I need some more information to help you. Please answer the following questions:
1. Are you right or left handed?
2. Does the ball curve during its flight? If so, which way (right to left or left to right)?
3. Are there "sky" marks on the top edge of your driver?
4. Where is the ball positioned in your stance: Center, left of center, right of center?
5. Do you usually break the tee when hitting a driver?
6. What is the shaft flex of the driver?
7. Do you know your clubhead speed with the driver?
8. Do you take deep or shallow divots with your 9 iron
9. Is you miss with the 9 iron usually left or right of the target?
10. Would you categorize your average iron ball flight as high, low or normal?

Thanks!

Based on your answers I surmise your distance issue is directly related to excess back spin. The ST 460 Hammer Driver was built with a 3 degree forward shaft lean, and if the ball is played too far forward you will effectively increase the loft in order to keep the clubface square to the target through impact. I suggest you position the ball between your left heel and center. Be certain the clubface is square to the target, not open at address. Then focus on swinging forward from an "inside" path. I've found the best trajectory and spin rate with this driver is acheived when playing a "draw".

You may get a better feeling for the "inside" path by practicing a sweeping motion with your irons, not a digging motion. Digging deep divots is indicative of a steep forward swing path that can be productive with irons but detrimental with a driver. If you practice a sweep with all clubs you will have more success delivering the clubface to the ball with appropriate loft for the club used.

Deep divots, misses to the right and high ball flight are all symptoms of a steep approach angle and open clubface. The best practice drill for sweeping from the inside is our Grass Cutting Drill...and you can practice it with all clubs. Give it a try and let us know how it goes...