Your Mid-Season Driver Maintenance Checklist

It’s easy to get excited about a new driver at the start of the season, but what about a few months in? As the season progresses, your body and swing may change, and the perfect setup you had in April might not be the best one for August. A mid-season driver checkup is a great way to ensure you're getting the most out of your most important club.

Two simple things, ball position and tee height, can have a massive impact on your launch and spin. In terms of ball position, a properly teed-up ball should be just inside your lead foot. If it's too far back in your stance, you'll likely hit down on the ball, creating too much spin and costing you distance. If it’s too far forward, you may struggle to make solid contact. In terms of tee height, a good general rule of thumb is to tee the ball so that half of it is above the crown of the driver. A lower tee can lead to a thin shot and less carry, while a tee that is too high can cause you to hit the top of the clubface, resulting in a low, spinning pop-up. Take a moment to verify your setup before your next round.

Also, for those rapidly improving, keep in mind that swing speed typically increases as your mechanics improve, so the shaft you started the season with might not be the best fit. The extra clubhead speed you now generate may require a stiffer shaft to maintain a stable ball flight. Don’t wait for your game to fall off to address your equipment. A mid-season checkup on your driver's setup and a fresh grip can make a big difference in the final stretch of the golf season.