Slicing with New Driver (Stiff Shaft)

[JAL]

I recently got my hands on a Cleveland Driver (Launcher) with a stiff shaft and a 8.5 degree loft. My old Cleveland Driver had seen it's day and I wanted to replace it to get a different trajectory since the 9.5 loft and regular shaft was putting my ball high with average distance. The problem I am having is now with the stiff shaft I starting slicing which has never been an issue before the purchase of this new club. I would really like to learn how to hit this new driver since I think I can get added distance with this new stick. Can you offer any advice concerning the adjustments I have to make to eliminate the open clubface at impact which is currently my problem.

Thanks in advance for your input

JAL

[Bobby_Eldridge]

The next time out check and make sure you see two or three knuckles of the left hand at address.

Make sure your shoulders are closed an inch or two at address.

Grip lighter than before.

Let me know the results.

Bobby

[Patrick A]

Hi Jal

This is just my opinion. I think you are slicing more than before (if you ever did slice) because of the reduced loft; you have an 8.5 now. Less loft leads to more side spin. Either if is a good side spin (draw or a fade) or a bad side spin (hooks and slices) you have to have great skills to work the ball with this kind of loft (8.5).

In order to minimize their margin of error, some pros on the tour are backing off from this kind of reduced loft. There are moving move to higher lofted drivers such as 10 degrees which helps them to "bomb" the ball on a more controlled manner.

If you have a excessive high ball flight, it has little to do with your driver loft and more to do with an open clubface, not transfering your weight to the front on the downswing, or a weak, rather than strong grip. Bobby gave you a good tip, I expect it to work for you. However if you keep slicing, pulling or hooking that ball, consider a higher loft driver plus Bobby's tip so the ball won't pop up so high.

I hope this helps.

[JAL]

Thanks for the feedback. I always wondered why the lower loft was harder to hit and now I know why. I think I will put it back in my back and continue to use my old driver. Would replacing the stiff shaft on the 8.5 degree club with a regular shaft help my cause?

JAL

[Patrick A]

This just my opinion. At the most, if your swing speed is under a hundred mph, a regular flex shaft will "contribute" to square the face at impact. If your swing is faster than 105 mph a regular flex could tend to stay open (a push) or drastically shut the clubface at impact thus pulling the ball. If you are really into this, a decent proshop should have a clubfitter and a simulator to measure all variables to give you an educated advice.

I hope this helps,