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