I Dumped My Driver (at least for now)!

[burnsie 18]

Like many, I struggle with consistency hitting my driver (Titleist TSi2 (2019??)).  At 76, I hit it around 200-230 when I catch it just right. I play at least twice a week; problem is, I never know who’s going to show up each round - the ball striker or the slicer!

So this week I retired my driver and used only my Cleveland Launcher 5-wood off the tee. I’ll admit, I hit it only around 180-200 yards, BUT, it was on a rope right down the middle! Every time!  On many holes I had to use it again for my 2nd shot but I was either on the green or very close.  It was one of my best rounds ever!

Now I’m wondering if I’ll ever go back to a driver. I’ve been very pig-headed about this for decades so it was a big deal for me!  It was an eye-opening experience.  Of the courses I play, I might consider the big D occasionally for the carry, but it could be a 3-wood instead!
 

I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks - if you kick him hard enough!
 

 

[Bobbers 233]

I'm 71 and beginning the exact same "experiment" you just described.  Odd thing for me is I hit a 3 wood off the deck pretty well; off even a low tee not so much.

[RobFromRockaway 1]

I recently shelved my drivers and started playing my UDI 2 iron. However this time of the year rain makes the course soft and fast rolling shots are not really viable….. with that said neither are towering driver shots lol !

[tony@CIC 22,719]

On 8/5/2022 at 5:13 PM, burnsie said:

Like many, I struggle with consistency hitting my driver (Titleist TSi2 (2019??)).  At 76, I hit it around 200-230 when I catch it just right. I play at least twice a week; problem is, I never know who’s going to show up each round - the ball striker or the slicer!

So this week I retired my driver and used only my Cleveland Launcher 5-wood off the tee. I’ll admit, I hit it only around 180-200 yards, BUT, it was on a rope right down the middle! Every time!  On many holes I had to use it again for my 2nd shot but I was either on the green or very close.  It was one of my best rounds ever!

Now I’m wondering if I’ll ever go back to a driver. I’ve been very pig-headed about this for decades so it was a big deal for me!  It was an eye-opening experience.  Of the courses I play, I might consider the big D occasionally for the carry, but it could be a 3-wood instead!
 

I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks - if you kick him hard enough!
 

 

200-230 at 76? I think that's at the high end of club distance for our age. I'll be 76 in December and generally average now about 190ish occasionally I break the 200 + .and peak in the 170's for my 5W. Most of the guys I play with are in the same boat for age and distance. I did find that working out and/or lack of is making a difference in clubhead speed. I was consistently working out til May when we came back to Ohio - my numbers started to fall off since then - so it's back to the gym. Also you didn't mention how you arrived at the driver head and shaft combo you currently have. This past spring I upgraded from a 410/Alta Senior Shaft to a Taylormade SIM2 Max D with an AirSpeeder A flex shaft. That made a big difference so you might experiment with the head and shaft combo - that might met the distance expectations you're looking for. Note here's an 'unofficial review' of my upgrade.

 

 

[burnsie 18]

On 8/5/2022 at 10:32 PM, Bobbers said:

I'm 71 and beginning the exact same "experiment" you just described.  Odd thing for me is I hit a 3 wood off the deck pretty well; off even a low tee not so much.

Bobbers,  I had the same issue. So I just drop the ball behind the tee markers and hit off the deck. That’s why they call it golf — all the other 4-letter were taken!

[burnsie 18]

On 8/5/2022 at 10:32 PM, Bobbers said:

I'm 71 and beginning the exact same "experiment" you just described.  Odd thing for me is I hit a 3 wood off the deck pretty well; off even a low tee not so good. 

Bobbers,  I had the same issue. So I just drop the ball behind the tee markers and hit off the deck. That’s why they call it golf — all the other 4-letter were taken!

 

[burnsie 18]

58 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

200-230 at 76? I think that's at the high end of club distance for our age. I'll be 76 in December and generally average now about 190ish occasionally I break the 200 + .and peak in the 170's for my 5W. Most of the guys I play with are in the same boat for age and distance. I did find that working out and/or lack of is making a difference in clubhead speed. I was consistently working out til May when we came back to Ohio - my numbers started to fall off since then - so it's back to the gym. Also you didn't mention how you arrived at the driver head and shaft combo you currently have. This past spring I upgraded from a 410/Alta Senior Shaft to a Taylormade SIM2 Max D with an AirSpeeder A flex shaft. That made a big difference so you might experiment with the head and shaft combo - that might met the distance expectations you're looking for. Note here's an 'unofficial review' of my upgrade.

 

 

Tony,  the operative phrase is.. “when I catch it just right.”  AND I need the roll!

Great point about working out. I’ve slacked off a lot these day. Need to get back on schedule. 

Nice choice on your new driver!

[burnsie 18]

1 hour ago, tony@CIC said:

Also you didn't mention how you arrived at the driver head and shaft combo you currently have.
 

I forgot to mention, my brother-in-law works for Titleist so I got my driver new from the factory with their “regular” shaft for half price. 🫢    Never tried getting fitted or experimenting with different shafts. Something to look into!

Thanks!

[Bobbers 233]

41 minutes ago, burnsie said:

Also you didn't mention how you arrived at the driver head and shaft combo you currently have.
 

I forgot to mention, my brother-in-law works for Titleist so I got my driver new from the factory with their “regular” shaft for half price. 🫢    Never tried getting fitted or experimenting with different shafts. Something to look into!

Thanks!

Now THAT is the brother-in-law from heaven...well done.  And if that gent happens to need another cousin I'm available, and would only expect (but appreciate) let's say a 40% discount.  Keep it in mind.