Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2020 - 10

Consistency is the Key
MGA's top amateurs offer insight on their favorite drivers.
O
f course we'd all like to hit it like the pros. But many of
Minnesota's top MGA amateurs strike the driver pretty well, too.
We asked successful local amateurs which driver they use and why.
Jerry Rose
Jerry Rose, MGA's 2019 Senior Men's Player of the
Year (POY), prefers TaylorMade drivers for their
visual appeal. They also allow him to hit a variety of
shots-including frequent drivers off the deck. He
changes TaylorMade drivers about every two years.
Driver: TaylorMade M5
Loft: 10.5 degree (set at 9.75)
Shaft: Rogue MAX 65-stiff fl ex
Clubhead Speed: 111 m.p.h.
What driver characteristic is most important to you?
The spin rate and the ability to adjust it. It allows me to maximize
my distance depending on the conditions. I don't like a highspinning
shot with a driver, as it adds too much inconsistency.
Do you have any memorable shots with it?
Any drive that is straight and long provides terrifi c memories!
Leigh Klasse
When 2019 Senior Women's POY, Leigh Klasse, fi nds a
good driver, she sticks with it. After using a TaylorMade
R7 for six years, she switched to the Ping G410 last fall.
Klasse says the lighter Ping generates more clubhead
speed and feels quicker through the striking zone.
Driver: Ping G410
Shaft: Red Alta CB 55 gram-regular fl ex
Loft: 10.5
Clubhead Speed: Under 100 m.p.h.
What driver characteristic is most important to you?
Consistency and distance. I need something that lets me know
where it's going, so I'm hitting fairways in regulation and putting
myself in position for a good second shot.
How does it fi t your game?
It fi ts me well-I'm consistent with it and it puts me in play.
10
MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2020
mngolf.org
* BY JOSEPH OBERLE *
Kathryn Van Arragon
The 2019 Junior Girls' POY, Kathryn Van Arragon,
changes her driver every two or three years, but
often chooses Callaway clubs for the consistency
they offer. The Epic Flash helps her add distance
while limiting the number of mishits.
Driver: Callaway Epic Flash
Loft: 10.5 degree
Shaft: Project X EvenFlow Green-stiff fl ex
Clubhead Speed: 93 m.p.h.
What driver characteristic is most important to you?
Consistency. Having a consistent driver I can count on gives
me confi dence.
Do you have any memorable shots with it?
I hit one of my best drives with it-almost hitting the green on
No. 9 at Edina CC soon after I got it in September.
Jasi Acharya
Jasi Acharya is the 2019 Women's POY (and an
employee at PXG). She's been playing the Gen2
0811X since the spring of 2019. When seeking
equipment for her game, she looks for a quality
driver that will maximize launch and spin for the
most carry and roll.
Driver: PXG Gen2 0811X
Shaft: Fujikura Speeder 474 Evolution V-R2 fl ex
Loft: 12
Clubhead speed: 85-90 m.p.h.
Why is this club good for amateurs?
It's the most forgiving driver you will fi nd, and the adjustability
can really help manipulate ball fl ight for those who struggle
with consistency.
Do you have any memorable shots with it?
I did have one hole that was very downhill and downwind, and
I hit it 300 yards. I wish I could do that every time.
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