golfrewind.com

Hi,

I've always had trouble hitting a driver. I was fitted for a new one recently and asked that the length of the club be shortened to 44-inches.

I have found that I am more consistent, and haven't really lost much distance. On really tight driving holes a grip down another inch and find it easier to find the fairway. I'm also losing less golf balls.

Anyway, if you are struggling with your driver, you may want to try playing it by gripping down. If it works for you may want to have the shaft shortened.

If you are wondering about changing the playing characteristics of your driver, in my case I called Callaway and they said it would be just fine: wouldn't feel any stiffer, etc.

This was from an article in the November, 2005 issue of Golf Digest (apparently this hasn't changed):

The average length driver on the PGA Tour is 44 1/2 inches. For most golfers, I recommend no longer than 44 inches. This will give you more control than the longer driver. You will develop more confidence and make a better swing. On average this will give you more accurate and longer drives. You might not win bragging rights with an occasional testosterone-inspired long drive, but you will lose fewer balls and enjoy your game a lot more. Shaft length is important, but don't forget to make sure you're comfortable with the flex of the shaft. Remember: If you think the 44-inch driver is too short, how on earth are you going to use a 3-wood or your hybrids, which are a lot shorter?

Anyone else do this?

Im in the process of trying to decide if i'm going to cut my driver down. Whenever I grip down though I snap hook it for some reason. A bit of added weight though (which was easy to do with the TM R7 425) meant I had a good time by gripping down an inch on wednesday, much better accuracy.

I cut mine down to 44" and the my drives have found more fairways and ball striking is more consistent...

I had a new 44" stiff low torque graphite put on my driver and its great, And what realy turned me on was going out with no practice the first time this year and ripping them long and straight.