Committing to Negative AoA

[Duffner's Waggle]

I have tried for a long time to hit up on the golf ball with the driver, and unfortunately the result is either long high bomb, or more often than I'd like, a high, wipey fade. 

 

When I strike it best and hit long, flat bombs is when I actively hit down on it with my driver. I know the pros average around -1.3 or so, and while I'm nowhere near a tour guy in terms of my game, speed-wise, I'm right in line, so I'm not concerned about losing a little distance if it keeps me in play more often and gives me more confidence over the ball with the big stick. 

 

Are there any resources out there which speak to guys with a negative AoA with the driver? Everything on Youtube seems to be about hitting up, positive AoA, etc. That's great for those guys, but I'm good with my negative AoA. Just curious if anybody knows of any teachers that talk about this much. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

[Jeremy8810]

Cameron Champ hits down on it, and he's an ok driver. Sean Foley is his teacher, and here is a video on hitting down on the driver by him (looks like it was filmed on a potato though):

 

 

[Krt22]

As long as you have the speed and as long as it isn't excessively down, what is the issue? Modern spin killing drivers make it a nearly non-issue

[miamistomp]

Brooksy hits a bit down too

 

 i think a lot of us who learned on real wood drivers were taught to hit a bit down or sweep

[Duffner's Waggle]

2 hours ago, Krt22 said:

As long as you have the speed and as long as it isn't excessively down, what is the issue? Modern spin killing drivers make it a nearly non-issue

I don't have an issue at all. In fact, this morning I decided I'm just embracing it come hell or high-water. It's what feels best and most natural to me and produces the best results. I just know its not very widely taught and it's hard to come by any articles, teachings, etc. that talk about the positives of a negative AoA. 

[bladehunter]

2 hours ago, Duffner's Waggle said:

I don't have an issue at all. In fact, this morning I decided I'm just embracing it come hell or high-water. It's what feels best and most natural to me and produces the best results. I just know its not very widely taught and it's hard to come by any articles, teachings, etc. that talk about the positives of a negative AoA. 

Try this.   It will even raise AOa a smidge without giving you the high right miss a true upward  aoa will give.   Tee it up high and hover it behind the ball.  Like you see Bryson do .  This is what fixed me.  I forced you to shallow out the delivery a bit.   I’ve been doing this 2 seasons now and Once I Got used to it  hit it longer very single round.  My aoa stays around -1 to 0 ish now and I’ve found THats the sweet spot of control and carry. 

[Duffner's Waggle]

6 minutes ago, bladehunter said:

Try this.   It will even raise AOa a smidge without giving you the high right miss a true upward  aoa will give.   Tee it up high and hover it behind the ball.  Like you see Bryson do .  This is what fixed me.  I forced you to shallow out the delivery a bit.   I’ve been doing this 2 seasons now and Once I Got used to it  hit it longer very single round.  My aoa stays around -1 to 0 ish now and I’ve found THats the sweet spot of control and carry. 

Will definitely give it a shot! I've always wondered about hovering...Ive tried a time or two but it didn't feel natural, but I'd imagine with some practice time it could become second nature. 

 

PS - just saw in your avatar on the left that you're up over 30,000 posts.......that is a heck of an accomplishment! 

Edited September 18, 2020 by Duffner's Waggle

[bladehunter]

1 minute ago, Duffner's Waggle said:

Will definitely give it a shot! I've always wondered about hovering...Ive tried a time or two but it didn't feel natural, but I'd imagine with some practice time it could become second nature. 

 

PS - just saw in your avatar on the left that you're up over 30,000 posts.......that is a heck of an accomplishment! 

Lol. Yea.  Says I have a big mouth.  
 

but seriously.  May feel funny for a bit.  But rehearse slow swings from a hover you can feel the difference vs from a grounded position.    For me anyway. It eliminated that feeling of needing to go down And hit it.   I’m one who will return the club to its start position no matter.  For some reason.  And with driver it led to a really downward strike. If I hit off  a mat for instance , my driver would get a green film due to it brushing the ground after impact. That’s how far down I hit.  This changed that.   Also I noticed a lot of guys on tv have a trigger move where they raise the driver quickly to tee height to start the swing.  JT does.  Phil does.  Usually guys who swing upright.  Kuchar hovers , Rickie hovers from the start and of course Bryson hovers.  
 

second nature tO me now. Not even a thing I think about.