Very good article about hitting a driver

[GolfSpy WD]

Old article and long, but worth a read:

 

http://www.rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction/golfequipment/golf-launch-monitor.php

 

Here're some fun stats about PGA Tour pros (at least back when this was written):

 

Bubba Watson

6.75* Driver

Driver Length - 44"

Clubhead Speed - 125 mph

Ball Speed - 194 mph

Ratio - 1.552 (incredible!)

Launch Angle - 15.5-17*

Spin Rate - 1865 rpm (super low!)

Carry Distance - 360 yards reported by Ping (Obscene!)

9* Upward Angle of Attack!!!

 

Adam Scott

8.5* Driver

Clubhead Speed - 121 mph

Ball Speed - 170 mph

Ratio - 1.404

Launch Angle - 12*

Average Distance - 299 yards

 

Tiger Woods

8.5* Driver

Clubhead Speed - 125

Ball Speed - 185 mph

Ratio - 1.48

Launch Angle - 11*

Spin Rate - 2200 rpm

Average Distance - 302 yards

 

Me! - Chuck Quinton

8.5* Driver

Clubhead Speed - 117 mph

Ball Speed - 173 mph

Ratio - 1.48

Launch Angle - 12*

Spin Rate - 2588 rpm

Average Distance - 305 yards

 

Rocco Mediate

Clubhead Speed - 106 mph

Average Distance - 289.6 yards

Sean Fister (Long Drive Champion)

These are his highest recorded numbers.

Clubhead Speed - 171 mph

Ball Speed - 218 mph

Ratio - 1.27

Distance - 515 yards

 

Annika Sorenstam

Ball Speed - 155 mph

Est. Clubhead Speed - 102

Launch Angle - 12*

Spin Rate - 2500 rpm

 

Average Tour Player

Clubhead Speed - 108-110 mph

Average Distance - 286 yards

 

 

Ideal Numbers:

 

Ball Speed 	Launch Angle 	Back Spin (rpm's)	Carry Distance
170 mph 	11.5-15.5+* 	2000-2400 		289 yards
160 mph 	12-16+* 	2200-2650 		271 yards
150 mph 	13-16.5+* 	2300-2800 		252 yards
140 mph 	14-17+* 	2350-2950 		233 yards
130 mph 	14.5-17* 	2400-3100 		215 yards
120 mph 	15-17*	 	2500-3300 		196 yards

[RoverRick]

Great post wd. Took a while to read (was also watching TV) but I enjoyed it. His experience with the launch monitors mimics my own in that when I went and bought the "Magic Driver". I did not have near the same result on the course as I did at the store. I do not know about his "tour Issue" vs just the tour models. But he is certainly correct about the majority of drivers are not for me. As a matter of fact the majority of all golf clubs have a closed face to keep from slicing the ball. I have not sliced a ball in years, but I can hook it left 10 out 10 times if I am not careful. He also made it sound as if you bought a named brand OEM head it would never perform right. I do not think that is the case, however, you probably will end up changing the shaft. Anyway, it is a good article. Thanks.