I got this great question from “Tom” and I had to share it – and my answer – with everyone.

We get this question, or one like it, every day.

So, here’s Tom:

OK, I am a senior player.

Like yourself, I am 5′9″ and I play a 44.5″ driver, but dream of hitting a drive 250 yards. 

I have not missed a fairway in nearly a year and I play to a 12 handicap.  I am not a power hitter like many players, be it my woods or irons.  I average driving the ball between 200 and 220 yards … I play at least two clubs longer than most of the players that I play with. My bag contains all Wilson clubs which I play well for my strength and hitting ability.

Can you suggest anything that would help me improve the length of my distance with my clubs while maintaining the accuracy?  

I am already using graphite shafts that are frequency matched for the lower end of the regular flex category. My swing speed for my irons is in the mid 70s and the mid 80s for my driver. 

Should I switch to a more flexible shaft?

Thanks, Tom

It’s amazing.

Here’s a guy who is in the fairway for (almost) an entire year! 

I totally understand the need for distance. But can we sacrifice direction for distance?

He’s my reply:

You are in a quandary many of us golfers have: distance vs. direction. 

Many who are blessed with direction — that is hit it controlled and straight but not far enough — seek more distance, but do not want to give up the accuracy. 

Then there are those who have the distance but need help on direction. 

Many of these golfers would gladly give up yards for straight arrow shots. 

It is just too bad we can’t match up these players for a swap of talents that benefit both.

Now, back to your dilemma. 

First, I would not run out and change your shaft to a more flexible shaft (which may work, but I doubt) because you are presently hitting it so straight with your present shaft.

This tells me that shaft has to be pretty close to the right flex.

Heck, you have not missed a fairway in over a year. 

That beats the crap out of me and most people that know me say I am the straightest driver they’ve ever seen.

Let’s first look at the length in reference to your driver. 

You are using a 44.5 inch driver.  I am presently using a 44 inch driver, the longest by 1/2 inch I have ever used.  My sleeve length is 35″, which is long for my height.  I hit my driver quite straight and OK long for my size and strength. 

Notice I am bringing strength into the equation, because more muscles can help swing the club faster.  My 3 wood, which I hit even straighter than my driver and real long for a 3 wood, especially off a tee, is 42 inches…way shorter than present standards.

Here is my dilemma, which may apply to you and the solution I am going to give you. 

When I swing my 3 wood off the ground and on a tee, at impact, I can feel my arms fully straighten out. 

I do not feel straight and, in fact, feel cramped with the driver. 

This affects direction and distance, with direction being my primary concern.  I am 100% positive that next week, when I go to see my club fitter to pick up a 5 wood he re-shafted (firmer) for me, that my “Big Boy” driver will be wacked shorter by at least ½ inch and maybe even all the way to 43 inches.

So, my first suggestion is cut down your driver to 43.5 at the longest.

Then maybe experiment with another to test an even shorter length. 

The key is at some shorter length you will be straight but loosing distance. 

The key is still straight but longer.  (Note:  when you cut your drive down, from the butt, you will likely not change the flex that much, but 1 inch will really change the swingweight.  You can fix that by putting on some lead tape strips to get it back heavier.  I wrote an article called Magic Dust In Golf which is what I call lead tape. It went out a couple days ago and explains the lead tape magic and how to put it on clubheads.)

Finally, sometimes we just have to accept who and what we are. 

I decided many years ago that the only way I can hit it longer is to lift weights and get stronger. 

I can barely bench press 125 pounds. I chose not to lift weights, mostly because I don’t have the time, and I decided to accept the fact that I am straight, like being straight and that my swing speed is 102 to 105 with a driver, which is 240 to 250 yards ,will have to be all that I am.

I believe straight is great and my distance for my age is OK. 

Also, I live by the rational that even though other players may be hitting less club, I can still hit my longer clubs, fairway woods or any iron better, straighter and closer.  I know it and they know it. 

So who has the advantage?

I hope these comments help. 

Straighter is greater than longer and wronger!

And don’t forget…

You can learn how to start hitting the ball straighter AND longer, without pain, and with a LOT less frustration, in the PPGS:

The Surge!

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