Ball Flight (with picture)

[nkranga]

Hello Pro(Greg?),

When I watch ball flight of tee shots(drivers/woods) on TV the Pros have a certain pattern. The ball flies like a extended 'D' but when I hit it(10.5 degree Tommy Armour Driver) , it is more like a perfect 'D'. I am a 13.5 handicap, hit around 260 yards on a good drive with a slight fade(most of the time). What causes them to hit the ball like that ? I tee the ball 5 to 6 inches inside my left feet(I am right handed).

First ball flight is mine and second is what I think the Pros fly it like. See attached image.



Thanks,
Ranga

[nkranga]

Greg Are you there ?

Greg Are you there ? I have the picture of the ball flight attached....

[GregJWillis]

Re: Ball Flight (with picture)

It's still pending approval and can't see the pic yet. I really need to know what you are talking about here...

[nkranga]

Re: Ball Flight (with picture)

Greg,

Ok. Let me try to explain.....bear with me.

When I watch the Pros, hit the ball on TV(driver/3 wood etc), I see the ball soaring/rising constantly for most of the journey (like 4/5 of the journey) and then dropping like a dead bird. But when I hit the ball(most of the time) the high point of the ball is between halfway and 3/5 th of its journey. I am not complaining for distance(best 3w goes 250/260) but just curious of the flight and also wodering if it adds distance....

Thanks,

Ranga

[GregJWillis]

Re: Ball Flight (with picture)

Drivers want to fly upwards in a straight line - not in a curve. Curving upwards indicates there was a lot of spin which causes loft which causes the ball to not go as far. 3Ws are ok to do this if you want to land the ball on teh green cause you would want it to stop shorter, but drivers want to have the least amound of spin possible to get the maximum distance.

What you probably see on TV is distorted to some degree, so don't rely on that alone. Go to a tourny or see a pro practice in person to know exactly what you are seeing.

If you are seeing the ball curve upwards with a driver, my bet is that you are hitting the ball with decending angle of decent. This is caused by your hands being too active at the ball. Use more of your hips and shoulder rotation to get the power and leave the hands to simply release to the ball to get the club square, not forcing them to the ball for power. Do this easy hand release will put less angle on the ball at impact and get less spin on the ball. Your flight will be a little lower, but overall, you will get better distance from the ball landing and running farther.