Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

[Knackers]

Hi - I have recently purchased some Hogan Apex Edge irons with stiff steel shafts.I was using firm graphite.I am struggling to hit these new clubs straight.9 times out of 10 they will start left and then draw further left.My concern was they would be too stiff for me and l would block/slice them,but I haven't sliced a single shot left.How do I staighten up?

[David Lake]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

In my opinion you simply need to get used to your new irons since any change from one set to another requires a different feel and timing. The good part is that you will not have to consciously do anything as these slight swing changes will happen automatically as your mind/body unconsciously adapts to the new feel of the clubs through time spent at the range and swing repetition.

[BrianW]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

In my opinion you simply need to get used to your new irons since any change from one set to another requires a different feel and timing. The good part is that you will not have to consciously do anything as these slight swing changes will happen automatically as your mind/body unconsciously adapts to the new feel of the clubs through time spent at the range and swing repetition.

Good reply David

[Knackers]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Thanks David - My main concern was that these clubs were too stiff for me.My swing is by no means fast,Can someone with a slow swing use stiff shafts?I tend to agree with you about getting used to them.Nice to hear someone say that so I can ease my mind.

[Jbowden]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Hey Knackers,

My old swing coach always said that if the shaft is too stiff it'll go low, shorter than usual, and usually right. Doesn't seem to be your problem. David's reply seems right on, especially due to the weight difference between your new steel and your old graphite. Also, if you haven't already, get your lies checked. They could be a little too upright.

Good luck man!

[Ringer]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

I would actually say the lie angle is far more suspect than your shafts. As it was stated earlier, stiffer usually causes push rights and not pull hooks.

I just did a video on the effect of lie angle in fact.

[Knackers]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Thanks heaps everybody.Great video Ringer. I think I will get my lies checked very soon.After watching the video,it looks very much like this could be a problem.

[msklar92]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Were you fitted for the clubs? just because your not blocking doesn't mean the the shaft is too stiff. Left and draw means your coming outside the ball with a shut club face. this may be a consequence of pulling the shaft harder to hit it. mike

[Ringer]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Were you fitted for the clubs? just because your not blocking doesn't mean the the shaft is too stiff. Left and draw means your coming outside the ball with a shut club face. this may be a consequence of pulling the shaft harder to hit it. mike

Actually no, but close.



Spin is imparted on the ball by the path. Direction is imparted by the clubface.

Don't believe me? Here's video proof.

[Lasvegasgolfnut]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

When I use too stiff shafts I hit them to the right. I agree with ringer to check your lie. You can buy a lie board from golfsmith.com and can check them yourself. Nice tool to have. Your swing plane will also affect your lie. When mine gets too steep I hit the lie board more toward the toe of the club.
Mike

[Knackers]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Ringer -thanks for your stuff. That diagram of a Pull Hook is what I think I am doing.I've had a look at my swing path and it looks the same as the diagram.My club face must be slightly closed on impact.Is this just a flaw in my swing?How do I fix this up?I will get my lie angle checked out also,we have a new pro at the golf club who said he would have a look at it for me.

[BrianW]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

My understanding is that ball direction is imparted 80% by clubface direction an 20% by swing path. Spin is imparted by effective loft, backspin by clubface loft and side spin by how far the clubface is open or closed. A hook comes from a closing clubface which reduces clubface loft thus creating a lower ball flight, a slice from an opening clubface which creates a higher ball flight.

[Ringer]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

My understanding is that ball direction is imparted 80% by clubface direction an 20% by swing path. Spin is imparted by effective loft, backspin by clubface loft and side spin by how far the clubface is open or closed. A hook comes from a closing clubface which reduces clubface loft thus creating a lower ball flight, a slice from an opening clubface which creates a higher ball flight.

Clubface is only half the story though my friend.

[Knackers]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Ringer - getting back to that pull hook.I'm pretty sure thats what I am doing.I went back to my old shafts (graphite firm) on the weekend,and did the same thing,left all the time.What would you recommend I do?Should I get my lie angle checked on my new steel stiff shafts and see how I go?Or is it a swing issue?I know it is hard to give an opinion without seeing swing.

[BrianW]

Re: Always Hitting my Stiff Shafts left

Ringer - getting back to that pull hook.I'm pretty sure thats what I am doing.I went back to my old shafts (graphite firm) on the weekend,and did the same thing,left all the time.What would you recommend I do?Should I get my lie angle checked on my new steel stiff shafts and see how I go?Or is it a swing issue?I know it is hard to give an opinion without seeing swing.

I know you addressed this to Ringer but just a little advice. A pull hook is often caused by not making a full shoulder turn and allowing the arms to turn back in advance of the shoulders. This can make you swing abruptly outside to in on the downswing and cut over the ball creating a nasty duck hook.