Expert: Chuck Evans - 5/1/2006

Question
I am considering the purchase of a new driver-I currently have a Calloway hawkey driver- (10.5 degrees)ladies graphite shaft- that is about 7 years old - I hit it pretty well, but only about 160-175 yards, I figure with new technology I can get another 20 yards and maybe get on more par 4s in two, I am looking at the Calloway 460 or the ERC Fusion Driver - I am an 18 handicap, any thoughts?  thanks  

Answer
Denise,

Technology helps, but only to a certain point.  To hit the ball farther you must swing the club faster.  The ball leaves the clubface at approximately 1.5 times the Impact speed.  Fro example, 100 MPH at Impact results in a ball speed of 150mph.

The ball TRAVELS at 2.3 yards per mph of Impact speed.  So using the same example that means 230 yards of carry at 100 mph at Impact.

My suggestion would be to work on increasing your clubhead speed by using a heavy club of some sort.

You could also go to one of your local demo days, hit some clubs and see the difference.  The best bet would be try clubs that are using a launch monitor.  This way they can maximize the shaft and head combinations.

The average drive on the LPGA is slightly over 220 yards, of course there are players that hit it farther and some that hit it shorter.

Chuck
www.chuckevansgolf.com