How to Hit Your Driver Straighter and Farther

The ultimate goal for most golfers is to drive the ball longer and straighter. Here are a few tips that will help in your quest to drive the ball with added power off the tee:

It starts with the proper setup
Because today's modern drivers have larger heads and are designed to help get the ball up in the air quickly, you need to contact the ball on the upswing. Position the ball opposite your left toe; (right-handed golfers) take a slightly wider stance and drop your right shoulder slightly more than normal. Tee the ball high, and swing up to a full follow through position.

A full, complete backswing
It starts by turning your left shoulder away from the target and allowing your weight to shift back onto your right foot (right-handed golfers). At the top of the backswing, your back should be facing the target with your weight behind the ball (make sure your hands are high above your right shoulder, not too far inside your swing path). Your weight should be on the inside of your right foot.

Starting the downswing
This is where most golfers lose their power. Your weight should shift left by your lower body leading the way. Start the downswing by sliding your right knee toward the target, this will allow your right elbow to drop into your right side. From this position, just let your weight shift to your left foot and allow your arms and hands to swing the club into a follow through position. This part of your golf swing is where the shifting of the weight unleashes the power and speed of the swing.

Most average golfers start the downswing with the upper body not the lower body (the dreaded over-the-top-move). This is where they lose all their power. The lower body "must" start the downswing!

Impact-The Moment of Truth
Too many golfers attempt to hold the clubface or steer the ball by holding on through impact. Instead, let your hands and arms go through impact. The clubface will naturally square up at impact. This is where you must trust it. Try to swing and feel the weight of the clubhead in your downswing rather than using muscular effort.

By following these concepts, you should see longer and straighter drives.