Lack of distance

[FLFINS-N-SKINS]

If I can hit a 200 yard 5 iron how far should I be able to hit my driver? My friend is 3 irons shorter than me yet he is about 20 yards longer off the tee. My drives are anywhere between 200-230 which seems weak

If its the "same" swing, what do i have to do to hit it farther?

[gord962]

Re: Lack of distance

If you are hitting your 5i 200 yards, your driver should be pushing 300 yards (well, anywhere from 270 - 320 yards). My advice is get your driver checked. BTW, what type of driver do you have? I am willing to bet that either the shaft is MUCH to stiff or the head is spent.

[LowPost42]

Re: Lack of distance

How old is your driver?

I like both of Gords' responses, but I don't think that you're swinging too stiff a shaft (unless you're in a strong X).

It could very well be that your driver head is shot.

If that's the case, I've got one can have, cheap.

[FLFINS-N-SKINS]

Re: Lack of distance

The good news about those short drives is that they are usually in play.
I spent a hundred bucks on the whole set, woods and all. The clubs are about a month old. My range on my irons has increased dramatically since I started playing a couple of months ago except the woods . Im positive on the distance in my irons because we have gps and some 200 yard par 3's at the local courses.

[FLFINS-N-SKINS]

Re: Lack of distance

I guess I need to hit a few different drivers and see if I get more range.

[gord962]

Re: Lack of distance

If you are serious about the game and want the best driver to suit YOU, visit your local professional club maker. http://www.proclubmakers.org/ They will pick a head and shaft that will match your swing to give you the best results possible. Don't discount what they are selling because it doesn't have Titleist, callaway or Tayormade (or any other OEM names) - it's the performance of the club that's most important. The name on the club only says how much you paid for it.

[matthinkle]

Re: Lack of distance

Alright...your problem sounds fairly simple, as I believe a few people have absolutely nailed the solution. Your driver is dated, find yourself something a little more modern. There are a number of websites out there that specialize in selling last years model drivers at an affordable price. I am 33 years old and played last week, a 17 year old high school kid joined up with me and some friends. The kid had a very nice, aggressive swing...I was constantly out driving him by 50-60 yards. Every single time he would hit his driver, I would hit beyond him on the fly and it just confused him. After about 6 holes he finally asked me how I was hitting the ball so far, I looked at his driver, showed him mine and explained that his driver, about 10 years old was his problem. There is a definate difference in a $50 driver and a $300 driver. I am an absolute Talor Made nut when it comes to drivers, I won't ever OWN anything other than TM. My current driver allows me to consistently drive well over 300 yards without swinging out of my shoes. Look into the different types of drivers, and especially shafts. There are sooo many different models out there....before you invest money into a driver you probably won't like, go to a golf store where you can hit the different drivers and let them help you find one that fits your swing.

[doppelganger]

Re: Lack of distance

I agree with all of you. Good equipment really makes a difference. A $100 dollar set just doesn't cut it. Hey, I'm only 140lbs and I can hit it 275-280 yards with the driver (when it doesn't slice that is, hey, hey). Check out your local pro shop and pick up at least a 400cc club head.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Lack of distance

It would seem a bit odd that your driver (any driver for that matter) can only go about 0-30yds more than a 5i? Easiest and fastest way for you to find out, borrow your friend's driver and hit a few balls with it. If it's really your driver, you should immediately see at least 20yds more with your friend's driver?