1. I am in the market for a new driver. Where do I start? Sheldon, from Fredericton
First of all remember that loft is your friend. I think many players use too low of a loft of driver.
Most male golfers should play at least a 10.5 degree driver
Most male golfers should play at least a 10.5 degree driver and women should be at least a 12.5. The faster you swing the club typically the higher you launch the ball. Most female long drivers (club head speeds from 100 – 120 mph) use a 7-8 degree driver and our male counterparts often use 4-6 degree heads (130-150 mph). Usually the lowest lofts sold in pro shops and retail is 8 degrees. However the most important part of driver selection is the shaft. You MUST have your club head speed measured to fit you to the right shaft. Many women are hitting “ladies flex” clubs and they are too whippy leading to errant shots. Often an athletic female should be hitting a “senior flex” shaft if not a men’s regular. On the other hand men often have a shaft that is too stiff (I know I know, I’ve heard all the jokes before). Remember; check your ego at the front gate. You want to have the most flexible shaft you can control to achieve maximum distance.
2. When I play golf both of my hands get sore. Should I use two gloves? Sandy, from Calgary
In my opinion, absolutely not. Leave that look to Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey. I recommend using athletic tape. I often scoff the white tape from my husband’s hockey bag and use that. Where ever you are experiencing discomfort or are starting to form callouses, wrap a couple of layers of tape around that area. If the tape is too wide rip it up the middle before applying. You should also have a golf pro look at your grip and grip pressure to see if your technique is causing the issue.
3. I am going on a golf trip to Ireland this summer; do you have any good tips to prepare? Michael from Toronto
They don’t call it the Emerald Isle for nothing.
Ireland is one of the most magical places on earth to play golf, but they don’t call it the Emerald Isle for nothing. Ireland was the first golf destination I have experienced what felt like sideways rain. The rain usually comes in as fast as it goes. I found having a high quality rain suit was imperative. Spend the extra dough on the high end water proof not water resistant version. Think of it as an investment. If you are over 18 hopefully you aren’t growing anymore and you can wear for years to come. Bring several gloves and keep them dry by hanging them by the spokes under your umbrella. Don’t pull out the brand new boots for the trip. Test your shoes before you go. Play a round at home in the rain to make sure they are relatively water proof there is often a 1 year guarantee for that on new shoes, and most importantly make sure they are comfortable. You will not be riding a cart at most of the courses there or as they call it a buggy. Be prepared to walk. Finally, practice on windy days at home because you will often have breezy days out on the links in sight and sound of the sea.
Longball Tip
A hunched back can cause distress
Posture is something that is often over looked in the golf swing but key to performance. To make a good turn in your back swing to create power you need to rotate around your spine. Many golfers have a hunched over look to their posture (slumped shoulders) making it nearly impossible to make a decent turn. To ensure you have proper posture simply stand up nice and tall with your shoulders back. Then bend at the waist only as if you are bowing, and slightly bend your knees. You should have a flat back. Let your arms hang naturally. In this position you will be able to make a great turn and bomb it.
Good posture means a straight spine.
Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk is the reigning 7-time Canadian Long Drive Champion for Women and is ranked #2 in the World. Lisa can be reached at li**********@**************da.ca.
