Thanks for the not an average golfer compliment. It took years of hard work to get where I am.
My advice would hold true no matter the caliber of player. If you read through my post, the new tech does help. I don't normally launch one out of sight off the toe without the aid of a driver that has a head the size of a tennis racket. I do however, hit the golf ball a long way regardless of what is on the end of the shaft. I don't exaggerate, Tiger Woods does not hit the ball a long way, I do.
Part of my "growth" was playing with guys that could hit the ball a mile. Take Hank Kuene, played with him, kept up with him. That was years ago, but the mileage is about the same comparatively.
The down side, I have played once in the last year, and 5 times in the past 2. I am however, going to break 80 everytime out. I'm a 4. I've had 1 lesson since Rives McBee turned me loose with a golf club at age 9. That was simple lesson, my alignment was whacked. I'm self taught.
I don't like the fact that some guys are closing the gap on me though. It's not right, it's not fair, it's too easy.
You guys (not literally) are almost forcing me to invest in a new driver to get things back to normal. I haven't had a new to me club in 18 years.