The Proper Launch Angle

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf     One of the ways to achieve much greater driving distance is to increase you launch angle.   Many golfers don't realize that with the driver, the ball must be hit on the upswing.   Doing so does not increase the loft of the driver but it increases the angle the ball takes when it leaves the ground.  

It is a known fact that a higher launch angle increase distance dramatically.   With a higher launch angle there is much less spin produced and with the driver, spin can get you in big trouble.   The force with which you hit the ball is also increased when your launch angle increases.   Keep in mind that you will get more distance without ever increasing your swing speed but just by increasing your launch angle.

Slow Your Backswing

photo credit: petersbar     As your round progresses, the flow of your adrenaline increases .   This occurs even if you are having a poor round.   The outcome of any adrenaline rush is a tempo that speeds up .   Speeding up your tempo will ruin your timing.   When  your adrenaline starts to flow  and your tempo increases, try slowing your backswing.

Taking the club back quickly means that you will have to use more gripping power to stop the club at the top before the downswing begins.   This tightening  at the top means that you will automatically tighten your grip which will create a slower clubhead speed on the way down.  

Take the club back slowly until you reach the top.   Maintain very light grip pressure at all times during the swing.

Resistance Means Distance

photo credit: billypoonphotos     There has never been a golfer that was satisfied with their distance.   In order to get more distance you have to create more resistance and that comes from a good shoulder turn.   Try the following to improve your distance:

1)   On the backswing, turn your shoulders 90 degrees so that it is facing your target.   2)   Do not turn your hips as far as your shoulders.   Ideally, you want your hips to resist the turning of your shoulders in order to create torque.   3)   Retain a bend in your left knee, if it straightens, your power will be destroyed.   4)   Try to retain the coil in your upper body at the top of the swing.   Now, drive your legs through impact and the rest should simply fall into place.

Keys to Consistent Drives

photo credit: bradleypjohnson     Position is the most important consideration  from the tee, not power.   Too often, players  get caught up in  trying to  achieve maximum distance with their driver by trying to bludgeon the ball.   This can be a huge mistake because position is much more important than distance off the tee.  

Consistency Keys:   A.   Tee the ball off your left heel.   B.   Position your head and torso behind the ball during address to allow a good weight transfer from your right to left side during the swing.   C.    Make a full shoulder turn during your backswing to help set the club  on line at the top.   D.   Make a smooth transition from the backswing to the downswing.   E.    Crack your wrists through the impact zone for a  full  release.

Aiming Practice

photo credit: rioncm     Firing a gun and hitting a golf ball have one thing in common, aim.   Hitting a target requires  perfect aim.   Unfortunately, most golfers take aim for granted and don't view it with the same precision as aiming a gun.   If you aim incorrectly, it takes a bad swing to hit the ball toward your target, which means that you will be constantly and unknowingly making poor swings regularly.

Practice aiming by placing two clubs on the ground; one directly in line with the ball and your target and the other (parallel with the first one) along  the line where your feet will be.   The club along your feet doesn't aim directly  at your primary target it aims left of  your target.   Just think of railroad tracks.

The Golf Grip

The grip is one of the most overlooked fundamentals.   Many golfers take their grip for granted simply because it “feels right.”   Feeling right does not make it correct.   Developing the correct grip is not as easy as you may think.   A grip change may not 'feel” good but that does not mean it is incorrect.   Any change of habit always feels awkward.

A sound grip promotes a neutral clubface position throughout the golf swing.   A good grip also eliminates the need to make compensations in the swing, during the swing itself.

Your only contact with the club is your grip, so be certain that the way you grip the club is correct.   Also, check your grip often,  or have someone check it for you.

Theory on the Tee

photo credit: Rob Poetsch     Whether the fairway is narrow, wide, dogleg left or dogleg right, always pick a target somewhere on the fairway.   Do not aim for a portion of the fairway (left, right or center).   There might be a tree in the distance to use as an aim point; use any object as a target.

Start with the proper fundamentals:   relaxed neutral grip, square alignment, good posture and correct aim.   Play your normal shot whether it is a fade, draw or straight.   Position your clubhead first and aim at a target (leaf, twig, brown mark) a few feet in front of your clubhead.   Make sure your aim point is in a direct line between your ball and your specific target.   Try gripping your club about one inch lower for more control.

Thin or Fat?

photo credit: inottawa     A  fat shot  is when the clubhead hits the ground behind the ball.   A thin shot  is when the sole of the club hits the top half of the ball.   Both shots are “dribblers.”

Thin shots are caused by:  A)    Helping the ball in the air (scooping).   B)   Bending over too much  during address  (during the swing the body usually rises, therefore, if your address posture is too low your swing-arc will be raised causing a topped shot).

Fat shots are caused by: A)   playing the ball too far forward – at address,  play the ball back farther.   B)   Picking up the club to quickly.   Turn your upper body going back, don't tilt it.   C)   Reverse pivot = body moves away from, rather than towards the target on the downswing.

Swing Overhaul?

photo credit: tnarik     Beware of the golf instructor that wants to give you a swing overhaul – change your entire swing.   Ask yourself the following question?   Do they want to really help me or are they thinking about more golf lessons $$?  

The fact is that there are no two golf swings that are completely alike.   Yes, it would be nice if we all had a golf swing like Sam Snead but the truth is, we don't.  

A good instructor will work with what you have and try to develop your game within the characteristics of your natural swing.   Yes, he'll make adjustments here and there but he should not try to give you a whole new look.   Maybe you will never play par golf but you can, and should,  play up to your full potential !

Don’t Overlook the Waggle

photo credit: nsaplayer     One of the most overlooked  components of the set-up and  the  address is the waggle.   The waggle, when used correctly, can make an important difference in your shot-making and the ability to post low scores.  

Have you ever played with someone that takes  10 waggles prior to their shot?   It can drive  fellow players  up the proverbial wall.   Once settled into the address position, the waggle should  begin.   The waggle  should  be done to get the “feel” for the shot that is about to occur.   It's not meant to copy the swing (as some players seem to do).   It allows the golfer  to gather thoughts, relieve tension and settle into the shot.   Too much waggle is counter productive to its  primary purpose.

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