Finding the right golf driver

Question
John:
A question to possibly point me in the right direction when it comes to a new golf driver.

When it comes to hitting woods/drivers of any kind, I seem to really feel comfortable hitting my Adams Tight Lies 4-wood.   I'm not sure its the shape of the club head (longer/thinner compared to just BIG and round) but seem to be able to be much more consistent with it than any big-headed driver I've tried.

Of course, though, I really want to be able to hit a driver off the tee as hitting first due to using a 4-wood compared to my other partners drivers is getting old.

Suggestions on what type of driver might fit my swing pattern/ease comparing one to the Tight Lies 3- or 4-woods?

Thanks!
Steve Preo
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Answer
Steve,

There are a couple of reasons you hit a 3 or 4 wood straighter than a driver. The first is that it has more loft than a driver.  Having more loft means that the ball will tend to spin laterally less than it would off of a driver. It will have a higher launch angle and more backspin, which causes the shorter distance, but it will be easier to hit the ball straight...so fewer hooks/slices.  Basically, it's one of the same principals that makes it easier to hit an 8 iron than a 2 iron.

The other difference is that the shaft will be over an inch shorter with the 3/4 wood.  Again, easier to control, but it'll cost you distance.  There's probably no answer as to which brand/model driver would work best for you, but I have a couple of suggestions regarding specs.  I would probably stay away from drivers less than 9.5 or 10 degrees.  Lofts from 7.5 - 9.0 will be harder to hit straight.  Also, watch the shaft length.  Drivers with extended length shafts will boast that they hit the ball farther.  They do, but they forget to tell you how much harder they can be to control.

Watch the papers or local golf publications near where you live.  Find a Demo Day where you can get on a range with a few different clubs and see what you like. NEVER by a club without hitting one very similar to it.  If you can't find a driver you like, you might look at a 2 wood or a strong 3.  Most companies don't call them 2-woods anymore, but will label them a "Strong 3" or a 3 .  Tight lies used to make one several years ago, but I'm not up on their current stuff.  These will usually have lofts of 12.0 to 13.0 degrees, which will be easier to hit than a driver and also travel farther than your 3 or 4 wood.

Good luck and have fun.

John