Everyone wants to be a longer driver off the tee. No other golf shot provides more sheer satisfaction during a round of 18 than a beautifully hit long and straight drive off the tee. This shot is savored by the pros, and is looked upon as one of the toughest types of shots to keep consistent by amateurs.
More often than not, length of a drive is mistaken – especially by amateurs, for “muscle power,” or how hard you can swing a club through the ball. This simply isn’t true. While it may be true that you will never hit the ball as long as John Daly, you can in fact increase your drive distance and accuracy by following these 6 techniques.
1. Proper Ball Address: Hover the clubhead above the ground to ensure a smooth takeaway. Many of us lay the club on the ground to position it correctly. This leads to the clubhead going awry once lifted off the ground.
2. The Takeaway: We want to encourage what is known as the “one-piece takeaway.” The one-piece takeaway promotes a wider arc, which will allow you to build rhythm in your swing while at the same time allowing you to generate enough power to drive the ball farther. Think of the one-piece takeaway as one fluid motion from ball address to the top of your backswing.
3. Positioning at the Top of Swing: When you have reached the top of your swing your backswing, then your shoulders should be turned a full 90°, your back should be facing your desired target area, and the club should remained lined up perfectly.
4. Positioning During Downswing: Your right arm (for right handed golfer, left for left handed golfers) should stay close to your body and your left side should be cleared out of the way. This allows the club to come down on a straight and flat plane, which will allow you to attack the ball properly from the inside. Remember, your head should remain behind the ball the entire time.
5. Impact: This is where it all comes together for a split second. This is where you create the magic. If the above techniques are done properly, then your left side will be out of the way, your hands and arms will be fully extended down your chosen line of flight, and your head will have remained slightly behind the point of impact the entire swing.
6. Follow Through: This is actually more important than most people realize. A proper follow through involves the clubhead finishing in a high follow through point, with your body turned towards the ball watching the flight path of your hit. A balanced finish is important for consistency.
While it may take some time and effort on your part, driving the gold ball with more distance and more accuracy is very attainable. Follow these steps and your driving game should start to come together nicely.