PERFECT DRIVER

WHY 2021 IS THE YEAR TO GET FITTED

With golf shot data analysis continuing to demonstrate the value of hitting the ball further, now is the ideal time to reassess whether or not your driver’s set-up is giving you yards or taking them away. Every golfer delivers the driver differently in terms of clubhead speed, swing path, clubface angle and angle of attack; and because of this, every golfer needs an individual driver fit if they are to wring every yard out of that delivery.

According to launch monitors, the average male golfer creates an impact speed of around 93mph. At that speed, the optimal ball launch angle is 16º with a spin rate of 2,550rpm. Data suggests that typically, we launch the ball too low and spin it too much to maximise distance for that speed. The correct driver, accurately specced, can get you closer to your optimal figures.

LPGA Tour star Maria Fassi is an excellent example of the value of using the right driver. Of course there is technique and athleticism involved; but as she explains, her ability to hit the ball up towards 300 yards on a regular basis owes a lot to the work she puts in tuning her driver to her impressive 109mph club speed. If you want more yards, follow her example.

I grew up playing with guys, playing from their tees, so I think unconsciously that pushed me to swing even harder – trying to keep up with the guys.

Last year I averaged more than 280 yards on the LPGA Tour, a distance that put me third on the stats list. The year before – my rookie year – I was 282 and second. I would have to say that on the LPGA Tour length isn’t quite the asset it is on the PGA and European Tours – sometimes it simply brings hazards positioned for the men into play. But it is still a major advantage to be hitting in shorter clubs than the rest of the field, and one I hope to capitalise on as my career develops.

One thing is for sure; my driving distance represents the optimal figure for the swing speed I develop – around 108-109 mph – and for that I can thank my driver and its set-up. Launch monitors have shown me that for the way I hit the ball, I need a launch angle of around 12.5-14º and a spin rate of between 2,1002,300rpm to max out my yardage. Hitting the ball as hard as I do, those figures could easily climb and cost me distance. But my Taylormade SIM2 has been designed piece-bypiece to optimise speed and spin for higher swing speeds, and it helps me keep those figures under control on every tee shot.

My own driver has 9º of loft, is 44in long and is fitted with a Blue Ventus 6X shaft – a stiff-tipped, stable shaft that complements the spin-calming qualities of the powerful SIM2 head. Thanks to this club I’ve lowered my spin rates while keeping my launch and carry very similar to my previous driver. This has allowed me to increase the roll I get, which leads to more distance off the tee.

It’s great to be one of the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour… but this year I expect to be even longer.