By Frank Thomas May 16, 2008
Our equipment guru, Golf Digest Technical Advisor Frank Thomas, has the answers to your questions. Click here to submit a question for possible use in this column and you could receive a signed copy of Frank's latest book, "Just Hit It: Our Equipment and Our Game." For more from Frank you can visit his site franklygolf.com. [Note: Each week submitted questions will be reviewed and the best one will receive a signed copy of Frank's book, "Just Hit It."]
BENEFITS OF A 460cc HEAD
In the book you mentioned that low handicappers do not need to use 460cc drivers because they don't need the forgiveness they offer. You didn't say, however, why they would voluntarily give up that "safety net." The only reason I can think of is that with a smaller driver head they might generate more head speed (due to less wind resistance)? Is there another reason?
Thanks,
--Tom
Tom,
Low handicappers (those that are 5 or better) do not need the same forgiveness factor that the larger head provides. I certainly don't mean to imply that it isn't an extra safety net but rather if you have a 400 cc driver at this skill level you may not realize the benefits of the larger head simply because you do not miss-hit the ball that often. It is a case of diminishing returns especially with regard to the forgiveness factor or high MOI offered by some of the most recent clubs claiming to be at the maximum MOI limits.
We recognize that straight drives are of utmost importance, however, the high MOI will reduce the ability to influence the trajectory.
Lastly, I can assure you that the difference in wind resistance is absolutely minimal.
Frank
IRON ISSUE
Frank, thank you for your insightful information. I'm currently looking into a new set of clubs. I currently play with the Tommy Armour 845s Oversize, with stiff steel shafts. These are listed in your ratings for Expert players only. My only problem is that I generally hook the 3 and 4 irons. Is this a lie problem? I'm torn on whether I'm good enough to play with blades.
Thanks fo your insight,
--Al
Al,
Firstly, I would certainly suggest that you check out the lie angle of your 3 and 4 irons. It seems to be a consistent problem for you and the lie angle may be the cause.
Secondly, re. your blade dilemma. Unless you are a 5 or better handicap, I would not suggest blades as there are so many good cavity back irons available that are very appropriate even for the better golfer. Iron technology has not improved as much as the advances in drivers, but it has improved since your 845 OS were introduced.
Check the lie angles of your long irons and if you are in the low handicap range where you can benefit from blades, then check them out. I am a 5 handicap and play with a beautiful set of blades that are 5 years old and I love them.
Frank
SWITCHING TO HYBRIDS
I enjoy your weekly columns, and your book was very insightful. I see and hear that hybrids are all the rage but I have trouble with them. However, I have good success with the lofted fairway woods (5,7, & 9). Am I missing something with the hybrids? Is there any real reason why I should switch?
Regards,
--Tim
Tim,
Thank you for your kind comments about the book and my regular column.
If you feel extremely comfortable with your 5, 7 and 9 fairway woods then stay with them. However, if you are still using long irons, like 3 and 4 irons, then I would recommend you substitute a hybrid for one or both of them, and make sure that they are no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch longer than the iron that you are replacing. This will be at least an inch and a half shorter than the fairway wood with the same loft.
The difference between the hybrid and the fairway wood of the same loft is that the hybrid will have a lower trajectory and will be shorter in distance, but will be considerably more forgiving and a little longer than the irons they are replacing.
As much as I have recommended hybrids they do not necessarily suit everyone, so don't put one in your bag for the sole purpose of having one.
Frank
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