Who would hit an 11 wood?

Question
QUESTION: Ely would (referring to Mr Callaway).  I picked up a Callaway Warbird "Ely Would" rather inexpensive.  It actually completely blows my Cobra Baffler away for distance and now fills the gap between my 5 wood and 6 iron.  Maybe a 20 yard distance gap with the 5 wood (now thinking about going back to the same store and getting the Warbird Heavenwood).

The other great deal I got was paying only $26 cash for a Cleveland CG15 DSG 64 deg wedge (got $104 in store credit at Golfmart). It is a great wedge (along these lines, I have had the 58 deg club for 7 months now and my short game has been rather vicious from 40 yards in). Does great on both tight lies and grassy lies.

The shankitis I had a long time ago has disappeared.  The big 90 degree backswing and trying to do a "rotational" swing was the culprit (getting stuck on the right foot and too much of an inside-out swing path).  About a month and a half ago, I posted a score of 2 strokes over par for 9 holes.

ANSWER: Lou:  Not only would Ely hit and 11 wood but you've joined the ranks.  The answer is whoever it helps.  Glad to hear the shankitis has gone.  Don't think there's anything in golf that gives one such a feeling of helplessness and foreboding.  Keep up the good work!

Fairways and Greens,

John

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QUESTION: I also got the 4 wood and the 7 "Heavenwood".  My only issue (and it may be minor) is that I have a slight fade with the driver and the 4 wood. When I hit them perfectly straight they have a high trajectory. Actually I have two drivers - Ping G2 with Grafalloy Pro Launch Blue and Titleist 983K with Aldila NV.  The former is more forgiving but I can hit the latter a little harder.  



Basically everything else is as straight as an arrow.  Then again, I swing a little easier with these.

ANSWER: Nothing wrong with straight!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: There is quite a bit of confusion as to what causes a slice or fade other than the clubface being open at impact.

One says that too fast of a swing  with a soft shaft causes it but yet another one says that too stiff of a shaft causes it.

One says too early of a weight shift causes a fade.  Yet the root of all golf evil is not shifting the weight (hanging back causes shanks just as well as duck hooks).

Shaft length is a non-issue because I found out that I hit the ball best with a wood that is 1/2" shorter than standard and irons that are 3/8" shorter than standard with an upright lie angle. The ideal driver length for me is 43.5" or 44".  I used to tend to pull 44.5 or 45" drivers.

I hit my  11 wood around 180-190 and my 6 iron hybrid about 160 so I am at the border point between stiff and regular.

Answer
You are quite right about there being many causes of the slice.  It is unusual for a touring professional to be afflicted with the shot (unless intentional) so one must ask why.  The answer can be found in how they set up to the ball; in balance, bent from the waist with little flex in the knees.  This position is fairly common amongst the touring professionals as is the lack of the dreaded slice; hardly a coincidence.  All of the different causes of the slice can be attributed to the unique ways in which golfers react to being out of this position.

So by assuming the professional position, you will be giving yourself a fighting chance of eliminating the slice.  Not necessarily you, but golfers in general.  Although the fact you say your shots are straighter with the shorter clubs, I'm thinking as the clubs get longer, you adjust your tilt to accommodate the added length.  The straighter you stand, the more apt you are to slice the ball.

The professional position is explained on my website if you don't recall my description of it in our 1st exchanges.  www.golfnutts.com