Toad

am currently re-assembling a set of clubs after just over 4 years of not playing. I started playing at 12 (36 now) and from 19-21 I was a +1.3HCP...when I quit playing I was a 4...coming back I am still establishing my index...but it will prolley be around 6 or 7 from the looks of the scores I have been posting (though I did drop my first under par 9 the other day.

Needless to say...club technology is light years from where it was when I stopped playing 4 years ago.

I have been fitted with a set of Mizuno MP-60's...(They are 2* flat, +3/4 Inch and oversized -1 wrap - grips - Project X Flighted 6.0). I am carrying 3-PW and yes I hit the 3 iron just fine. =) I was playing a couple Pelz wedges but after messing around I have a Titleist Vokey 56* and 60* Spin Milled Oil Can being fitted with spinner shafts on the way this week.

This leaves woods. Now before I get too far off...I DO have a fitting scheduled for this Friday. I want to end up with a driver and likely a 3 and 5 wood. I am open to the possibility of hybrids...I have a couple CLK HiFli that I hit OK...but having trouble working the ball with them...see below.

I am currently borrowing a Taylor Made 460 R7...and I hit it decent. I have a natural tendency to hit the ball right to left. If I set the R7 up neutral I am hitting draws to huge hooks. If I set it up to have a fade bias I hit the ball dead straight but cant seem to work the ball to the left to right unless I hit the fattest slice known to man. I thought for a long time that I was doing something gimpy with my swing and broke out several older clubs including an old Peerless Persimmon wood. These older clubs I could work either direction on command...its just the R7 thats givin me fits (thankfully I dont own it =)). Also...with my irons...I can make shots bend either way at will. Looking at it more closely...I realized the R7 is setup with a closed face...not having measured it I would guess its 4 to 5 degrees closed...no wonder!

I have looked around in various places and seems that MOST of the drivers/woods/hybrids (I am seeing the same shot patterns issues with the CLK's as well) have a few degrees of closed face built into them. I know that the average golfer tends to hit slices and that must be WHY these clubs are setup this way...but for a guy who hits a natural draw and likes to work the ball...this closed face is not going to fly.


I DO have a fitting on Friday...and my fitter is very good. He has a simulator and launch monitor and I have known him since I was 19 so I can bring stuff back to him if it doesnt work out. I am sure he can get me into something I like and that fits. Still though thought I would ask around and see if anyone can recommend any drivers/woods that have a neutral face setup? Also...with a 105mph avg club head speed (up to 115 if I am trying to mash one) - with a natural high ball trajectory - what shafts are you guys liking? Just to be clear as well...my interest is primarily shot shape...I carry about 285ish with the R7 and that distance is OK with me if I can control the shape of the shot better. =)

300Yards

You might like the new Cobra Speed Pro series. I think they have a neutral face..WIth your SS, I'd say to shop around, and get whatever you want..you seem to know your stuff. When I tested the R7, I had similar results as you. I couldn't control that thing, if I was hitting it in outer space. I found out the weights in the one I tried was all screwed up..perhaps your were too?

Toad

I will have a look at the Cobra it was on the list along with the TP series Taylor Made and the HiBore XL Tour. Doesnt seem to be alot of neutral face setups out there.

I am glad someone else didnt like the R7 either. I think the weights in mine are OK...I can adjust them and I DO see a change in the shot shape. Its a forgiving club...but its so forgiving to the point of feeling 'numb' to me. I pulled it out of the bag and believe it or not I am hitting my old Peerless persimmon driver until Friday that is. Its 270...any direction I want. =)

Lead Tape

Here you go: http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/drivers/907D2.asp

This Titleist is neutral to almost open looking and you shouldn't have any problems.

I play regularly with another pro that battles the hooks, especially when he's under the gun, and is killing this thing with just a hint of a fade. He's in pig sheyit heaven!

Toad

Thanks! I do have titleist on the list. The D2 sounds cool, I dont know if I can adjust to the head shape though. I will give it an honest effort and we shall see...

Thanks for the suggestion!