How to hit the Driver Straighter and Further!
Most golfers would like to hit their driver straight and far. The modern driver has been designed to give you the golfer, the best chance of achieving the distance you dream about. Yet with all available technology the results can be frustrating for the average golfer.
How do I achieve more distance?
What ultimately improves the driving distance is the path of the club head in the downswing. For example if your driver club head was travelling at 100 mph and the golf ball was struck at the toe of the club (near the front) the carry of that golf ball would be in the region of 217 yards. Now if your driver club head was travelling at the same speed, 100 mph, and the golf ball was struck out of the sweet spot of the clubface the ball would carry in the region of about 239 yards.
A difference in distance of 22 yards!! That could mean you hitting a 9 iron instead of a 6 iron as an example of what an impact extra distance can make to your second or third shot second shot.
The average club head speed in the USPGA tour for a driver is between 106 – 128 mph. Some tour players can go faster but this can result in wayward tee shots. Last years Masters winner Zach Johnson averages about 106 mph, which produces a 245 yards carry.
On the LPGA (Ladies Tour) the average club head speed for a driver is about 86 mph to 110 mph and angle of attack is very important for the lady professional. They have to maximise their technique to create extra club head speed.
What is a poor swing path?
Photograph 1 displays a steep downswing path. The club is moving out and into my body. The club head speed might be fast but the path of the club is so steep that the angle onto the golf ball means the golf ball will not be hit from the sweet spot. This creates sidespin on the golf ball. Increased sidespin reduces power and therefore distance.
Photograph 2 displays the consequences of the steep downswing. My body has moved up and backwards and my arms have to move into my body. I have mentioned in previous articles that the big hitters and great ball strikers move into the golf ball at impact. The body weight should not move backwards it must move forwards towards the target.
Photograph 3 displays a simple exercise that will help you feel and create the angle of attack needed to hit your drives further. From a conventional set up position I have moved my back foot 4 – 5 inches back. My feet are now aiming right of target. The target in this photo is the flagstick. My shoulders should remain in the same position but your feet alignment will be aiming right of target. This position gives me room in the downswing to attack the golf ball from the inside and then allow the club to swing out right of the flagstick, which is my intended target. This is why Tiger Woods tries to hit inside back right hand corner of the golf ball.
Photograph 4 displays the start of the through swing after impact. Please note it is not the complete follow through and the point of this position is that the arms are out and moved away from your body. This will help the club head swing right of the target. This photo is the complete opposite of photograph 2. You must allow the club head to swing out and not into your body.
Using my own PUREFLIGHT system, this measures the ball flight using radar. I have often found that the golfer that reduces their club head speed but improves the path of the club head hits the ball further!!!
Using the PUREFLIGHT system and the GASP Coaching Software understanding and seeing will help you improve your game.
As I keep telling all my lessons LESS IS MORE
Nicholas Sharratt PGA – ADAMS STAFF PLAYER.