PGA's Longest Average Driver - 2011

Who hits the ball the longest, on average, on the PGA tour?  Well, for 2011 it is J.B. Holmes so far.  Holmes has taken over the mantle of the hardest ball masher from perennial champ Bubba Watson.  The 29 year-old from Kentucky is averaging 317.2 yards per drive in 2011 (toward the end of June) and his longest smash has been 339 yards so far.

What club does J.B. use off the tee?  It's a Callaway FT Tour Driver.

FT-9 Driver

Callaway's FT-9 driver is designed for "shot shaping" and a customized approach to the game. You can even choose between draw or fade configurations. This driver's face design uses what Callaway calls "hyperbolic face technology". Essentially, this club is a bit more forgiving, with an increased sweet spot. So, who on the PGA tour plays this club right now? Well, check out what's in Phil's bag, a leading Callaway player, to see if he's chosen to play this club.

Jonathan Byrd Leads the BMW Championship

Leading the BMW Championship at 7 under, Jonathan Byrd is set to drive his way to a tournament win in Illinois. What was Jonathan using last time he was checked at the 2007 John Deere Classic? It was a Callaway Big Bertha Fusion FT-3, 10.5 degree loft.

Golfballs.com is currently selling this driver for $299.95. If you'd like to pick up a used model, a quick search of completed listings on eBay shows that you can get one, similar to the one Jonathan Byrd is using, for between $115 and $175, including shipping.

Mickelson Wins

Playing with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson did it. He won. He won the Deutsche Bank Championship and proved that he can win when paired with Tiger, once again (Phil last won when paired with Tiger in 2000.) What was Phil driving the ball with when he claimed victory? Well, the last bag check performed by the Golf Channel, shows that Mickelson was using a Callaway FT-5 8.5° at The PLAYERS Championship this year.

Remember that the loft on Phil's club as checked was 8.5 degrees, not the 10 degrees shown in the picture above. Was he using this same club when he won the Deutsche Bank Championship today? Although we don't have visual proof for you, it's highly likely.

(photo courtesy of bhmgolf.com)

Editor's Choice for Golf Driver

An editor's choice for top golf driver at www.golfdigest.com, the CALLAWAY FUSION FT-5 is an interesting looking driver:
According to the review on www.golfdigest.com, "Callaway might have the last laugh for its preoccupation with carbon-composite technology because its latest generation is its best. The lightweight shell allows Callaway designers to put weight exactly where they want it, and the new shape optimizes that potential. But it's the OptiFit System, which features a fitting cart of interchangeable heads and dozens of shafts, that maximizes the value of its technology."

The street price as listed for this top-quality driver is $430. True to street price, the lowest price found currently on www.pricegrabber.com is $429.99. If you'd like to pick one up pre-owned, you can find one a little cheaper; this driver is currently listed, pre-0wned, on www.bizrate.com for $369.93. It's not cheap, for sure, but it just might give you that added edge to your game.
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