center and let us help you get the right driver for your game.

Augusta Golf Instruction is based at Jones Creek Golf Club. B.J Hathaway is Augusta's first and only Authorized Instructor for The Golfing Machine.

bj@augustagolfinstruction.com
706.836.4330