Driver Distance Secrets- What Manufacturers Won't Tell You

[@andyukh1625]

Probably the most honest golf review on KZbin! Just bought a Wilson D300 driver from eBay for £73 (mint condition) after using the 3 Hybrid and D300 3 wood all with light shafts. I also bought an Adams Speedline driver (like driving with a canon) for £35 never been used , 4 years old unwanted gift ........... Clay you are so right, don’t waste you £’s and $’s ....... be resourceful, look around and stick with what you feeling comfortable with !!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Andy!

[@marksmith4346]

I have had this same conversation about running shoes with people. The more expensive the shoe, the more bells and whistles it has: more material on the sole or last, more motion control, adjustable inserts, cushioning, traction design, breathability, reflective surfaces. The thing is, you may or may not need any of those features and the best shoe for you is the one that is the most comfortable and that bends naturally the same way your foot bends...typically, the "less" the shoe the better it is for you. Thanks for the video, good information.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the analogy and sharing! Hope you're playing great golf!

[@adamboyle3331]

This video is a treasure. I was skeptical at first because like everyone else, but holy cow, this video is unreal in the amount of information you get. This should be required for anyone to watch before buying a driver.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Adam!

[@billymish6761]

I bought a newer Taylormade driver a few years ago, and couldn't hit it as consistently or as long as the old Taylormade Burner I had used for many years. Within the past few years I purchased two more of the old used Burner drivers (from Global Golf). I use one in my Florida golf bag and one in my Connecticut golf bag, whenever I visit my family and friends. No noticeable drop off in my swing or game with either driver. But it saved me a ton of money, and I still outdrive people who are constantly updating their drivers to try to improve their swing. So your advice confirms what I learned by accident. Bottom line is, different strokes (and clubs) work best for different folks. But it is not always about the money spent.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Billy, thanks for sharing. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@eddyvera3343]

I really like your honesty, clean, polite manner you talk, no cursing and no sarcasm. I wish there were more professional people like you.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@golfhound]

Dear Clay Ballard - I'm a retired teaching golf professional and I've been preaching the exact same thing you have said in this video. I have shown my students all my drivers, all of which are Orlimar tri-metal or Hip-Ti made in the mid 90's. I have not found anything BETTER in 25 years. The only thing that has changed is I upgrade the shaft. One more aspect you didn't touch on that is very important is that when you set the driver to the ball, the head must be visually pleasing. If the shape looks weird (like the elongated heads), then you won't have confidence to hit the ball well. The other thing is get the right grip size. I have used midsize tour wraps since the mid eighties, or four wraps on a regular grip. One last aspect to hitting the ball longer is "hit solid shots in the sweet spot." (Lee Trevino) Excellent video Clay!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the comment and insights. I 100% agree. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@gerrymcintosh4477]

I use to sell golf equipment for many years and used the same approach as you explained in this video. Sometimes I actually lost the sale, but always gained the trust of my customers, and they always returned with their friends and family for their golf needs. I love your videos. Great job sir. Cheers from Canada.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Gerry!

[@Mortforney]

What a deal, someone giving us a real honest answer. Thank you!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Mort Thank you for your comment. We always try to provide the most honest information as we can. keep watching and good luck with your game!

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

Exactly

[@prideventues]

Best teacher on earth. You never see a teacher to day telling the truth about equipment. The reason I love my Hogan Apex II's are they work perfectly for me. They are not as long as some of my other clubs but are consistent so therefore I play a much better game. P;ay what fits your swing. I say.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Maurice, thank you so much for the kind words. I'll be sure to pass that along to Clay. I have hit some Hogan clubs in the past and always liked the way they felt. Play well ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@jeydub8541]

Well said Maurice. And Hogans do play a club shorter. I have an old set of Edges that I love, but I give up that feel to hit modern irons longer. Never let outside opinions contradict what you know to be true in golf or otherwise. Cheers!

[@XenaNUbers]

Maurice Jones I

[@gezlaschoonraad193]

This is one of the best videos I have seen thanks Clay.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@robertkirk6122]

I have played golf for years I now still play of 14 at 66 years old, and I must admit watching some of your videos has given me more insight to my game and clubs than I have ever found out before much appreciated

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Robert!

[@georgecox6014]

Hi Clay,I am 88 years young, I like the way you explain a lot of the golf swings which a lot of instructors don't. George Cox

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@gretel1015]

Clay, one more follow up to distance with drivers. After my lesson today at the PGA Tour Superstore near my home in Atlanta I went back to the practice bays to practice what I had learned. They are close to the used club racks. So I always pull two or three drivers to try. I was surprised to find the TaylorMade R9 460 sitting in the rack. After looking at it I realized it was the one I traded in several months ago when I bought my Cobra King F6 driver. I pulled it and a couple of Callaway Big Berthas and a used Taylormade M1 to hit. Normally, my F6 is consistently the longest but in the last week I have hit a Big Bertha V Series which is longer. I hit several balls with all the drivers and the R9 was right with them. In fact I hit my longest drive of the day with it. I was a little chagrined that I have been searching for distance with new drivers and I had a driver that I could hit long already. I just had to improve my ball striking through lessons and practice. I bought the club back for $74.99. Lesson Learned!

[@paulh7589]

This was a very enlightening video. My driver finally caved in and I was wondering what to buy. I found your video at the right time. The Golf God must be smiling upon me.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CW_GOLF_]

Your damn right Clay, I've had a G5 driver forever and recently changed to the G400 driver and hit it no farther. My son uses the i15 driver and won't use anything else

[@gregharris3747]

I spent £65 on a driver from a second hand shop and I can hit It really well great video fella

[@davidrees570]

Great advice Clay cheers . Your defo one o the best on KZbin , if not THE best

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Wow, thanks

[@davidrees570]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard ......... but I’d rather take Paige Spiranac out for dinner . Seriously her video’s are great too

[@gretel1015]

Clay, I was hitting a Titleist 913 d2 (now 2 generations old) and it was going as far as my new driver. Great video! I have hit dozens of drivers at different golf shops (mostly at PGA Tour Superstore or Golfsmith) and for the most part they all go virtually the same distance. For me I find certain drivers I can get the club through the ball quicker and make more consistent contact.

[@jeffnahass8373]

Clay, this is great. I never buy the latest and greatest. I like my ping G10driver. Still goes 280yds. I caved in and purchased a Ping G400 LST used driver for $180. Goes far, and straight. Same with irons.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

I use a MacGregor v-foil, about 350cc driver with an 8 degree loft that I've had for 20 years and I will go up against any new club. but let's remember that club head speed and swing speed are not the same thing. If you do it right, you don't have to swing hard to generator very fast club head speed. I really like this video!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@40packard1]

Excellent. I have a 9 year old driver that works well for me. I take it in every year and compare it on the meters with new stuff. No change... except in the price.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@timothyalexander566]

Just getting back into golf after 10 years and have been thinking of new clubs. Thanks for the up front information on drivers. Something I always thought but now confirmed. When I used to play, and they're still in my bag my driver was a $100 knockoff Taylor Made R4 I think and Ben Hogan blades but I always out drove and scored better than my buddies and half the club in local tournaments lol. This will help lots for 2021. Club fitting in the future. Thanks 👍🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to help

[@joekoski4074]

Jack gave profound advice when it comes to distance, he said,"if you want to hit it farther, hit it better."

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha...makes sense :-) Hope you're playing great! ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@dennislaux]

I didn't know some of this, and this guys videos are really good and he is actually rather easy to understand.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you like them Denny! Play well!!

[@4930driver]

+Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard I agree. Very easy to follow along . I am Just starting to get into playing golf. You guys would laugh at my clubs. $20 garage sale ,, with a Michelob bag. Lol.

[@dennislaux]

Yes...I would laugh at those clubs. A good set, not a great set, but just kinda good is worth having and with today's used prices you can get a decent set for 100 dollars, but at least your playing the game and can get a good feel if you like it or not. Welcome to the game by the way and I hope 50 years from now you still be a fan.

[@4930driver]

+Denny Law Thank you. Be amazing if im still alive in 50 years. But plan to stay at learning with the time allows

[@robertwatkins8220]

Thanks! Best driver shaft length for me (5'7"tall) is 1 inch shorter than standard length. If I do not shorten my clubs the toe of the head will be higher off the ground than the heel! All I want to do is hit the ball straight and be on the green with my second shot for par 4s and 5s.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stripervince1]

I spent all last summer at the three giant golf stores in Orlando, golf galaxy, pga superstore and Edwin watts, looking for the longest driver I could find ,after 10 different drivers I found a new (old stock) Callaway X2. Now I’m clobbering drives almost 300 yds straight as a arrow, no hooks or slices. I’m thrilled. Best thing it was only $65, and I’m scoring in the high 70’s now. If I could only putt. Drive for show putt for dough. I won’t be in the money anytime soon. On the greens on par 5s usually in 2, then 4 putt the green. What a freakin hard game

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@merkules2001]

He is totally right. No debate about it. Fun to play with different toys, but they do basically do the same. Use the same shaft and loft and try different Titleist drivers. I have tried this. Same same.

[@glennbo923]

Best information I’ve ever received and I thank you.

[@Waddymanman]

Thanks Clay. I have to concur and I’ve only just become knowledgeable on this. I bought a new set of clubs 2 years ago and part of the “marketing” was that I would be custom fitted. They apparently adjusted the lie angle of each club and shaft lengths to suit. Anyway, 2 years on, I decided to take them to a local club fitter who has been doing this for 40 years. He spine adjusted and Flat Line Oscillated my shafts and set swing weights at D2 for 4-9 and wedges at D4. I played last week and the difference was amazing. The “feel” is what has changed for me and my contact has been the best I’ve had in years. Placebo effect? No way. However, I did learn more. Part of this process was adjusting the lie angles, and luckily for me, that didn’t need doing and when they were examined, it was noted the specifications for my clubs were the same as standard for this manufacturer despite my more upright stance. Turns out the 4-7 irons are 17-4 stainless steel and 8-SW are 431. 17-4 is difficult to bend so it’s very, VERY, likely they were never custom fitted for me at all in the first place. So just BS marketing. My advice to anyone when you buy a new set is check what the stainless steel is and then spend a few more dollars and take them to a good club fitter and have them “properly” fitted; certainly don’t get conned by the sales and marketing at a golf shop. Ping make their irons from 17-4 SS, but they have different coloured dots to indicate the various lie angles of the clubs. No bending required. A lot to learn but it’s worth it. Cheers.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing Craig!

[@taylormilton3]

This was one hell of a video Clay! Awesome awesome awesome

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Milton!

[@paulallen286]

I work at the largest U.S. retailer for golf equipment. Everything Clay said in this video is true.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Paul!

[@camon928]

So true! Thanks for preaching the truth. Been using my 2006 Titleist 905R for 14 years now. Nothing's wrong with it. Still pumping bombs out there.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@daveslickpack1696]

My 20 year old KZG driver hits the ball just as far as my buddies Ping and Titleist. As a matter of fact, I hit all 3 during a round on the same hole and they all landed damn near the same distance. It was unreal. The KZG has a small club head as well.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Dave, if you're driver is 20 years old then there is likely an advantage to getting something newer. Pretty much any driver made in the last 15 years is maxed out. You may have a little more club head speed then your buddies. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@denniskucinskas2963]

Agree with your comments about shaft weight and swing speed. What about shaft flex for low vs high swing speed players?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

The only way to know what is right for you is to get professional fitted. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Golfholics]

Watched the entire video and I must say I'm glad that I found out about those key points. Thanks Clay, very useful video!

[@judysoule1707]

Golfholics Was

[@epetermarshall7852]

@My Nigga 8

[@maryjanebartee9233]

My Nigga 8

[@RealBillDozer]

Tell Claire to prove him wrong! 🤣🤣

Clay has done us all a favour. Good honest informative video👍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@Lonenupe1215]

Clay, Thank you for sharing this very helpful advice regarding finding and identifying the right golf clubs for you! Expensive doesn't always equal better!!!

[@arvinddas6803]

one of the best vdos on golf equipment

[@jeffbelcher3427]

Best information ever. Practical and for real.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Jeff!

[@lylejohnson5549]

Great video and explanations, thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@clarencereleford4195]

Right on. I have a garage full of drivers. I’ve been trying to buy a better driver for years. The last two was a $500 Epic and a $400 Mizuno. Both are stored in the garage. Last few months I’ve been using an old Taylormade Burner. No more high dollar drivers for me. Thanks for the video.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@billr5443]

I believe this. Right before a winter golf vacation south, I bought an expensive Japanese driver that just didn't do the job on the course. When the ball come off the face it felt like hitting a clump of mud. I was upset for wasting my money so a guy in our 35 man group handed me an extra bargain barrel driver to play with. I immediately started pounding the ball longer than anyone in our vacationing group. My drives became the talk of the group. Since then I don't even bother picking a club by price or advertisement. I have to hit it first.

[@johngoyer]

I went to one of the large, nationwide golf shops about a year ago to get fit for a new driver. I brought my current driver to see how it compared, Taylormade Burner 2.0. They could not find a driver that I hit farther than what I already had. I hit my 3 wood off the tee mostly, 220 yards right down the middle works pretty well from the white tees.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi John, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@eugenegarza7991]

Great, unbiased video!! Very informative. I am in the process of looking for a new driver, and this video is a big help. Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Eugene!

[@mike.j4893]

Clay you have just got a new sub great content! With honesty!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I appreciate that!

[@bryankem2192]

Thanks Clay for your insight into the driver differences. Also enjoy your videos and teachings in your Top Speed Golf program. You are one of the few instructors that I can take what you say and show to the range and course, then make improvements in my game. Thanks.

[@safwans6002]

This is most useful video for golf newbie like me.. many people suggest me to buy new clubs because they think that mine is out dated.

[@jerrychang7239]

Do you have chance to try the Callaway Bertha mini 1.5 driver? how is the performance compares to the regular drivers?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I have not

[@fredyhernandez7789]

Love the Honesty of Clay Ballard, will improve your game greatly!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Fredy!

[@C-mac_in_the_6ix]

I realize this clip is 7 years old, but I work in a big golf store in Toronto and I have spew what clay just said about 10 times a day...lol. As mentioned, this clip is 7 years old but it still holds up to the current times. Just like clay said, the one thing that has gotten better is if you miss the sweet spot, the clubs have gotten better at letting you get to that .83 COR but other then that, the manufactures will continue great ways to market stuff but the club heads are capped for the most part when it comes to distance.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for your information! Take care!

[@mikeriley7928]

I love this guys honesty!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@MrKillahippo]

I agree with the feel of the club bit, I tried the new Titleist, both driver and irons and struggled with the feel of the swing and impact. Same with the new Taylormade, I ended up with a used XXIO driver 45g shaft and new set of Srixon Z785 irons, both feel great, and yes I did get more distance out of the used XXIO.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@devonshire56]

I just went through this process of finding the best driver. In the end it turned out that the driver I had in the bag once again felt the best...result hit it best. It's an inexpensive Callaway RAZR 10.5 50G shaft. r-flex. I have Ping irons so I might stack the G400 against it and see if I find any difference, I do like Ping. This video is a eye opening comment on the golf industry and how they sell clubs.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@matthewtheriault6251]

Great video Clay! Thanks for sharing.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!!

[@Galactorate]

When trying out drivers, best approach is to not know the price tag up front.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

+Galactorate That is definitely true!

[@magictooth2]

word

[@GRBtutorials]

Yeah, if you can afford it and it's very expensive, it's going to perform very well because of placebo. If you can't afford it, it's not, because you don't want to spend your money!

[@stephenpeters2853]

Very true........

[@jtandme-ot9cl]

The price drops a year later anyway. By then the hype is over and it's just not as attractive anymore!

[@tobyrichardson1837]

I've been thinking this for a while, good of you to clear that up. My old Cleveland Launcher 460 Comp goes further than my much newer R15 Driver.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bruceseaman6592]

My ping G driver (4 years old) is out performing my brothers new PXG 0211 driver when I used them both for 3 rounds,same flex and loft

[@mjchecksfield914]

From 30 years of playing I would also add that sometimes you need to consider a heavier shaft to stop trying to swing driver too fast - a killer of good golf shots. Also to get right driver set up you need to look at what your bread and butter tee shot looks like eg high fade or low draw. Incidentally I am still using a Burner driver from about 2006 and have wasted my time testing other very expensive clubs to find out they did not hit the ball any further at all - like Clay says its limited by the rules. I would be tempted to add an inch to the shaft length one of these days though!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi MJ, all very good points and thank you for sharing. I actually use a heavier shaft because it gives me more control and there really wasn't much difference in club head speed compared to a lighter one. Hope you're playing great! ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@sixstringsdown1]

This makes me feel even better about buying a used PING G25, STIFF, 10.5 for $120 for myself for Christmas! ;)

[@mlbshark7746]

Very true , i need a very heavy shaft to have my timing ! The shaft to me is more important than the head , i have a taylormade m3 I bought on discount but i don't like the light shaft , I'll just need to put a hazardus 76 g on it and I'll be good for the years to come 😛

[@58michaeljvv]

One more comment in support. I have an old Taylor Made Super-Fast Burner driver (about 5yrs old now) with a Proforce 65gm Shaft & hit it anywhere from 250 to 280M (& a couple over 300M). Tried out the new Mizuno JPX900 the other day & barely made 210yards with over 3200rpm spin - hopeless. I believe it's the shaft that has the greater impact on performance than the head by a long way.

[@jeffreygrove5057]

I got fitted at Ping in Gainsborough ,it has helped me hit consistent drives ,I love the process ,I love driving ,also my Ping irons .

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yeah, Ping makes really good stuff. I like how they won't come out with a new club unless it outperforms the last model. I don't think anyone else does that. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@brianbenjamin6534]

Th Tb uhhh in

[@scottbieber1731]

Ping makes the best driver!

[@larryfine4498]

Played a department store driver for years and was very happy with it. Bought a Callaway Steel Head to replace it. First name brand club I owned. Cracked the face two months in to owning it. They replaced it with a different club. Was not happy with it.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Larry, thanks for sharing. Sorry you had a bad experience. Not sure how long ago that was but those are very old clubs to this point. The older the club, the more likely it is to fail. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@tipp55]

Great honest video. I really enjoyed it.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@raymondthompson9956]

I also have played my ping i15 for 6 years bought it new and did not see a reason to change, but then I tried the Titleist D4 and my dispersion has improved and I shot my lowest round in years all due to ball striking. I'll keep you all posted if the honeymoon ends.

[@raymondthompson9956]

Follow up on my driver change: the Titleist D4 continue to perform better then my ping i15 by quite a margin, my handicap dropped to my lowest in many many years, I did pick up some distance but most importantly I found many more fairways this season allowing me to go pin hunting more often during my rounds. Furthermore my putting stats for this season remain constant to my last ten years so it was clear more fairway lower my scores.

[@wesleyburgess31]

Thats awesome man. Are you still playing the same driver? I just got serious about golf earlier this year and used Clays Videos to literally build a golf swing from the ground up. I updated all my equipment also. I know it sounds crazy (im sure the swing has more to do with it) but i couldnt hit my old RBZ stage 1 driver to save my life so i bought a 2017 M2. The biggest reason is most of my miss hits were off the heel and the M2 seemed to have a larger face. Now i rarely miss hit it off the heel. I had the best round of my life last weekend by FAR. I found the fairways and was able to really feel like i was in control of my game for the first time in my life. Ive learned so much from TSG its crazy!

[@paulaglet4255]

Honesty is such a lonely word Everyone is so untrue Honesty is hardly ever heard And mostly what I need from you

[@TopSpeedGolf]

👍

[@stripervince1]

Nice quote there billy

[@stripervince1]

@@totallybaked5616 I guess you are totally baked, I’m quoting fromBILLY JOELS SONG HONESTY. Omg

[@mikemallory9429]

Great information! This guy knows what he is talking about!

[@peacelily720]

I just start playing golf with my friends. They have all top brand fancy one but me. I'm using more than 20 year old driver from my farther in law's and 10 year old club s. I was thinking that I might be out dated using old one but playing better than them without any problems.

[@allahalibaba9063]

Nice video and great golf tips...Thanks....

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@tonychenh4142]

Great video and very informative, thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeanferret9497]

Great advice. I play with members who get fitted every few months and never get a shot better...as they don't practice the short game. A TM guy told me the only ways to hit it further is better technique and softer shafts.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Jean! Glad you liked the video. The best way to hit it further is to increase your club head speed. If you have been fitted for a driver made in the last 12 years then it's already maxed out and you likely won't hit anything else much further. You can certainly pick up some yards by getting a good fitting. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@milenadeltorto7158]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You are welcome!

[@keithruley]

By watching this I realized something about my swing!! Not going to try to explain! Just Thank You 🙏

[@tylerkrug7719]

Thanks for the great advice!makes me feel alot better being a new golfer

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Happy to help!

[@Joe7373]

Very good video, honest feedback. Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

I got a full bag fitting minus the putter in 2020 so I am set for the next 10-15 years possibly. Yeah, golf clubs have reached the limit since 2015 unless they change the rules.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Nice 👍

[@oaklandtobangkok]

Mr. Ballard, with the utmost respect for you and your excellent videos. I wish I could take in-person lessons with you.

[@johndearden7931]

The best lesson I had in choice of club happened when the head came off my driver. A friend was going to America and he brought me back a new driver shaft and he cut 1 1/2 inches off my old shaft. He put the new shaft on my driver and my old, shortened, shaft on my 5 wood. From that day on I could hit my 5 wood 10 to 20 yards further than the driver. Everyone has their own swing. My clubs were stolen a couple of years later but I truly regret not getting a set made around that 5 wood.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@johndearden7931]

My pleasure. As with most amateurs I am as erratic as footsie. My present handicap is 22 and I average 4 to 6 pars a round. No consistency.

[@bucknuts8824]

good video clay. so far you and Mark crossfield are the only two youtubers I've seen go over this

[@TopSpeedGolf]

+Justin Adams Thanks Justin. Hope your playing great! ~Clay

[@bobarnold771]

As I improve, I'm appreciating the value of getting fitted. But I still have a ways to go before I am even missing consistently. Very good video.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@lexfowell8500]

Al true Clay, but I also think ball selection is a key. I spent some time trying different balls and finally settled on a ball that gave me 10-15 + metres to my driver, this was after the tips I got from your videos, still my mates spend far to much and have made no major improvement

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Good stuff! Glad to help.

[@davidjames1684]

One time recently I was comparing a cheap driver to a more expensive one and kept going back and forth hitting 5 balls with each one. Towards the end of the test I decided I like the more expensive one better, but to my surprise, I had them "backwards". I actually preferred the cheaper one (which I thought was the more expensive one). I might go back and see if I can hit a 46" (3.5m) or even a 48" (4 ft) driver just for fun. Also, amateurs can get a driver with a "hotter" face such as 0.87 COR. It might help put a little more fun in the game for them, especially if they have a slow swing speed.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi David, thanks for sharing. Yeah, I say play as long of a driver as you can control. You have to have some higher club head speed to use the longer ones in my experience. Sure, you can shave down the face to get more distance. I have seen services that do that. You won't be able to play in any tournaments where you have to abide by the rules. Your club will also be more likely to break. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@TheNYgolfer]

excellent point about max COR. Max COR was achieved more than ten years ago so if a manufacturer tells you they have the "hottest" driver ever they maybe correct but it will also be illegal . So STOP paying these bandits for equipment that maxed out ten years ago

[@macattack5272]

I have a 905T 8.5 driver with a YS6+ stiff shaft that I hit 15 yards farther than my 915 D3. The COR is identical. I load the YS6+ better than the Rogue Black 70 S. Wasted $399 plus the 3 & 5 woods that I picked up. The 915 is straighter. Ebay?

[@hankabdallah8507]

I love how much knowledge you present FOG. Digital charity, but charity nonehteless. THANKS!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@love1another393]

Longer club and more swing speed only happens up to a certain length. If you get too long of club you add weight and its physically harder to swing a club that is long

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stripervince1]

The best feeling driver I ever felt was a XXIO gold and blue, $799 it was so light I could barely even tell I was holding it . it was amazing

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@peterguildford2133]

I wish i had watched this in 2017. I had a cleveland sr290, decided i should have a talk to a local pro who convinced me to buy his wilson d300. 2 years later after lessons, im back to the sr290. My average drive was 180m now im bombing out to 245m (not everytime mind). The lessons made the difference not the club.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@williamsawyer2223]

It's like you are reading my mind. Just starting towonder if there is a need for a new driver. Hitting an old 7.5 degree Cleveland Launcher 285ish on a consistant basis. Would a new club with my shaft specs really make a difference?

[@stevenbrandon3032]

Thanks for the awesome video, i play with a 2008 Burner tour and i cant find a newer driver that i can hit as consistently or as far.

[@jasonross7398]

steven brandon same here man, love my tour burner!

[@bryanhylok9961]

I used to and probably hit new one at least 20 yds longer than that ancient stuff

Be careful. I seem to remember one of the Burner series was deemed illegal years ago but my memory is fading so I may be entirely wrong LOL

[@HaejinLeeCryptoAnalyst]

Cool. What about right side lardosis? aka right lateral bend. Or the right elbow on transition from top to downswing, should be first to be in front of chest? This naturally causes more lag. The "tiger squat" also helps in more lag. For more micro details on gaining club head speed, better launch angle, less spin, try reading Kelvin Miyahira's articles. I've gained 75 yards converting micro moves to distance gainers.

[@jeffaston6172]

Clay, if you choke up on the shaft will you get the same distance with more consistent drives?

[@nachospole1]

I went into shop for new tayor made driver and walked out with last seasons nike driver because of consistency I even had it shortened and was hitting it further because I was able to hit it purer I also got new ping I 25 irons I hit them a little shorter then old iron but im more consistent with them and get more control I find it easier to fade and draw them then my old clubs

[@stripervince1]

Definitely great information.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you think so!

[@patcampbell2472]

This is great information to know!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for watching!

[@mseifried5]

I went to a seminar years ago about golf. They added; if you hit a demo driver great; take it and stow it in your car, then go in and pay for it. The one you buy that comes in the wrapping will NOT hit like the one your tried/demode.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review Clay very well explained.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@terrynelson5721]

When I got my first set (starter) from my folks for my Birthday, it had a laminated wood Driver. I’m sure age had a bit to do with it, but I hit that Driver 300+ fairly regularly. Just hadn’t learned how to control it, yet! Wished I had it Today!

[@72RocknRoll]

Great info... circa '15. In '17 manufacturers have figured a way for the driver face to pass the legality test when made, but will produce more "spring effect" when hitting a golf gall. Example 1? The Callaway Epic. That club will produce a "smash factor" of greater than 1.5:1 which is the PGA limitation on drivers. (100mph club speed = 150mph ball speed) How? The face is supported by two vertical "rods" behind the club face that will allow the face/crown to deform must enough impact with a real ball to produce a higher impact ball speed. BTW - Golf makers only test a "representative sample" and are allowed a 2% margin of error for legality so some clubs coming off a line are definitely hotter while most are a few percentage points below the edge of legal. Tour guys have clubs tested to be right on the edge of legal. The sticks demo'd at the January PGA Show in Orlando in January are "rumored" to be hand picked, too. If you hit a driver great at a demo day, buy THAT specific club. DO NOT let the rep or local club guy order you one of supposed same "specs". Take the demo home with you when you leave. Well worth your effort.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, thank you for sharing. Play well ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Jplent1]

Awesome information. Thanks Clay. I use a driver that I bought for 49 bucks , out of the discount barrel. It ain't the arrow...it's the Indian.

[@mjac5044]

Awesome video, well presented. You got style, dude. Thanks!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!!

[@fproszek]

Bogie golfers only: play your home course with irons only and see what you shoot. If your 3 iron flies 25 yards longer than your 5 iron, but is always off the fairway, toss it....tee off with the 5. Play the course to your best wedge or 9 iron distance. Great how each round your score drops.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, thanks for the comment. Hope you're playing well! Quentin | TSG Instructor