How Golf's Magic Element Can Help You Hit Farther
Take a look into the bag of any golfer. Chances are you'll see something in there with the word titanium on it. In recent years, the Periodic Table of Elements' 22nd element, Ti, has catapulted into the forefront as golf's most precious metal. It's used in the manufacturing of putters, irons, and shafts--even balls! However, nowhere is it more prevalent than in an oversized driver. Reason: it's very strong and very light. As a result, manufacturers are able to make oversize clubheads out of titanium and still maintain the same weight as a traditional size clubhead.
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Today's Driver Is Much Better
Years ago, golfers played with persimmon and laminated woods. In truth, when these clubs were struck properly, nothing felt better. However, there are only so many Tiger Woods out there and these clubs were anything but forgiving on mis-hits. When you hit today's oversized titanium driver off the heel or toe, you still come away with a salvageable shot. Since most golfers miss more often than they hit the ball perfectly, the larger titanium heads have big advantages. They make the ball go a greater distance on off-center hits. So with titanium, it's not that the material itself makes the ball go farther, it's that the bigger head makes your misses go farther. When your grandfather mis-hit his persimmon club, he could lose 50 yards of distance. In that sense, titanium and oversized-head technology has made the average player better. It has also allowed senior players to keep up with the youngsters off the tee. Titanium and other metal drivers are also more durable than wooden woods.
The High Cost of Titanium
Titanium is the fourth most available element in the world. It's found in beach sand throughout the world, especially in Australia and China. Despite this abundance, Ti drivers are more expensive than steel models. That's because it's very difficult to manufacture a titanium head. Mining titanium from beach sand is not an easy process. As a result, the raw material cost is higher than steel. Secondly, titanium must be cast in a vacuum, a chamber without air. Even if done properly, this is expensive, because many clubheads don't come out perfect and must be destroyed. The shaft is also a factor. Most titanium woods are made using very lightweight graphite shafts. The lighter the shaft, the harder they are to make and the more expensive they become. Of course, some of titanium's high price is the result of marketing and advertising costs.
Titanium Might Suit You
Initially, these drivers were developed to help the average player or short hitter get added distance off the tee. For this type of player, titanium is ideal. However, even professionals have benefited from titanium. Today's tour players who would have had below-average length 15 years ago are now keeping up with their playing partners.
Pick the Right Loft for You
When you're spending hard-earned money on a product, make sure that it perfectly fits your game. Don't automatically purchase a driver with the stiffest shaft or lowest loft. Make sure you understand your game. Remember, the greater the loft, the easier it will be to control. A higher lofted club gives you more carry but less roll, and vice versa. It's important to note that a titanium driver hits the ball higher than you might expect. This is due to the center of gravity being farther back in the clubhead and the shaft being longer. Many times a 9-degree titanium driver will produce the same ball flight as a 10.5-degree stainless metal wood. Because titanium clubs are longer, it's important to choose a club that gives you the best combination of accuracy and distance. Distance is useless without accuracy. Remember, the longer the shaft, the more difficult any club is to control. One other thing, many of the drivers we selected have a deeper face to promote added role and a more controllable, boring trajectory--all important to added length off the tee. However, if you already hit a low ball, take this into account. For example, select a deep-face driver with a higher loft.
Choose the Right Shaft
The most important component of any golf club is the shaft. In a nutshell, steel gives you more accuracy than graphite. Graphite shafts give you more distance. That's because steel flexes less than graphite at impact. The only time this isn't true is when manufacturers add material into the graphite (boron, etc.) to make it flex less or perform more like steel. Graphite is ideal for woman and senior players for many reasons. It's lighter, absorbs the shock of impact better, and generally has a lower flex point to help you get the ball airborne. Because it's lighter, it's also better for those players experiencing back problems. A titanium head combined with a steel shaft is for the golfer who has plenty of strength but wants more forgiveness on mis-hits.
One Final Note: It's More the Golfer Than the Club
Your titanium driver will help you hit the ball farther--especially on off-center hits. However, it is not a cure-all. It is important to always dedicate sufficient time to practicing your swing and fundamentals.
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How to Get the Most out of Your Titanium Driver |
