Driving the golf ball

This weeks tip is about driving and how to use your setup to maximise the distance that you hit the golf ball. One of the most important factors to help with driving distance is using the correct equipment. I would recommend players of all abilities get fitted to ensure you are using the correct loft and shaft to maximise the distance you hit the ball.

Ball Position: When playing a driver off of a tee, the clubhead needs the hit the ball with a ascending blow this launches the golf ball up in the air and will give you maximum carry. In order to achieve this the ball position needs to be in line with your front heel.

Stance Width: It is very important to strike the golf ball out the middle of the clubface when trying to hit the golf ball along way. In order to achieve this the swing has to be balanced. It is important to give yourself a good stable base so that you can control the extra speed you are creating. Therefore a stance that is slightly wider than shoulder width will allow you to remain balanced.

Alignment: A common fault that affects both distance and direction is poor alignment. The common mistake is people aiming along way left of there intended target with there feet and shoulder. This causes an out to in swing path and means that the club only hits the ball with a glancing blow. This causes loss of distance and often a shot to the right. Therefore it is very important to ensure that you body alignment (feet, hips and shoulders) is parallel left of the intended target.

Rhythm and Tempo: When trying to hit the golf ball a long way, peoples golf swings can get very fast and this causes the arms and body to get out of sync, resulting in a poor strike and loss of distance and direction. When trying the hit the ball further, remain relaxed with a loose grip and concentrate on completing your shoulder turn on the back swing. The change of direction is the hardest part of the swing to get right. Try to feel thatthis part of the swing is smooth and that the club is going to be travelling its quickest just after the golf ball. These simple thoughts will help you keep your rhythm and because your arms and body will work together, your clubhead speed will increase.

This weeks tips are very simple and things that are often overlooked by people. However, getting these simple set up aspects correct will lead to straighter and longer drives.