All golfers want to be able to hit long towering drives miles down the fairway with the driver. Whilst we can’t all hit it as far as Rory McIlroy we can all hit it further by following a few simple tips and techniques. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player read on to find out how to maximise your abilities and hit those drivers further than you ever thought you could.
Master your stance and set up: A solid foundation is the key to any successful golf shot and the driver is no different. Start by setting your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. With the ball teed up just inside your lead toes (left foot for a right hander) tilt your spine away from the target to help you hit the ball on the way up. You can do this by pushing your lead hip forward, doing it this way will keep the pressure in the right place. Keep your hands relaxed on the grip.
Develop a strong core and legs: Power in golf comes from the core and the legs. Engage in exercises that strengthen your core and your legs. Getting this really strong will enable you to turn on the power when you need it. Professional golfers are athletes now and whilst we can’t all be Olympic athletes we can all do little things each day that optimise our ability.
Achieve the perfect backswing: A controlled backswing is crucial for building potential energy that you can release during the downswing and if you get the move away to the top right it will put you in the best position to deliver a consistent powerful contact on the ball. Depth in the backswing is key and a full shoulder turn getting behind the ball puts you in a great position. Don’t sway off the ball, move the club away and then pivot to the top fully turned behind the ball.
Create lag for explosive speed: Creating lag involves maintaining the angle between the hands and the club shaft late in to the swing enabling you to release it at the optimum time. My advice is don’t try and force this, you will read lots about it. Trying to force the position makes it less likely to be achieved. Focus on staying relaxed and smooth and the lag/power will come naturally.
Nail the impact position: This is the moment of truth, have we moved everything the right way to enable us to deliver the club back at impact in a way to maximise speed. To hit the driver a long way you should be aiming for an ascending blow, keep your spine tilted away from the target and feel as though you are using your legs to push up out of the floor to maximise your power. If I told you to jump as high as you could, every one of you would go down first before exploding out of the floor. Power in golf is no different.
Optimise launch conditions: Aim for a high launch angle and low spin rate to send those drives soaring high and long down the fairway. Experiment with tee height, ball position and angle of attack to optimise this. Find a range that has top tracer technology or use a launch monitor to really help you with optimising your launch conditions.
Regularly assess and adjust your equipment: As we grow and evolve and as technology changes, what worked for us once may not work anymore. Talk to your local pro or club fitter to experiment with different drivers and find the one that’s right for you. It’s worth trying different shafts both in weight and flex, different lofts, and different club head designs. It always amazes me when someone grabs a driver off the shelf and buys it without really trying it. This can make such a difference you would be mad not to get fitted if you are spending hundreds of pounds on a new driver.
Develop flexibility and mobility: A more mobile body allows for a wider swing arc and the ability to move the club fast through a range of motion. Incorporate regular stretching and mobility into your routine to maintain a suppleness in your muscles and joints. It’s important to understand your physical limitations and work on them. Watch the long drive champions hit balls and see how freely they move. If you aren’t sure what to do contact a local fitness professional. I work with a PT that my clients can use as it really helps me coach the student within their physical limitations.
Consistent practice: Improvement takes time and dedication and a commitment to doing the right thing. Regular practice both on the range and more importantly on the course can really help you make the gains you want. Be sure to practice the right things and don’t just beat ball after ball. Any good coach will give their students a clear practice routine to help maximise performance. I always finish my practice off with 5 balls hit as hard as I can with driver. I don’t care where they go for me its about trying to increase speed.
Conclusion: Hitting the driver further involves a blend of technique, mindset, physical ability, the right practice and the right equipment. By following these tips you are well on your way to being able to hit the ball further and straighter than you ever imagined. Remember, patience and persistence are key. So, step onto the tee with confidence put these techniques into action and you will be hitting the ball further and straighter than ever. Your journey to longer drives starts now. If you want more advice reach out to your local club professional, message me or check out my latest YouTube video. Good luck and hit it miles!!!!
