|
|
Grips that are too big impede hand and wrist movement, preventing a full release of the club. This problem can cause an already existing slice to become more severe or cause a fairly straight hitter to begin fading the ball.
The importance of having the proper grip size cannot be over-emphasized. Most golfers are unaware that grips can be installed in different sizes, which is an important contribution to feel, direction and solid hits. Grips that are too large tend to inhibit the proper release of the clubhead and encourage blocked shots, which result in a push, fade or slice. While grips that are too small increase the likelihood of a hook, they will also cause the golfer to either position the grip more in the palm of the hand.
|
This will also cause an individual to lose control of the club or re-grip at the top of the backswing. Standard grip sizes generally will not fit most golfers. Instead, gloves are offered in a variety of sizes and materials, which is also true for grips.
As a general rule, if you take the correct left-hand grip and the two center fingertips dig into the palm, the grip is too small. If the fingertips are barely touching or just miss touching the heel of the palm, then the grip is correct. If the fingertips are separated more than 1/8 inch from the heel of the palm, the grip is too large. It is important that when checking grip size you are holding the club properly.
|
|
Flex is a measurement of a shaft's resistance to bending when subjected to force. The exact amount of bending is affected to a large degree by your swing speed. Here is our recommendation for flex/loft combination:
X: Extra Stiff – for players with swing speeds of 100 mph or more
Suggested Loft: 8 to 9 degrees
S: Stiff – for players with speeds between 90 and 100 mph
Suggested Loft: 9 to 10.5 degrees
R: Regular – for players with swing speeds between 80 and 90 mph
Suggested Loft: 10.5 degrees
|
A: Senior – for players with swing speeds 60 to 75 mph
Suggested Loft: 11 to 14 degrees
Head Size: 430cc or less
L: Ladies – for players with swing speeds 50 to 60 mph
Suggested Loft: 12 to 15 degrees
Head Size: 430cc or less
Flexibility of the club's shaft affects distance and accuracy. A golfer playing with shafts that do not accommodate the force of his or her swing will encounter one of two difficulties:
|
TOO STIFF – a golfer will experience a lower-than-normal flight trajectory, a loss of distance and a repeated push or slice. In the majority of cases, golfers play with clubs that are very stiffly fitted. There are also those golfers who purchase clubs without being fitted or are unaware of his or her own swing speed.
TOO FLEXIBLE – the clubhead will trail behind the shaft at impact and will cause a higher than normal flight trajectory, drastic fading and/or slicing while experiencing a loss of distance and erratic directional control (including pulls and hooks).
|
Although manufacturers have begun to offer shaft upgrades and other options, many golfers might find their optimum shaft “flex” to fit somewhere within today's standards. For example, many golfers could prefer the “firm flex,” which is between regular and stiff flex.
With the significance of launch monitor fitting today, shaft manufacturers now offer golf professionals the ability to be fit by more than just shaft flex. Those options include kick point, radial torque, gram weighting, tip stiffness and material.
|
The kick point, not to be confused with shaft flex, is the point in the shaft that bends or flexes he most during the downswing. A shaft's kick point alters the overall launch angle of the clubface and moves it through the impact zone, thereby affecting shot trajectory. In most cases, with a driver, the kick point has a higher precedence to the overall launch angle than does loft of the clubhead.
A shaft will typically have one of three kick points — high, medium or low. Today, with the emphasis on launch monitor fitting, many manufacturers have developed in-between kick points to ensure accurate fitting for golfers of any ability and size.
|
A shaft designed with a higher kick will produce a lower ball flight. A lower kick point will produce a higher ball flight. It's important to note that in order to find the proper kick point for your shafts, you must first determine the correct flex. Better players with higher swing speeds typically favor shafts with a high kick point because they produce a lower flight with less shot dispersion and greater accuracy. However, golfers with lower swing speeds often find that shafts with a low kick point will produce maximum energy transfer and an optimal launch angle.
|
Offset
It is a fact that 85 to 90 percent of all golfers have a tendency to push, fade or slice, and adding hosel offset is the key to the compensating feature in anti-slice technology. Hosel offset not only allows the clubface an extra fraction of a second to close (thereby helping to reduce slicing), it also helps get the ball in the air by increasing the club's dynamic loft at impact.
Hopefully, these tips to choosing the right club can help you fix your slicing problems. If you have further questions, you can always consult your local PGA professional or instructor. | |
|
|
|
|
