The Perfect Driver: The Final Lesson
in the Longer and Straighter Driving Series

Now that you have built great structure, balance, and acceleration into your golf swing, and you understand how to swing for speed, it’s time to focus on the perfect driver. This is the final lesson in the Longer and Straighter Driving Series, and it’s all about maximizing your equipment for better results.

Why the Right Driver Matters

Many golfers assume that modern drivers have drastically improved distance. However, about 15 years ago, the USGA put restrictions on how hot the face of a driver can be. This means driver heads aren’t necessarily hitting the ball farther than they used to. But don’t worry—I have some valuable insights to help you optimize your driver for both distance and accuracy.

1. Shorter Shafts for Better Control

Did you know that the average driver length on the PGA Tour is 44.5 inches? That’s significantly shorter than the standard drivers sold in golf stores today.

• Many retail drivers are now 46 inches or longer, nearly as long as those used by professional long-drive competitors.
• While a longer driver may provide a slight distance boost, it often leads to inconsistency and mishits.
• Pros use shorter drivers because they provide better control, leading to more consistent strikes and, ultimately, better overall distance.

2. Consistency Over Maximum Distance

Let’s consider an example: Suppose you have a long driver and occasionally hit it 300 yards. However:

• One out of five shots reaches 300 yards.
• Two out of five shots go about 250 yards.
• The other two shots barely reach 200 yards due to mishits.

Compare this to a shorter driver, where you may max out at 280 yards but:

• You consistently hit it 260-270 yards.
• Your lowest shots still travel around 250 yards.
• You’re far more likely to be in the fairway, giving you better scoring opportunities.

3. The Importance of Center Contact

If you want to maximize your distance, it’s far better to hit the center of the clubface consistently rather than swinging with a longer, harder-to-control driver.

• The average scratch golfer drives the ball around 250 yards.
• If you’re consistently in the fairway, you’ll have a much better chance of attacking greens and scoring well.
• Hitting off the toe or heel of a longer driver negates any distance advantage you might gain.

4. Adjusting Swing Weight for a Shorter Driver

When shortening a driver shaft, you must ensure the swing weight remains the same.

• Shortening the shaft makes the club feel stiffer and changes the swing weight, potentially throwing off your timing.
• A common fix is adding lead tape or counterweights to maintain a comfortable swing feel.
• A professional club fitter can help you optimize your driver to match your unique swing characteristics.

Final Thoughts

While everyone loves maximum distance, the key to lower scores is consistency and accuracy off the tee. By using a properly fitted, slightly shorter driver, you’ll hit more fairways, improve your scoring opportunities, and ultimately play better golf.

Thank you for following along with the Longer and Straighter Driving Series. Now, take what you’ve learned and start driving the ball longer and straighter than ever before!