[no_mind_golfer]

Everything I have read however regarding the driver says that the Arc of Approach should be positive, that being, hitting on the up stroke to minimize spin and therefore increase distance.

In the January 2008 issue of Golf Magazine, Charlie King wrote an instructional article titled, "The Easy Way to Add 20 Yards." What caught my eye was a table of data that showed driving distances of varying clubhead speeds and angles of attack with the driver.

What are everyone's feeling regarding this issue?

Thanks,
Wali

Don't know much about homer's theory but... Aerodynamics says this:

Spin is a function of "Dynamic loft" and clubhead speed. Dynamic loft equals face angle + increase in face angle due to shaft bend. A 10.5 on a soft flex shaft swung fast may infact be a 15 deg dynamic loft.

For each swing speed (which via smash factor becomes a ball speed) and spin (it can and does vary ball to ball) there is an optimal launch angle for maximum carry. That's what we're striving for... optimum launch angle for given ball speed and spin.

Long drivers have figured out they need to minimize backspin (which , while providing useful lift via the Magnus effect, also increases form drag) and maximize launch angle. They use low lofted drivers on stiff shafts (to minimize spin) and hit up on it (to maximize launch angle). Bubba hits up 5 degrees when "going for it". But we mere mortal should keep in mind they're he-men who swing really fast and have much practice under their belt. Most people (men included) should tee off with their 3 wood (15 degrees of loft or more.