Driving Straight

Recently a problem has developed in my game.

I have always been a relatively long hitter off the tee, but recently i seem to be hooking WAY too many shots off course.  Luckily on my local course, most fairways are huge, and the rough isnt deep so its rarely a hard recovery shot, but this still damages my confidence on the tee, and when i play other courses i really struggle.

Trying to correct this i have done the following;
- Drop down to 3 wood, which is less hook, and less distance
- Take a lesson with my uncle (6 h'cap) but with his adjustments the outcome can be a dud shot, hook, slice, skying it, or straight down middle
- Spend hours on range, though this just complicated myself

I want to buy a new driver, but obviously won't until i get my swing sorted.
What can i do to help??

I know it is hard to give help when you can't see the problem, but any advice would help..

One thing for sure, Paul is that one cannot see what one is doing oneself and it does require another eye looking in to possibly come up with the answer. As Waynes daid, a Pro is the logical choice, but if your uncle off six handicap is an orthodox swinger himself then he will be abke to tell you what is wrong.

Just being a Pro does not make one a teacher.

You are saying that you are hooking the ball off the course, which sounds very vicious, but is the ball starting right and then going left in a vicious hook or is it, most likely going left to start, then even further left. The latter would then indicate a vicious pull and the cause and the cure would be entirely different from the first scenario.

John

Just a thought, it could be that you've actually got better at your swing.  When I tried to use my old graphite clubs at the driving range I screwed every shot to the right.  I put this down to the fact that my swing has got naturally faster, so with a more flexible shaft my hands get to the ball before the club head, causing the face to go wildly open.  It's true that slowing your swing down should correct it, but try something with an even stiffer shaft on the driving range first.  I had a go with the pro's clubs at the range and cracked every one dead straight to the left....

Like I said earlier if the ball goes right first before it hooks then your swing plane is correct but you are closing your hands too early.

If it is going left, then further left it is because you are coming outside to in slightly, with the closed clubface.

John

I'd say have a lesson with your local pro, they are trained to teach.

I'm afraid not all have that ability in my experience.

John

But you can always refuse to pay if they are no good. A mate of mine went for a lesson, and the pro sat in a chair reading a mag. He should have told him where to go when he asked for money.

If you ask around and get some good recomendations. 

I was doing something similar 3 years ago, for some unknown reason I developed a huge slice. I had loads of friends trying to help out, some very good golfers, to no avail.

Went to a local cranfield academy. The 1st lesson was £10 or £20 for an hour assement lesson. After they will give you a programme, to see what you need to work on.

That 1st lesson, I filled in a qustionaire about my game. He went through the whole range of shots, to see where I needed to improve. Videoed my swing. We then spent 10 mins in his office looking at my swing.

He saw that I'd developed a reverse pivot, and my short game needed alot of work.

He advised 6 lessons. I had 3 to cure the pivot, which it did, but didn't have anymore. Thats why my short game still sucks.

You won't get that from a mate thats a verygood golfer.IMO 

My local Cranfield centre is also very good, but unless one can understand the knowledge that is being imparted then it is a waste of time.

If you are really serious about improving then perhaps you would care to have a game of golf with me. I live in Reading and am prepared to travel.

John

Did you come to wokefield John? Thats only down the road from Reading.

Perhaps we could meet for a game at pedham place sometime. Just off junction 3 of the M25. Or maybe somewhere nearer to you. Surrey has plenty of good courses. 

I am a 5 day member at Sherfield Oaks, but will play anywhere.

Cannot play for the next two weeks at least as I have just had surgery on my eyes and currently have trouble seeing. This is what happens when one gets old.

I have played this game all my life and though I cannot play very well now, I used to be a very good player and love to see others hit the ball properly.

John

I think we should play over the next 2 weeks. I might stand a chance.

The object of the invitation to a game was to have a nice round of golf with someone new, enjoy your company and, one never knows perhaps I could help you a little.

I have lost more times than I have won in this game, so another defeat would not worry me.

John

The only thing I seem to do well is hit the ball hard, not always straight, but quite often hard. Im up for a round John. Give a month or so, and we'll sort something out.

Great, Danny, will look forward to it.

John

With pleasure David.

 John

the 3 of us could meet somewhere around the M3,nice and central

No chance of that. Mind you, with the way Im hitting the ball at the moment, I'll still miss all 6 lanes.

I've heard good things about silvermere.

the next definate day for me is Friday 27th July. After that not till the 24 August.

fine by me. how about it John?

Should be able to see by then. lets make it a date. Another one for a fourball would be very nice.

John

David, me being a pensioner means I can play anytime you like, leave it with you to suggest another date.

John

27th it is then at Silvermere.

John

Yeah, nice one Paul.

John

Guess what I'll be wearing to silvermere?

the 24th Dave. Fridays are best for me.

OK