Driver problems

[LukePete]

My 12 YO consistently hits pop up fades with his driver killing distance big time. (Cobra F8 Junior shaft set to 12 degree)

However, he will tee up a 5 wood and hit a solid penetrating ball flight with a lot of roll consistently. (Ladies flex shaft)

I will often have him hit a 5 wood and driver off the tee and more times than not his 5 wood is 20 yards longer than driver. This is driving both of us nuts and results in a lot of bogeys (short drive, hybrid or 5 wood by the green, try and pitch or chip it close, 2 putt for bogey).

He is tall for his age (5'3") but is very skinny and not strong (75 pounds).

US Kids TS63 irons and wedges

newer model Callaway fairway 5.

M2 3 hybrid

We have watched videos online about how to get a more penetrating ball flight with the driver and have work hard at the range. Nothing seems to be working!

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

[wildcatden]

Getting a swing diagnosed over the internet can be very difficult. Perhaps it would be worth it to go see a local instructor for an hour or two worth of lessons?

 

Having said that, I would look at these two things:

 

Pop-up of driver: Typically, ball position is not forward enough in stance, and therefore, golfer is hitting down on the ball.

Fade: Sounds like golfer is swinging outside-in on swing path. Note, nothing wrong with a fade although it can cut distance down.

[mrshinsa]

Take a foot spray and see where the contact is.

If he's hitting the top of the face, have him lift the clubhead, hold for two seconds, then backswing.

If he's hitting the middle of the face and still pop up fade, then clubface is open at contact. This can happen due to various reason such ball position too far back, timing issue, or a weak grip.

 

[leezer99]

Definitely too steep. Have him try hitting balls over a tree, mountain or fence off in the distance. One trick my son's coach did was to take his golf towel, wad it up into a ball and put it about two feet in front of his ball and tell him to hit over it. Immediately fixed the low ball flight.

[Golfingdawg19]

I agree with Leezer in that it sounds like your son is too steep and is hitting down on the drive. This imparts tons of backspin on the ball and creates the ball flight you are discussing. One drill to help you with this is to hit some drivers off your knees. This forces you to flatten out your swing otherwise you will hit way behind the ball each time. I’ve seen several instructors use this drill with kids. My guess is your son will hit several feet behind the ball when he firsts try’s it. Once he can pure it off his knees he won’t have the issue of being to steep anymore.

[TripleBogeysrbetter]

Definitely probably hitting down on the ball a few degrees to many. My son hits down on the driver about 2 degrees. If he hits the top of the face. The planes have to veer off courses.

[heavy_hitter]

Would really need to see a video of the swing. More than likely he is hitting down on the ball like everyone else here has stated.

[tiger1873]

Like everyone I would need to actually see to even begin to have an idea. Everyone has mentioned the obvious things. But it could also be placement of ball or even something in the setup. Don't waste your time looking on the internet if you have no idea of what you are looking for.

 

I would seek out an instructor and give him at least 30 minutes. If they any good you will see an improvement if not look for a better instructor. Good instructors teach you how to be self aware. Also do your homework some instructors have no clue.

[Kcct82]

Yup, get a decent instructor, 30 min is probably all you need to diagnose the problem.