Hi fellow golfers, I recently changed the loft on my driver and I’ve noticed a significant loss in distance. I’m really puzzled and could use some advice. Has anyone else experienced this?
Response
Hey there, I totally get your frustration. I had the same issue when I changed my driver loft. After some digging and a bit of trial and error, I found that adjusting the shaft flexibility worked wonders for me. Let’s dive into the details.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft Angle Adjustment | 4 | Fine-tuned the loft | $0 | 1-3 |
| Shaft Flexibility | 3 | Switched to a stiffer shaft | $0 | 1-3 |
| Swing Speed | 2 | Increased swing speed | $0 | 1-3 |
| Clubhead Speed | 2 | Focused on clubhead speed | $0 | 1-3 |
| Turning Off WiFi | 2 | Turned off WiFi | $0 | 1-3 |
| Ball Position | 1 | Adjusted ball position | $0 | 1-3 |
| Spin Rate | 1 | Reduced spin rate | $0 | 1-3 |
| Custom Fitting | 1 | Got a custom fitting | $50-$300 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Loss of distance on drives
- Inconsistent ball flight
- Reduced control over shots
Possible Causes
- Incorrect loft angle
- Inappropriate shaft flexibility
- Poor swing mechanics
- Incorrect ball position
Solutions that Worked
1. Loft Angle Adjustment
- What I Did: Fine-tuned the loft angle on my driver.
- Outcome: Regained lost distance.
- Personal Experience: After some adjustments, I found the sweet spot.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Use the adjustment tool that came with your driver to loosen the screw on the hosel.
- Rotate the hosel to the desired loft angle.
- Tighten the screw back into place.
- Test the new setting at the driving range with at least 20-30 drives.
Expert Tip:
Fine-tuning the loft angle can significantly impact your distance and ball flight. Always test new settings at the range before taking them to the course. Make sure to also note the wind conditions as they can affect your testing.
2. Shaft Flexibility
- What I Did: Switched to a stiffer shaft.
- Outcome: Gained more control and distance.
- Personal Experience: A stiffer shaft made a noticeable difference.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Unscrew the current shaft by loosening the bolt at the hosel.
- Carefully remove the shaft, making sure not to damage the hosel.
- Insert the new, stiffer shaft into the hosel.
- Tighten the bolt securely.
- Test the new shaft at the driving range, focusing on both distance and accuracy.
Expert Tip:
The shaft’s flexibility can significantly impact your swing speed and ball flight. A stiffer shaft usually helps better players who have faster swing speeds. If you’re unsure about the stiffness you need, consult a golf pro or get a custom fitting.
Additional Handy Tips
- Weather Conditions: Always consider the weather conditions when testing new settings. Temperature and humidity can affect ball flight.
- Grip Pressure: Sometimes, the issue might not be the loft or the shaft but how you’re gripping the club. A relaxed grip can often improve your swing and add distance.
- Consult a Pro: If all else fails, it might be beneficial to take a lesson from a golf pro. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your swing.
Golf Models where this worked
- Titleist 917D2, 2017
- TaylorMade M1, 2016
I hope this helps anyone facing the same issue. Let’s keep this thread updated with any new solutions we find! And remember, golf is a game of inches and small adjustments can make a big difference.