Performance

The Performance You’ve Wished For...

by Bob Duncan, Author of the Golfe Coach

It’s April, 2009, we’ve enjoyed another great Masters tournament, and you’re still wishing you
could hit that soft draw, bomb it straight off the tee, or spin it and make it dance on the greens.

But is the solution truly in your swing, or in your clubs? There’s no better time than the start of the
season to figure it out.

There are so many tips about your golf swing, and how to hit the ball in any direction you wish.
But are your clubs truly set up so you can produce the shots you read about? More often than
not, clubs most players are using do not match their desires - the clubs don’t fit!

So, let’s take a look at what you want and how the specifications of the clubs must change to get
that performance. Most players will agree that if they could play better with a broomstick they
would use one, but few will actually hit the specs they should. Ego is often involved, and most
players are using shaft flexes that are too stiff and lofts that are too low - especially in their driver.

DRAW: Many players wish they could get rid of their slice and hit a soft ‘draw’, or slight curve left
(right for left-handers) especially off the tee, because it goes a little farther If you want a draw,
you need to use more loft and softer shaft flexes. If you actually hit it farther with a 13-degree
driver and a shaft 2 flexes softer than you are actually using, would you try one? With the new
clubfitting systems available, trying before you buy is easier than ever.

STRAIGHTER? You need higher lofts, heavier shafts, and softer flexes. The main killers of
direction are shafts that are too stiff and lofts that are too low. If your shafts are too light you will
have a lot of variance and curvature in your shots. Try a club that is a higher loft, a heavier shaft,
and a softer flex than what you’re using. Also, in irons, using the correct lie angle will also
straighten things out. Heck, try something really flexible - what have you got to lose?

LOWER? Use lower lofts, of course, but be careful that you don’t change your swing as a loss of
direction can easily happen. But, most players don’t hit it so high that they need to hit it lower.
Heavier shafts will also hit the ball lower, but the combination of lower lofts and lighter shafts will
definitely hit the ball more crooked! Going with lower lofts to hit the ball farther is usually a
mistake.

HIGHER? Of course, using a higher loft will help. Lighter shafts and softer flexes will also help.
Usually, going a little higher will produce a little straighter also, so this is a plus. Shafts with lower
‘kick points’ will hit the ball higher, and these shafts are usually combined with lighter weights.

MORE BACKSPIN? Most players need more backspin to get the ball to stop on the greens, and
this is usually better for scoring. This is achieved with softer shaft flexes, low kick points, and
correct lie angles. But, the biggest change in backspin is achieved by changing your golf ball.
Models that say “Straight” and “Distance” on the box usually don’t have as much backspin as well
as those that say “Tour” or “Spin”. If your irons have softer flexes, correct lie angles, and you use
a higher spin-rate ball, you’ll stop the ball much better.

FADE? Some players want to softly curve the ball to the right more consistently. Using stiffer
flexes and lower lofts will usually produce this. Of course, if you’re really trying to hit the ball
straight, this will de-rail your performance. And, if the shafts are too stiff you’ll slice the ball more,
especially if you’re using a lower loft.

LONGER OFF THE TEE? Many players mistakenly use lofts that are too low for their ability and
swing speed. Longer tee shots are achieved with a higher initial launch angle and a lower spin
rate on the golf ball. This will also result in straighter shots. Using a higher loft, a heavier shaft,
and the correct flex will produce higher launch and lower spin rates. Using the correct loft and
correct shaft weight and flex for your technique and strength will optimize your distance.

LONGER IRONS? Most players are using irons with shafts that are too stiff. This includes many
“ladies” irons. If you’re working too hard trying to get distance with your irons you may need to
use softer shafts. Correct length and lie angles will also increase your distance, making for more
“square” contact.

Most players have not had a comprehensive clubfitting, allowing them to hit significantly softer or
stiffer shafts to see the difference in performance. If you’ve had a clubfitting but are not getting
the performance you think you should, you may need to test a wider array of flexes and shaft
weights to see what they actually can do for you.

By changing your equipment to match the performance you want, you’ll have a more predictable
game of golf.

Bob Duncan is a 25-year PGA Golf Professional, has been teaching and coaching golf since
1979, and is the author of the GolfeCoach, an interactive and personal coaching software
program. For more information and for a sample of the GolfeCoach, please visit www.
GolfeCoach.com.