Driver vs 4-wood Distance Question

[jammer59]

Is the shaft or my swing?

I'd like an opinion from some folks more knowledgeable than me (neophyte). I have a 2007 TM Burner Driver, 10.5*, stock stiff shaft cut to 44.5" that I hit okay -- 220 to 260 but averaging closer to 230.

I just added a 16.5* Wishon 949MC 4-wood with a Fujikura Tour Platform 26.3 regular shaft at 42.5". My clubmaker had this shaft lying around inventory so I got a good deal -- $95 for the club. My range, off the tee, with the 4-wood is almost identical to my driver range -- perhaps 5 yards less.

What is a reasonable explanation? The TM Burner shaft is too stiff and the regular flex Fuji TP fits me better? Or my couple of degree negative AoA is better suited to a fairway metal than a driver? Obviously, what I'm wondering is should I get my driver re-evaluated to see if I can get additional length or if my swing fundamentals really are going to do better with a fairway that seems more tolerant of a mildly descending blow.

Thanks for your opinions!

[berkeleygiraffe]

sounds like the 4 wood fits you better so it might be worth getting fitted for your driver.

 

Do you have a fade or draw with your driver? I know I used to be able to hit my 5 wood about as far as my 3 wood because any extra distance the 3 wood offered was taken away from sidespin in my fade.

 

But rereading this it sounds like if you can control a regular shaft with regularity then it might be worth swapping shafts in your driver to a regular possibly of the same model as your 4 wood.

[Awalkspoiled]

You may well be hooding and delofting your 4w, so that it's playing more like a 12-13° club, which is probably what your driver is anyway, notwithstanding the number on the sole.

 

You should definitely get fitted for that driver, though - there's so much wrong with the stock TM shaft that it's hard to predict what you might learn...

[atlanta golfer]

I would want to understand the trajectory and shot pattern with each before trying to make a judgement. You didn't put much about those details into your post.

 

Personally, I opted for the same shaft and make in my driver and 4 wood. This gives me a consistent trajectory and about a 20-30 yard difference in total carry plus roll.

[GaijinGolfer]

10.5* might not be enough loft for you in your driver. Try out a driver with 12* of loft and see what happens.

Your buddies might make fun of your high-lofted, "girly" driver, but they wont be laughing once you knock your ball past their's.

[jammer59]

I would want to understand the trajectory and shot pattern with each before trying to make a judgement. You didn't put much about those details into your post.

 

Personally, I opted for the same shaft and make in my driver and 4 wood. This gives me a consistent trajectory and about a 20-30 yard difference in total carry plus roll.

 

 

I have an over the top swing issue so my drives tend to be 1) a hard pull to the right if I overswing and a mild fade to medium slice with an easier swing -- it's not so extreme that it isn't to play in the fairway with an expected loss of distance. Trajectory in almost all cases (driver and 4-wood) is on the high side without much rollout.

 

Thanks for the comments folks. I probably will take my retail issue driver into a real clubmaker for an evaluation OR I might just drive with the 4-wood for now; the distance is acceptable. I hit the front fringe on a 510 yard par 5 today with 2 4-wood shots. I have yet to achieve this with a driver then hybrid.