The choice of an acceptable driver considerably impacts a golfer’s efficiency, notably for these within the mid-handicap vary. This class of golfer, usually scoring within the 10-18 handicap vary, requires a membership that balances forgiveness with the capability for distance. For instance, a driver with a bigger clubhead and adjustable weighting may also help mitigate off-center hits whereas nonetheless permitting for strategic shot shaping.
Using an applicable driver can translate to improved accuracy off the tee, resulting in extra fairways hit and in the end decrease scores. Traditionally, developments in driver expertise, such because the introduction of titanium clubheads and adjustable options, have instantly benefited mid-handicap golfers by offering higher management and error tolerance. The power to customise loft and lie angle, as an example, permits for optimization based mostly on particular person swing traits.
Due to this fact, understanding the important thing options and applied sciences obtainable in trendy drivers is essential for mid-handicap golfers in search of to reinforce their sport. The next sections will discover particular driver traits, becoming concerns, and really useful fashions tailor-made to the wants of this talent degree.
1. Forgiveness on mis-hits
Forgiveness on mis-hits represents a essential attribute in deciding on a driver applicable for a mid-handicap golfer. These golfers, whereas possessing a level of talent and expertise, nonetheless exhibit inconsistencies of their swing, leading to frequent off-center strikes. A driver designed with excessive Second of Inertia (MOI) resists twisting upon impression, thereby lowering the lack of distance and directional deviation related to these mis-hits. The consequence of using a much less forgiving driver is usually a major lower in distance and placement in hostile places, negating the advantages of an in any other case well-played gap. In essence, a forgiving driver transforms a doubtlessly detrimental error right into a manageable state of affairs, permitting the golfer to stay aggressive.
The significance of forgiveness stems from the statistical actuality of golf. Even skilled golfers don’t persistently strike the ball within the middle of the clubface. For a mid-handicap golfer, this variability is much more pronounced. Due to this fact, forgiveness acts as a buffer, mitigating the penalty for imperfect contact. For example, a driver with a bigger candy spot and perimeter weighting will keep ball pace and scale back curvature on off-center hits. This interprets to extra fairways hit and a better probability of approaching the inexperienced in fewer strokes. The sensible software of this understanding lies within the becoming course of, the place membership professionals can assess a golfer’s typical impression sample and suggest drivers with applicable forgiveness traits.
In abstract, forgiveness on mis-hits constitutes a basic component in figuring out an acceptable driver for a mid-handicap golfer. It instantly addresses the frequent problem of swing inconsistency, lowering penalties and selling improved general efficiency. Whereas distance and shot shaping capabilities stay vital, forgiveness gives the muse upon which these attributes could be successfully utilized. Due to this fact, a driver’s forgiving nature must be a main consideration within the choice course of, in the end contributing to a extra constant and gratifying {golfing} expertise.
2. Adjustable loft settings
Adjustable loft settings in a driver supply a major benefit for mid-handicap golfers in search of to optimize their tee shot efficiency. The power to change the loft angle instantly influences launch angle and spin price, two essential elements figuring out distance and trajectory. A mid-handicap golfer’s swing usually displays inconsistencies, resulting in variations in impression situations. Adjustable loft permits for compensation, fine-tuning the motive force to raised match particular person swing traits and desired ball flight. For instance, a golfer who persistently launches the ball too low can enhance the loft setting to attain a better trajectory and higher carry distance. Conversely, a golfer with an inclination to generate extreme spin can scale back the loft to advertise a flatter, extra penetrating ball flight.
The sensible software of adjustable loft settings extends past merely correcting swing flaws. It allows golfers to adapt to various course situations and enjoying types. On a windy day, lowering loft may also help to reduce the results of the wind on the ball. Equally, on a shorter course requiring accuracy over distance, rising loft can promote larger, shorter photographs that land softly on the golf green. The adjustability supplied by trendy drivers gives a level of customization beforehand unavailable, permitting golfers to personalize their gear to swimsuit their particular wants. Furthermore, the becoming course of turns into extra exact as professionals can dial within the optimum launch parameters with higher accuracy.
In abstract, adjustable loft settings signify a vital part in deciding on a driver well-suited for a mid-handicap golfer. This characteristic permits for dynamic optimization of launch situations, accommodating particular person swing traits and adapting to various enjoying environments. Whereas not a panacea for swing flaws, adjustable loft provides a precious device for enhancing tee shot efficiency and selling higher consistency from the tee. The problem lies in understanding the cause-and-effect relationship between loft angle and ball flight, and dealing with a professional skilled to dial within the optimum settings for particular person wants.
3. Optimum shaft flex
The collection of the optimum shaft flex is a essential determinant in figuring out a driver appropriate for the mid-handicap golfer. Shaft flex instantly influences the golfer’s potential to persistently ship the clubhead to the ball with applicable pace and management. A shaft that’s too stiff is not going to load correctly in the course of the swing, leading to a lack of distance and an inclination to slice. Conversely, a shaft that’s too versatile will trigger inconsistent clubface closure at impression, resulting in hooks and a scarcity of directional management. Mid-handicap golfers, usually possessing average swing speeds, require a shaft that enables them to effectively switch power to the ball. Actual-world examples ceaselessly display that golfers of this talent degree usually profit from common or stiff flex shafts, relying on their particular swing traits and clubhead pace measurements.
The sensible significance of understanding shaft flex lies in its impression on shot dispersion and general consistency. A correctly fitted shaft will improve the golfer’s potential to keep up a sq. clubface at impression, leading to straighter photographs and fewer deviations from the meant goal line. Membership becoming professionals make the most of launch displays and swing evaluation instruments to exactly decide the optimum shaft flex for every particular person. These instruments measure clubhead pace, launch angle, spin price, and different related parameters, permitting for data-driven suggestions. With out applicable shaft flex, even a driver with superior forgiveness options might fail to ship its meant advantages. A golfer with a swing pace that falls throughout the common flex vary, as an example, might discover {that a} stiff flex shaft results in important energy loss and decreased accuracy.
In conclusion, optimum shaft flex constitutes an integral part of the “greatest driver for mid handicapper”. Its appropriate choice instantly impacts shot accuracy, distance potential, and general efficiency. Whereas different elements, corresponding to clubhead design and adjustability options, play a job, shaft flex serves because the foundational component upon which these attributes could be successfully leveraged. The first problem for mid-handicap golfers lies in precisely assessing their swing pace and dealing with a professional skilled to determine the shaft flex that greatest enhances their particular person swing mechanics. A exact and tailor-made shaft choice is essential to unlocking the true potential of any driver, in the end resulting in decrease scores and a extra gratifying {golfing} expertise.
4. Head dimension & form
Driver head dimension and form signify important elements in figuring out suitability for mid-handicap golfers. A bigger head dimension, usually approaching the USGA-mandated restrict of 460cc, usually provides elevated forgiveness on off-center strikes resulting from a better Second of Inertia (MOI). This design characteristic diminishes the destructive results of mishits, leading to much less distance loss and improved directional stability. For example, a driver with perimeter weighting concentrates mass in the direction of the perimeters of the clubhead, additional enhancing forgiveness. Consequently, a mid-handicap participant, who might not persistently strike the ball on the candy spot, advantages from the improved error tolerance offered by a bigger, forgiving head. This attribute is important for maximizing fairway accuracy and sustaining aggressive scoring potential.
The form of the motive force head additionally influences efficiency traits. Aerodynamic designs, usually characterised by smoother contours and lowered drag, can contribute to elevated clubhead pace, thereby selling higher distance. Moreover, the form can have an effect on the launch situations of the ball. For instance, a driver head with a deeper face might promote a decrease launch angle, appropriate for golfers who naturally generate extreme spin. Conversely, a shallower face can encourage a better launch, benefiting these in search of higher carry distance. Driver head shapes are, subsequently, tailor-made to particular swing traits and desired ball flight patterns, aligning with the various wants of mid-handicap gamers.
In abstract, driver head dimension and form play a vital position in optimizing efficiency for the mid-handicap golfer. Bigger, extra forgiving heads mitigate the results of off-center strikes, whereas aerodynamic shapes and face designs affect launch situations and distance potential. The problem lies in figuring out the precise head dimension and form that greatest enhances particular person swing mechanics and course administration methods. Understanding these interdependencies is essential for choosing a driver that promotes consistency, accuracy, and in the end, improved scoring potential.
5. Launch angle management
Launch angle management is a essential component in optimizing driver efficiency, notably for mid-handicap golfers striving for improved distance and accuracy off the tee. The power to affect launch angle instantly impacts carry distance, roll, and general trajectory, making it a key consideration in deciding on an acceptable driver.
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Optimum Launch Angle for Distance
Reaching the perfect launch angle is important for maximizing carry distance. For a given swing pace, there exists an optimum launch angle that enables the ball to remain airborne for the longest attainable time, translating to higher distance. Mid-handicap golfers, who might not possess the swing pace of execs, can profit considerably from optimizing their launch angle to extract most distance potential. A driver that facilitates the achievement of this optimum angle turns into notably precious.
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Adjustability Options and Launch Management
Trendy drivers usually incorporate adjustable options, corresponding to adjustable loft and weighting, which permit golfers to fine-tune their launch angle. These options present a mechanism to compensate for swing flaws or optimize efficiency for various course situations. For instance, rising the loft can enhance the launch angle for golfers who battle to get the ball airborne, whereas adjusting the weighting can affect the ball’s trajectory and spin price, additional contributing to launch management.
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Shaft Choice and Launch Traits
The shaft chosen for a driver considerably impacts its launch traits. Totally different shaft flexes and weights can affect the clubhead’s supply and, consequently, the launch angle. A shaft that’s too stiff might lead to a decrease launch angle, whereas a shaft that’s too versatile might result in a better launch angle. Deciding on a shaft that enhances a golfer’s swing and desired launch traits is essential for reaching optimum launch management. For this reason skilled becoming is so vital.
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Affect Location and Launch Variability
A mid-handicap golfer’s swing tends to have a point of inconsistency within the location of impression on the membership face. Affect location instantly influences launch angle. Drivers with bigger candy spots and better moments of inertia are extra forgiving on off-center hits, lowering the variability in launch angle and selling extra constant distance and route. Though off-center hits usually are not most well-liked, it is a actuality of any golfer and mitigating harm is among the key attributes of the “greatest driver for mid handicapper”.
The mixed affect of optimum launch angle, adjustability options, shaft choice, and impression location demonstrates the significance of launch angle management in deciding on a driver appropriate for mid-handicap golfers. A driver that facilitates optimum launch situations can enhance distance, accuracy, and general efficiency, contributing to decrease scores and a extra gratifying {golfing} expertise. These options when mixed correctly, can improve your sport and result in a effectively deserved higher expertise.
6. Spin price administration
Spin price administration is a pivotal component in optimizing driver efficiency for mid-handicap golfers. Extreme backspin inflates trajectory, lowering carry distance and rising susceptibility to wind affect. Conversely, inadequate spin ends in a low, knuckleball-like flight, missing raise and maximizing roll on the expense of carry. The perfect spin price, contingent on swing pace and launch angle, maximizes whole distance by reaching an optimum stability between carry and roll. For instance, a golfer producing extreme spin might profit from a driver with a decrease middle of gravity or a much less versatile shaft, selling a extra penetrating trajectory. An acceptable driver for a mid-handicap participant, subsequently, facilitates efficient spin price administration to optimize distance and management. A driver designed effectively enhances their swing and reduces inconsistencies.
The sensible significance of spin price administration lies in its direct impression on target efficiency. Decreased backspin interprets to elevated carry distance, enabling golfers to succeed in longer fairways and extra simply clear hazards. Conversely, managed spin permits for extra predictable ball flight, enhancing accuracy and minimizing deviations attributable to wind. Trendy drivers supply adjustability options, corresponding to moveable weights and adjustable hosels, enabling golfers to fine-tune spin charges to match their swing traits and course situations. A golfer dealing with a headwind might profit from lowering spin to reduce wind resistance, whereas a golfer enjoying on a smooth course might desire elevated spin to maximise carry distance.
In abstract, spin price administration is an indispensable part of the very best driver for mid-handicap golfers. Exact spin management allows optimization of distance, trajectory, and accuracy, contributing to improved general efficiency. The problem lies in precisely assessing particular person spin traits and deciding on a driver that facilitates efficient spin price administration. The combination of adjustability options and applicable shaft choice empowers golfers to fine-tune their gear and obtain optimum launch situations, in the end leading to decrease scores and a extra rewarding {golfing} expertise.
7. Swing pace matching
Swing pace matching is a basic component when contemplating the optimum driver choice for mid-handicap golfers. Swing pace instantly influences the power transferred to the ball at impression, thereby dictating distance and trajectory. A driver designed for sooner swing speeds, when utilized by a golfer with a average swing pace, usually ends in a decrease launch angle and lowered carry distance. Conversely, a driver engineered for slower swing speeds might trigger extreme spin and a ballooning trajectory for a golfer with a sooner swing. The objective is to discover a driver that successfully enhances the golfer’s swing traits, maximizing power switch and optimizing ball flight. The consequence of neglecting swing pace matching is usually lowered distance, inconsistent trajectory, and compromised accuracy, all of that are detrimental to a mid-handicap golfer’s efficiency.
The sensible software of swing pace matching entails assessing the golfer’s swing pace utilizing launch displays or swing evaluation instruments. This information informs the collection of an applicable shaft flex, clubhead weight, and general driver design. For instance, a golfer with a swing pace within the 90-95 mph vary would possibly profit from a driver with a daily flex shaft, whereas a golfer swinging at 100-105 mph would possibly require a stiff flex shaft. The launch monitor information will inform the fitter of ball pace, launch angle and spin price, permitting them to dial-in the very best outcomes for every particular person. Adjustable options, corresponding to moveable weights and adjustable hosels, additional improve the flexibility to fine-tune the motive force to match the golfer’s particular swing traits. Correct matching ensures that the golfer can persistently ship the clubhead to the ball with optimum pace and management.
In abstract, swing pace matching is an indispensable facet of figuring out an acceptable driver for the mid-handicap golfer. Its appropriate implementation instantly impacts distance potential, trajectory management, and general efficiency. Whereas elements corresponding to forgiveness and adjustability options are additionally vital, swing pace matching serves as a foundational component upon which these attributes could be successfully utilized. The problem for mid-handicap golfers lies in precisely assessing their swing pace and dealing with a professional skilled to determine a driver that greatest enhances their particular person swing mechanics. This exact and tailor-made strategy is essential to unlocking the true potential of any driver, in the end resulting in improved scoring and a extra rewarding {golfing} expertise. Neglecting correct swing pace matching can negate the advantages of even essentially the most technologically superior drivers.
8. Fairway discovering potential
Fairway discovering potential represents a essential efficiency metric within the collection of a driver, particularly for mid-handicap golfers aiming to enhance their consistency and scoring potential. This metric displays the motive force’s contribution to touchdown the ball throughout the fairway boundaries, minimizing the challenges related to enjoying from the tough or different much less fascinating places.
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Forgiveness and Directional Management
A driver’s forgiveness performs a major position in fairway discovering potential. Golf equipment with larger Moments of Inertia (MOI) resist twisting upon impression from off-center hits, minimizing directional deviation. For example, a mid-handicap golfer who sometimes strikes the ball in the direction of the toe or heel of the clubface will expertise much less aspect spin and keep a straighter ball flight with a extra forgiving driver. The ensuing lowered dispersion instantly contributes to elevated fairway accuracy.
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Adjustability and Launch Optimization
Trendy drivers with adjustable options, corresponding to loft and lie angle, permit golfers to fine-tune launch situations and compensate for swing tendencies. A golfer who persistently slices the ball, for instance, can alter the motive force’s settings to advertise a draw bias, counteracting the slice and enhancing fairway discovering potential. These changes present a mechanism for optimizing launch parameters and lowering the severity of mis-hits.
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Shaft Traits and Swing Compatibility
The driving force’s shaft considerably influences swing mechanics and ball flight. A shaft that’s too stiff or too versatile for a golfer’s swing pace can result in inconsistent contact and lowered directional management. Deciding on a shaft with applicable flex and weight traits promotes a extra steady and repeatable swing, enhancing fairway discovering potential. Correct shaft becoming ensures environment friendly power switch and optimized clubhead supply.
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Clubhead Design and Trajectory Management
The design of the motive force’s clubhead impacts trajectory and spin, which in flip have an effect on fairway discovering potential. Decrease spin charges, for instance, usually lead to a flatter, extra penetrating ball flight that’s much less vulnerable to wind affect. Equally, a clubhead with a decrease middle of gravity (CG) can promote a better launch angle, rising carry distance and lowering roll out into the tough. These design components contribute to a extra predictable and controllable ball flight, in the end enhancing fairway accuracy.
The collective impression of forgiveness, adjustability, shaft traits, and clubhead design underscores the multifaceted nature of fairway discovering potential within the context of driver choice. A driver optimized for these elements can considerably enhance a mid-handicap golfer’s consistency and scale back the probability of errant tee photographs. Cautious consideration of those elements, ideally in session with a professional membership fitter, is important for choosing a driver that successfully promotes fairway accuracy and enhances general efficiency.
9. Distance potential
Distance potential, within the context of driver choice for mid-handicap golfers, represents a essential, although not singular, efficiency goal. Whereas accuracy and forgiveness maintain paramount significance for this talent degree, the capability to generate ample distance off the tee instantly influences scoring alternatives. A driver that fails to supply sufficient distance relegates the golfer to longer strategy photographs, rising the problem of hitting greens in regulation. Actual-world examples display that mid-handicap golfers persistently prioritizing distance over accuracy usually expertise larger scores resulting from elevated penalties and missed fairways. Conversely, these sacrificing distance for excessive accuracy might discover themselves persistently in need of greens. The perfect driver for this class, subsequently, achieves a balanced optimization of those attributes.
The sensible software of understanding distance potential entails assessing particular person swing traits and using driver applied sciences that complement these traits. For example, a golfer with a average swing pace might profit from a driver with a light-weight design and a better launch angle, selling elevated carry distance. Conversely, a golfer with a sooner swing pace might require a driver with a decrease launch angle and lowered spin, maximizing roll. Moreover, correct becoming ensures the chosen shaft flex and clubhead design contribute to optimum power switch and environment friendly ball flight. The effectiveness of those selections is instantly mirrored within the golfer’s potential to persistently obtain respectable distances with out sacrificing directional management.
In conclusion, distance potential is an integral part of the “greatest driver for mid handicapper,” albeit one which have to be balanced with forgiveness and accuracy. The problem lies in figuring out the motive force traits that maximize distance whereas sustaining acceptable ranges of directional management. The pursuit of distance mustn’t overshadow the significance of hitting fairways, however a driver that successfully optimizes each attributes will undoubtedly contribute to improved scoring and a extra gratifying {golfing} expertise. Due to this fact, distance potential is at all times an vital issue to think about when making selections.
Often Requested Questions
The next questions and solutions handle frequent issues and misconceptions relating to driver choice for golfers within the mid-handicap vary.
Query 1: Is distance a very powerful issue when selecting a driver for a mid-handicap golfer?
No. Whereas distance is definitely a consideration, forgiveness and accuracy are paramount. Mid-handicap golfers usually profit extra from persistently hitting fairways than maximizing distance on the expense of directional management. A balanced strategy is essential, prioritizing a mix of distance, forgiveness, and accuracy. With out accuracy, the ball might not journey as meant.
Query 2: What position does shaft flex play in driver efficiency for this handicap vary?
Shaft flex considerably influences the golfer’s potential to ship the clubhead to the ball persistently. Mid-handicap golfers ought to prioritize correct shaft flex becoming based mostly on swing pace. A shaft that’s both too stiff or too versatile can result in inconsistent contact and lowered directional management. Swing pace can have an effect on outcomes.
Query 3: Are adjustable drivers crucial for mid-handicap gamers?
Adjustable drivers could be useful, offering the chance to fine-tune loft, lie, and weighting to optimize ball flight and compensate for swing tendencies. Nonetheless, adjustability just isn’t obligatory. A well-fitted, non-adjustable driver can even present wonderful efficiency. Guarantee all choices are thought of throughout choice.
Query 4: How does clubhead dimension affect driver efficiency for mid-handicap golfers?
Bigger clubheads, approaching the USGA restrict of 460cc, usually supply elevated forgiveness on off-center strikes resulting from a better Second of Inertia (MOI). That is advantageous for mid-handicap golfers who might not persistently strike the ball on the candy spot. A better MOI improves error tolerance.
Query 5: Can a brand new driver instantly enhance a mid-handicap golfer’s rating?
A brand new driver, correctly fitted, can contribute to improved efficiency and doubtlessly decrease scores. Nonetheless, gear alone just isn’t an alternative to correct swing mechanics and course administration abilities. A mix of improved gear and method is handiest. Don’t merely depend on the product alone.
Query 6: Ought to mid-handicap golfers prioritize name-brand drivers over lesser-known manufacturers?
Model recognition just isn’t essentially indicative of superior efficiency. Lesser-known manufacturers can supply comparable expertise and efficiency at a extra aggressive worth level. Focus ought to stay on particular options, becoming information, and general suitability for the person’s swing and talent degree. A widely known model doesn’t at all times imply it’s the proper alternative.
In conclusion, deciding on a driver entails cautious consideration of a number of elements, prioritizing forgiveness, accuracy, and optimum becoming over solely specializing in distance. A complete analysis {and professional} session are really useful.
The next sections will delve into particular driver fashions really useful for the mid-handicap golfer.
Driver Choice Suggestions for Mid-Handicap Golfers
The next tips present insights into deciding on an applicable driver, emphasizing elements essential for enhancing the efficiency of mid-handicap gamers. Consideration of those factors can considerably contribute to improved consistency and scoring potential.
Tip 1: Prioritize Forgiveness: A driver with a excessive Second of Inertia (MOI) minimizes the impression of off-center hits. This reduces distance loss and directional deviation, essential for constant efficiency.
Tip 2: Optimize Shaft Flex: Choose a shaft flex that enhances swing pace. A shaft that’s too stiff or too versatile hinders power switch and management, resulting in inconsistent photographs. Session with a membership becoming skilled is really useful.
Tip 3: Contemplate Adjustable Options: Make the most of adjustable loft and lie settings to fine-tune launch situations and trajectory. Experiment with totally different settings to determine the optimum configuration for particular person swing traits and course situations.
Tip 4: Consider Clubhead Measurement and Form: Go for a clubhead dimension that maximizes forgiveness with out sacrificing maneuverability. Experiment with totally different shapes to search out one which promotes confidence and aligns with most well-liked swing mechanics.
Tip 5: Deal with Ball Flight: Observe ball flight patterns throughout testing to evaluate launch angle, spin price, and carry distance. Choose a driver that promotes a balanced ball flight that maximizes distance whereas sustaining management.
Tip 6: Attend a Skilled Becoming: Search steerage from a professional membership fitter to investigate swing traits and suggest a driver tailor-made to particular person wants. An expert becoming ensures optimum efficiency and reduces the probability of equipment-related inconsistencies.
Tip 7: Experiment with Totally different Fashions: Earlier than making a closing determination, check a number of driver fashions with various options and specs. This enables for a complete comparability and facilitates the collection of the best-performing choice.
Adherence to those tips can result in a extra knowledgeable and efficient driver choice course of, leading to improved consistency, distance, and general efficiency on the golf course.
The next part will summarize the suggestions for drivers for mid-handicap gamers.
Conclusion
This exploration has elucidated the multifaceted concerns inherent in selecting the very best driver for mid handicapper. Forgiveness, adjustability, applicable shaft flex, head dimension and form, launch angle management, spin price administration, swing pace matching, fairway discovering potential and distance potential all coalesce to dictate the suitability of a driver for this particular talent degree. The interaction between these components determines the extent to which a driver can positively affect a golfer’s efficiency. A failure to handle these elements appropriately can hinder progress and contribute to scoring inconsistencies.
The last word goal stays optimizing on-course efficiency. The choice course of calls for a essential evaluation of particular person swing traits and an intensive understanding of accessible driver applied sciences. Golfers are inspired to leverage skilled becoming providers and empirical testing to determine gear that greatest aligns with their distinctive wants. Investing in a well-matched driver represents a tangible dedication to enhancing one’s sport and reaching higher consistency from the tee.
