How To Adjust Your Woods

published 23 May 2018

In this video we look at how you can make the most of the adjustable technology available in modern day drivers

How To Adjust Your Woods

Modern day drivers come in all different shapes and sizes and most of the ones we see on the market today have a plethora of different options available thanks to their adjustability.

Related: The best drivers 2018

But how do you adjust them to get that perfect fit for you?

Well, firstly we recommend you work with a fitter to find your perfect set up, but here are the basics...

Loft

Most drivers come with differing loft availabilities these days. No longer are they simply 9, 10, 10.5, or 11 degrees - one driver head can have numerous different lofts.

By unscrewing the shaft you'll have 1 degree (or similar) increments in loft so if you're launching it a little low you can increase the loft and vice versa.

Lie

The hosel seen on Callaway's Rogue driver, which allows you to easily adjust the lie angle

Also in the hosel there are different lie options. This is something a bit more complicated than the loft so it really is best to seek some help from a fitter.

Getting the lie angle correct is crucial because it really will affect where you hit the ball on the face. The right lie angle should help you strike it centrally more often and will also help you be more accurate.

If you have had your iron lie angle fitted for you, don't just naturally assume that your optimum lie angle will be the same with the driver because it's a different length shaft and setup position.

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Spin characteristics

TaylorMade's M3 driver can be adjusted to increase or decrease the spin

There are some modern day drivers that allow you to alter the spin characteristics of the clubhead.

It is related to clubhead speed but also technique too.

The way certain players deliver the club may produce high spin numbers whilst other players may produce low spin numbers. Getting this wrong will really affect the distance you hit it. A launch monitor will be able to help you here.

By moving the weight forward you will bring the centre of gravity forward and therefore reduce the spin.

Move the weight back and the spin will go up. The further the weight goes back, the MOI increases and the clubhead's forgiveness.

Shot shape

Titleist 917 — Titleist's 917 driver features a Surefit CG weight port to dial in your shot shape

Some drivers are available in draw bias options, whilst others allow you to adjust weights to help encourage a draw or a fade.

Adjusting the shot shape can really help you hit more fairways. For example, if you struggle with a hook, putting the driver into a fade bias will reduce your misses to the left.

For more information on how to adjust your woods, watch the video at the top of the page

In his current role, Neil is responsible for testing drivers and golf balls. Having been a part of the Golf Monthly team for over 15 years and playing off a handicap of 3, he has the experience to compare performance between models, brands and generations. For 2022 he thinks the main trend in drivers is: "In a word, consistency. Whilst all the brands are talking about ball speed (and the new drivers are certainly long), my biggest finding has been how much more consistent the ball flights are. Mishits don't seem to be causing the same level of drop-off or increase in the spin numbers. This means that more shots seem to be flying the way you want them to!" As far as golf balls are concerned the biggest development is in the, "three piece, non-Tour, urethane-covered section. For regular golfers, these models offer superb performance at both ends of the bag without denting your wallet quite as much as the premium Tour-played options."

Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he is now the brand's Digital Editor and covers everything from Tour player interviews to gear reviews. In his time at Golf Monthly, he has covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points.

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons (4-9): Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X