Driver swing problems

adam500 · April 27, 2012

Problem:

I have been playing for about a year and really enjoy the game. I was able to hit my driver 200-225 yrds rather consistently but recently I have been in a slump with my driver. What happens is that every hit (doesn't matter if I hit a bucket at the range) ends up going 30 - 50 yrds and diving to the ground rolling out to 100-150 yrds. At first I thought I was hitting the ball with the bottom of the club face generating topspin so I got some impact tape and to my astonishment I am hitting the ball in the center of the face. It does sound/feel like a make good contact. I also have the same problem hitting fairway woods. Anything longer than a 4 iron is troublesome.

Irons:

I have been hitting my irons very well(for me). So the last month or so I have been just playing my irons from the tee box but I need to address this issue as it isn't fixing itself. On good days I am able to break 100 playing my irons from the tee but I want more. I do hit down on the ball with my irons and take a divot. My go to club is my 5 iron and I can carry it about 170.

Equipment Specs:

Driver 10.5 R-flex

Sorry about the audio... when I uploaded it it now does not match and there is a bunch of background noise (mute) :)

VIdeo 1

Video 2

Video 3

GatorPaul · April 27, 2012

I would recommend working on posture first and foremost. Your back is not tilted down to the ball in an athletic fashion. Notice how there is a significant curve in the posture of your back at address, which makes it difficult to swing the club on plane and rotate properly. Here is your address side by side with Rory.

[attachment=1138856:Rory Posture.jpg]

Notice the straightness of his spine angle and the slight flex in his knees. On the other hand your upper back is rounded and there isn't any bend from your hip-line. From the upper thighs up through your abs its easy to see you are vertical instead of tilted. If you folded more from the belt-line, your butt would be more behind you (as Rory's) putting you in a balanced position to start the club back. Do some mirror work and work on this posture!

For a shorter term band aid, you may want to feel the driver head stay much lower to the ground for a much longer amount time past impact. It looks like the driver head elevates quite quickly through impact on your video which may be causing some topspin as you describe. Imagine your arms getting fully extended away from your chest post-impact with the club head closer to the ground.

adam500 · May 9, 2012

Thank you for your help. I wanted to update this post in case this comes up in someones search.

What ended up being the problem was my arm positioning. I have my arms extended following the same plane the shaft is on at address. In reality I should have an obtuse angel with the vertex being my wrist. After changing this I am able to get the ball back in the air with a nice penetrating ball flight. You can see what I am talking about in the photo that was posted in the previous reply. It was very helpful.

Thank you again!!!

Adam