shaft question

Question
I am currently using a ust pro force 75 stiff shaft, low kickpoint stiff tip. Here is the deal I an hitting a fade with my driver. When  I use a driver with a regular flex and a normal of soft tip i hit a draw and it goes 20 yards futher.
The question I am having is why do stiff shafts with stiff tips cause me to fade the ball opposed to regular flexs. my swing speed is 110 and I have a 13 handicap. my driving distance is 290  and my driver loft is 9.5  what does turning a driver in one degree do?

Answer
Hey Felton:  Stiff shafts are less responsive (have less flex) than regular shafts.  Add stiff tips and the effect is increased.  This requires a great deal of clubhead speed along with a lot of hand action to return the shaft to its starting position at impact.  Because the shaft is late in responding, it leaves the club face slightly open at impact which causes the fade.

I feel your swing speed is a product of using your big muscles very efficiently, which is good.  I also feel your wrist action is not overly excessive, which also is good. (requires less timing to maintain consistency as big muscles are more proficient than small)

Using regular shafts, although producing a draw, requires a great deal of timing to hit consistently as they flex so much more than stiff shafts.  If you don't have the accuracy problem, regular shafts are fine.  If you do however, I would suggest trying a stiff shaft with a higher kick point, say one that's just below the grip.  This may give you the best of both worlds.

As far as turning a driver in one degree:  You'd be correcting for the open club face at impact.  If you do this, I would suggest having the club altered as opposed to changing your grip or turning the club in your hands.

I hope I've answered your question Felton and I wish you luck with your golf.  My apologies for not responding sooner; I was in Scotland, trying unsuccessfully to qualify for the Senior British Open and could not gain access to the Experts web site from there.  I think it was a server problem from there, not a problem with AllExperts.

Fairways and Greens,
John
www.golfnutts.com