Among golf enthusiasts, especially male golfers, the hottest topic remains driver distance. Of course, to achieve a good score, short game skills must back it up, and while consistency is more important than distance with the driver, it seems that once on the course, men can't help but compare their tee shot distances with their companions.

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So, I've prepared something. I currently use the "PXG Black Ops" driver, but this post is less about a review of the driver and more about sharing personal insights on how amateur golfers can effectively increase their distance.

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Recently, I tested using TrackMan data, and despite a spin rate of 2700 rpm, my final distance reached 276.8 meters. Converting that to yards, it's about 302 yards, right? I don't have a photo, but my club speed exceeded 110 mph, and in another instance where I reduced the spin rate to just over 2000 rpm, I managed to exceed 300 meters.

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Why is this information important? Swing speed and ball speed vary greatly depending on personal physical traits, athletic ability, and swing sequence, making it fundamentally difficult to significantly increase these metrics in a short period. However, the losses incurred from using equipment that doesn't suit you can be addressed immediately.

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I recommend starting by checking the golf balls you use. There are so many brands and models available on the market, right? Many people around me talk about using Titleist or Tiger Woods balls, but it's not that those balls are bad; it's essential to consider whether they suit your swing speed and ball flight.

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I primarily use PXG golf balls, but even within PXG, there are several models. For instance, the Extreme and Extreme Tour models focus on a soft feel and spin, while the Tour X model optimizes for ball speed and low spin.

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The spin rate of the ball closely relates to the launch angle. Typically, if your swing speed is below 100 mph or just above, choosing a ball that spins well can create a higher trajectory, ultimately increasing distance. Conversely, if you have a fast swing speed around 110 mph, using a high-spin ball or a lightweight two-piece ball can negatively affect distance.

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In simple terms, if male golfers typically hit their drivers around 200 to 220 meters, choosing a three-piece or higher ball that spins well can help create a higher trajectory, aiding distance. However, using recycled or cheaper two-piece balls can lead to directional issues and distance loss.

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If you can hit around 250 meters, you might consider a low-spin ball with a heavier core and firmer cover. Regardless, those with fast swing speeds will naturally generate more spin, even when using a low-spin ball.

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For reference, I've noticed that depending on the ball I choose, my average driver distance on the course can vary by up to 10 yards. For those with swing speeds around 110 mph, I recommend the PXG Extreme Tour X ball.

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The second item to consider is, of course, the driver. Personally, I am very satisfied with the PXG Black Ops model, but I don’t want to insist that everyone should use it. Everyone has their preferred brand and a head shape they find comfortable and familiar. Even the best driver won't be effective if it feels awkward to you or doesn't yield good results on the course.

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However, if you want to increase your distance, I have some advice. Even within the same brand, manufacturers now offer various models catering to different ball flights. Instead of ordering online based on recommendations or the latest models, it’s best to visit a brand fitting shop for thorough testing and fitting.

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In most fitting centers today, if you purchase a product after fitting, they often waive the fitting fee, making it cost-effective. I recommend seeking out professional fitters who can provide systematic data rather than relying on local golf shops.

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In the case of PXG Black Ops, the brand originally started as a fitting club, so the head models are not very diverse. They adjust the basic head weight according to the ball flight, allowing for individual customization. For instance, if you struggle with hooks, they can set a heavier weight on the toe to naturally open the face, or if you slice, they can place a heavier weight on the heel to close it.

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The choice of head also overlaps with the earlier discussion about ball selection. If you struggle with slicing and face distance loss, I recommend using a fitting club brand that can help straighten your ball flight, allowing you to recover lost distance.

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When faced with narrow courses, simply trying to hit the ball high and far isn’t always the best strategy. In fact, many domestic golf course fairways are quite narrow, so aiming for a lower trajectory to maintain direction while maximizing roll can be advantageous when tackling mountainous golf courses in Korea.

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It’s challenging, though. Golf is tough, even for tour pros who have played since childhood. They still face difficulties and can fall into long slumps, making amateur-level mistakes. But perhaps that’s what makes golf an attractive lifelong sport: it’s never fully conquered!

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People often say there’s no right way to swing, and indeed, when watching the PGA Tour, you see many players with unique swings who still perform exceptionally well. However, those who consistently hit the ball straight and far share a common trait:

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They maintain a consistent tempo. Even beginner golfers rarely miss putts on the course because they manage to send the ball forward somehow. This holds the key: let’s strive for a swing with the same consistency as a putt.

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