Let’s cut to the chase, everyone wants to hit the ball further. Hitting the ball longer is in my top two of students “wish lists”. In most cases it is possible, maybe not always 30 yards but there is no reason why golfers can’t significantly increase how far they hit the ball. So now let’s look at the 3 ways we can maximize our distance from the tee.
Why hitting the ball out of the middle of the club is number 1!
I guess hitting the golf ball out of the middle of the club is the first way you can optimize your distance!
Did you know that if you miss the sweet spot of the club by 1 dimple of your golf ball you lose at least 7 yards? Behind the “sweet spot” resides what we call the centre of mass of the club.
That centre of mass secures the clubface and prevents twisting of the face on impact, allowing you to optimise your distance.
Missing this almost certainly means a reduction of length from your shots! If you miss the sweet spot of the driver by one dimple, you could potentially lose up to 7 yards!
DOES YOUR DRIVER TAKE OFF OR CRASH LAND?
Most higher handicaps hit the golf ball too high on the club face, generally because the club is descending at it hits the golf ball.
We hit a driver from a tee so the club should be ascending as it hits the golf ball. I like to use the analogy of an aircraft taking off rather than crash landing. When a player hits up on the ball, there is less back spin so when the ball lands, it bounces on and doesn’t come to a sudden halt.
You will know your angle of approach to the golf ball generally by looking at the strike points on the club face.
If you see scratch marks on the roof of the club or high on the face, you are the crash lander and undoubtedly reducing your distance considerably.
The image of the club head to the left is descending as it hits the ball, more spin, less distance. This is an example of how you “DO NOT” want the club head to strike the golf ball.
The image of the club head to the right is ascending as it hits the ball, less spin, more distance!
This is ideally how you want the club face to make contact with the golf ball.
Swing slowly…only if you don’t want to hit it far!
Another famous resolution to all golfing issues, swing slower!
Well if you don’t want the ball to travel its maximum distance, then this is a good thing to do.
This is a crucial reason why you may not be getting the kind of distance on your drive that you could potentially be achieving.
Your swing speed is so very important.
Think about it like this: If your car travels at a slower speed to a destination than your friends travel speed, we all know who will get there first!
To achieve additional length on your shots, you want to reach your optimum swing speed to achieve your longest drive.
Everyone’s potential top swing speed will vary. But no matter what your current swing speed happens to be, there is always room for improvement in this area. And even small gains in speed can have a huge impact in the distance you can achieve in your drive.
If you don’t believe me, just check out these stats:
- A gain of 4 MPH gives you 10 more yards.
- A gain of 8 MPH gives you 20 more yards.
- A gain of 12 MPH gives you 30 more yards.
It’s a no brainer!
So Now Let’s Return To The 3 Factors That Can Add Substantial Length To Your Drives.
1./ By hitting the ball a dimple or two closer to the sweet spot, you could potentially add 14 yards more to your drive
2./ Ensure your driver is swinging up though impact (a + angle of approach) and a you will launch the ball higher with less spin and more role.
Gaining 20 yards extra is not uncommon!
3./ 8% more swing speed could give you 20 more yards!
If you would like a little more from your game, better scores, lower handicap, then I can help! I have worked with thousands of golfers over the last 25 years and have helped them to play better golf and lower their handicaps.
Join me today to start your journey to longer drives!
Gillian Burrell PGA Adv Fellow
Mobile No: 0872586788
Email: burrellgillian@gmail.com