Longer Drivers- Are they right for you?

    I am frequently asked about the benefits of switching to a
longer driver. As a Club Maker I do believe that all golfers
should use the longest clubs that they can control. It is
true that, given the same swing speed, a longer driver will
produce more club head speed and should produce longer shots.

   I emphasize "should" because distance is also dramatically
affected by where on the club face you contact the ball. An
off center hit of only 1/2 inch can cost a 25% distance
penalty. Since accuracy is more important to scoring than
distance I would recommend only one inch maximum additional
driver length and only then if you are willing to commit to
the practice required to get those "sweet spot" hits.

   A longer driver will not, however, put you on Tour. Just
because Rocky Thompson uses a 50 inch driver on the senior
tour does not mean that you should run right out and buy one.
You must realize that your maximum distance gain will be no
more than 8 to 10 yards and that your risk of finding the
rough increases greatly. I believe that if you will seek high
quality instruction on swing basics and practice diligently
you will probably find that elusive 10 yards hidden in your
old driver.

   I more readily fit longer clubs to people with short arms
to give them a more competitive swing arc. I personally use
3/4 inch over length clubs because, even though I am 5-10
tall, I only have a 31-1/2 arm length. Through long and
arduous practice I also am able to keep my drives in the
short grass 90% of the time.

   This discussion applies equally to all your clubs. If you
contact the ball in the center of the face most of the time
then you would obtain relative distance gains with only a
marginal sacrifice in accuracy by increasing the length of
all your clubs 1/2 to 1 inch.

   Should you decide that you really want a longer driver I
recommend that you have one designed and made by a good club
maker. You can install a shaft extender as a last resort but
this will result in a more flexible shaft than you are used
to and will affect your timing. A club maker can determine
the flex characteristics of your present driver and produce
the same elements in your new, longer club. After that its'-
practice, practice, practice.