Consistency for Driving

Dara Ford PGA Professional                     

This month I have decided to do a section on the importance of hitting a longer and straighter drive; the one that everybody dreams about. Unfortunately, some people think that they are not able to achieve a more consistent tee shot and I hope that by using and practising these handy tips it will transform your stats off the tee.

1. DRIVING THROUGH

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

The secret to hitting a powerful drive is all about using your body to create speed at the right time. During your downswing you need a natural rhythm that turns your weight onto your left side facing the target (vice versa for a left-hander). Players often become too complicated with their own game on how to improve driving the golf ball, that they forget to go back to the basics and keep it a little more simple. A good way to feel the natural movement is to go back to how you would throw a ball, you may not have done this in a while but everybody has done this at some stage in their life. To create a lot more power you simply rotate your shoulders away from the target, with your weight naturally loading on your right side. When you go to throw the ball your weight will shift to your left side and your body rotates through to create the neccessary power to throw the ball a lot further. The same principle applies to the golf swing, if you try working on this move and incorporate it into your golf swing you will definitely gain a few extra yards.

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF TURNING

Fig 1.

Fig. 2

A good turn is essential to hit longer more accurate drives. The turn is the most athletic position a golfer will create. At the top of your backswing you will see that in picture on the left my back is facing the target and my left arm is straight. In this position you are creating a huge amount of width which results in greater power. The picture on the right (Fig.2) you can see my left arm has folded and my chest is facing the ball, in this positon I have lost control of the clubhead and I have less power resulting in loss of distance and also direction.

So when you are practicing at the golf course try these two simple drills and hopefully you will see a huge improvement in your long game. 

Santa da Serra Golf Club has just opened the first Fitting and Repair centre which is exclusive to the island offering a wide range of sevices to golfers from regripping clubs, checking the lie and loft of your clubs, shaft repairs, and custom fitting. For any enquiries about the new centre please feel free to contact the pro shop on (+351) 291 550 100.

Until next month...happy golfing

Use of Alignment Sticks

Stick to This

I have noticed from my time in Santo da Serra and where I worked in Ireland at County Sligo Golf Club that alot of players have recently added a set of alignment sticks to the bag. It is great to see people using them when practising because it is a great way to make sure that you are aiming correctly at your target  and I would recommend every golfer to carry them in their bag, they are not expensive to buy roughly 18 euros and they are very light.  Alternatively you could easily invent something very similar yourself . So often you see a golfer on the driving range hitting balls in any direction and not picking an actual target to align themselves towards. The great thing about the alignment sticks  are that they can be used for so many different purposes when practising not just for alignment. In this months article I will show  useful ways to use this tool so that you can really benefit from your practise sessions.

1. Swish the Stick

This an excellent drill for someone who lacks clubhead speed, it will allow you to move your arms and wrists freely without getting that feeling of tightness which can happen so often. Try first by making one-handed swings with the cane switching over and back from your left hand to your right hand. When you start to hear the sound of the swish at the bottom of your swing you are beginning to free your arms and wrists correctly. This also ensures that you achieving effecient clubhead speed and the feeling of releasing the clubhead correctly.



2. Correct Posture

Picture 1

Picture 2

This is a common fault with most golfers and is often left neglected without realising its importance. A good posture will allow you to rotate freely and maintain good balance when you swing. Start by positioning an alignment stick along your spine. It should touch your back in three different points, the back of your head, middle of your back, and the base of your spine (picture 1). Once you have tried this using the aid of a mirror preferably you simply tilt forward from your hips while keeping the three points of contact unlock your knees ( picture 2). By using this drill you are setting yourself in the correct posture position allowing you to swing powerfully and more freely.


3. Chipping Set-Up &  Downward Strike

Some golfers feel they have to tilt their shoulders away from the target, which encourages an upward strike. By holding a cane across your shoulders and feeling like the front end points down helps achieve the correct set-up position and also and very importantly promotes a downward strike.

When chipping, place a cane behind your back foot. your angle of attack will automatically improve. The cane causes a barrier behind the ball which makes you strike the ball steeper while also allowing the shaft to lean forward. This will improve your strike while also promoting a downward blow.

Until next time..... happy golfing