Heo Inhoe and Rai Choose Drivers at Tour Tournament
Possible When Fairways Are Wide and Risk Is Low
Sufficient Practice and Confident Swing Are Keys to Success
Equipment Company Releases Drivers for Fairway Attack
"You’re hitting a driver shot from the fairway?"
Heo In-hoe is holding Callaway Golf's Ai Smoke 340 Mini Driver and taking a shot on the fairway of the first hole in the extension on the final day of the Bizplay·Wonder Club Open. [Photo by Callaway Golf]
A rare scene unfolded. Veteran Heo In-hoe showcased a 'driver show' on the fairway during the final day of the KPGA Tour Bizplay·Wonder Club Open held last month on the Sky Course (Par 71, 7,103 yards) at Incheon Club72CC. After shooting 6-under par in the 4th round to tie with Jang Yoo-bin, he pulled out his driver for the second shot on the first hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (Par 5). He boasted explosive distance and sank a long birdie putt.
Heo In-hoe tied the first playoff hole with a birdie and then secured the victory by birdieing the second playoff hole. This marked his 6th career win, his first in nine months since the iMBank Open last September, with a winner’s prize of 140 million won. He smiled and said, "The club I used this time was a mini driver with a small head. I thought playing aggressively by hitting woods suited my style. I’m satisfied that it turned out to be an entertaining performance."
Similar scenes have appeared not only in Korea but also on the PGA Tour. The protagonist was Aaron Rai (England), known for wearing gloves on both hands. On the 29th of last month (local time), during the third round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic held at Detroit Golf Club in Michigan (Par 72, 7,370 yards), Rai grabbed his driver for his second shot on the 17th hole (Par 5). His tee shot went 289 yards, and the remaining distance to the pin was 281 yards. Although Rai’s shot did not reach the green, his third shot landed close to the pin, allowing him to make a birdie. Rai finished the tournament tied for second, his best personal result.
Tour players occasionally showcase driver shots from the fairway. There are conditions, however. They pull out the driver only in critical moments where they must reduce strokes to win. The fairway must be wide and free of hazards. If the driver shot goes awry, it can cause serious trouble. Above all, practicing is necessary to execute a fairway driver shot. A strong mental fortitude is required to overcome psychological pressure.
Equipment manufacturers are releasing new products to appeal to customers who want to hit drivers from the fairway. The driver Heo In-hoe used this time is designed to be easily hit from the fairway. It is the Callaway Golf Ai Smoke 340 Mini Driver. It features a shorter shaft than a regular driver. It offers easy course management and control, with a head size twice as large as a 3-wood. This provides significant distance potential. The driver is designed so golfers of all skill levels can swing more comfortably. Equipped with an Ai Smart Face, it creates optimal conditions at impact regardless of the swing type. As a result, it delivers excellent distance and forgiveness.
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