(by 5 people)
8 Ridiculously Simple Things Anyone Can Do to Hit Longer Tee Shots
At age 62, I'm hitting it longer than I ever have in my golfing life (that's over 50 years). Find out how I'm doing it.
These distance tips worked for me; and they can work for YOU.
Have you ever hit a WOW! Drive?
The tee shot that has your golfing buddies saying "WOW!, - Where did that come from?"We all know what I mean by the WOW! drive. It's when, out of nowhere you hit a drive that booms laser straight through the heart of the fairway 30, 40 or even 50 yards farther than you've been hitting all day. It's the one golf shot you remember when the round is over. The drive you brag about during coffee break Monday morning. The one that inspires you to reserve that 7 AM tee time next Saturday.
But alas, for most of us the WOW! drive - this thing of beauty - is rare and elusive. For a fleeting moment you get to bask in it's glory. Then you step into the next tee box and let fly with a gargantuan rip, confidently expecting to watch the ball sail out of sight. That's when, unfortunately, reality sets in, as the ball dribbles a few yards past the red tees. Your buddies giggle, your chest deflates, and you hang your head as you trudge disheartened back to the golf cart wondering . . .
Why can't I hit the WOW! drive every time?
Am I allowed only one per round?Well guess what! There is something you can do. Here are 8 Power Tips you can do right now, without ever spending one minute on the driving range. These are small, but powerful techniques that you can use to add yards to your drive the very next time you push a tee in the ground. They are as easy as it is ever going to get - no work involved. All you need to do is to use them!
Enjoy these tips, and I'll see you at the club's long drive championship.
Tip #1 - Not Any Driver Will Do
Choose your weapon carefully!Everyone would like to swagger a little as they pull out one of those new power driving status symbols, and say 'Stand back boys, this thing could explode any moment now'. You know the ones I'm talking about. The 460cc super monsters that let you 'dial-in' the shot direction and distance you want. Unfortunately, thousands of golfer have spent $400 to $600 on a new driver, only to find out that it didn't do a thing for them. How do you select the right one for 'YOUR' game?
Your swing speed is the KEY.
1) Low Swing Speed - If your swing speed is less than 80 mph then think in terms of a high flex shaft and at least a 12 degrees of loft for your driver.
2) Medium Swing Speed - The largest percentage of golfers will have swing speeds in the 80 to 100 mph range. Choose a driver with a regular flex and a loft between 10 to 12 degrees.
3) High Swing Speed - For those gifted enough to generate a swing speed over 100 mph make sure that your shaft has a stiff flex. You also you need a lower lofted club, usually around 8 degrees.
If you don't know your swing speed, your local club fitting golf shop can provide it for you. They are set up to measure your club head speed before recommending a new driver and shaft for your game. They will also let you 'test drive' several different manufacturers and models, so you can get the 'feel' of each. Go to a club fitting shop and get a Driver and Shaft that is right for your game. With the right weapon, you WILL hit it longer!
If you need help finding a club fitting shop try this link:
Maltby Certified Fitting Centers
Some 'MURPHY'S LAWS' of Golf
Murphy's laws apply on the golf course, too. Which of these Golfing 'MURPHY'S LAWS' best describes your on links experiences?
No matter how badly you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.
0 points
Nothing straightens out a nasty slice quicker than a sharp dogleg to the right.
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If there is a ball in the fringe and a ball in the bunker, the ball in the bunker is yours.
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Tip #2 - Not Any Ball Will Do
You got the right weapon - now use the right bulletsDifferent golf balls suit different golfers. Most golf ball manufacturers don't tell you this. They'd like every player to choose their most expensive top of the line ball, even if it's not designed for their style of play.
Choose a ball that is correct for your ability.
1) Novice Golfer - About 25% of recreational golfers fall in this category. Your score is typically 105 or greater for 18 holes and your handicap is over 20. If you are just starting to play or are inconsistent this is your category. You can definitely benefit from a low spinning, 2 piece golf ball.
2) The Intermediate Golfer - Your scores range from the mid 80's to the high 90's. If you can hit it reasonably straight and or have a predictable shot pattern, a medium spinning 2 or 3 piece ball would be a good choice. However, if your shot pattern is erratic, you should go back to a lower spinning 2 piece ball.
3) The Accomplished Golfer - Your handicap is 12 or below. You score in the 70's and low 80's. You need a ball that is long off the tee but provides the feel and finesse you desire for the shots around the green and putting. You would most benefit from a 3pc or even the newer 4pc performance ball.
Okay, so now you know what type of ball to use, but how can you find out if the BRAND and model of ball you use is the right type and spin speed? Try this link:
Get Actual Golf Ball performance stats
Tiger's Ball from Golfsmith
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Tip #3 - Stretch to Hit it Long
What can Derek Jeter teach you about Golf?You will typically only hit 10 to 14 tee shots with your driver per round, all your other shots - irons, wedges, putts - require finesse. But with your driver, just like Derek, you're trying to 'go deep'. Therefore it makes perfect sense to stretch BEFORE EACH tee shot. Watch professional baseball players; they constantly stretch and take practice swings before each trip to the plate. Top tour players do it too. You can benefit from the same routine.
To get the most distance out of the driver you have to be flexible, and the only way to get flexible is to stretch. ALWAYS - ALWAYS do some sort of stretching routine before teeing up your ball. The large shoulder turn that is paramount to hitting for distance can best be enhanced by a stretching and twisting routine prior to hitting.
Your powerful leg muscles are also important to hammering a golf ball long. A strong lower body base will allow the upper body to release through the downswing. Do a couple of quick leg squats to ensure that these muscles are loose.
As a special note I think it's important consider that, as with any sport, physical conditioning will help immensely. A golf specific exercise program will give your body the flexibility and muscular development it needs to hit the long drive.
You can find some good Golf specific stretching and exercising routines at these links:
Get Golf Fitness and Stretching Programs at the University of Golf
Easy Tips And Techniques Golf Fitness Guide
FASTER = FARTHER
Increase your swing speed
SPEED STIK Speed Stik
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Tip #4 - Set Up Right to Hit it Long
The set up for the long drive is completely different from any other set up.If you're planning on 'going deep' you need to get your body into the right position for your muscles to deliver the most power possible.
1) Stance - Jack Nicklaus said that when he came to a tee shot where he wanted that extra little bit of distance, he would widen his stance. You should do the same. Widen your stance so that the insides of your heels are shoulder width apart to increase stability. Flare your forward foot slightly to encourage the needed weight shift and rotation toward your left side during the swing. However the right foot isn't flared at all.
2) Balance - Better balance produces better and longer drives. To achieve good balance, make sure your weight is shifted to your back foot when you set up to swing. You need to 'feel' most of your weight on the back foot. Once you load up your weight on the back foot, there's nowhere to go but forward and into the ball. It's this 'shift' of your weight from your rear foot to the front foot that creates the power in your golf swing.
Tiger Woods - The Perfect Swing
See an absolutely beautiful swing in super slo-mo. Notice the wide stance and how he starts the down swing with his left side first, and then allows his hands and arms to follow as he uncoils, with his wrist firing through the ball at the last micro second.
Tip #5 - Mental Aspects of Hitting Long
You need to reprogram your mind if you want to hit it long and straight.When it comes to 'going long' the old 'grip-it and rip-it' mentality is a sure way to disaster.
1) First - During your pre-swing routine, while you are standing behind the ball selecting your line you need to pick a specific spot in the fairway that you want your ball to land, then visualize a smooth swing with your the ball sailing and landing directly on that spot. This may sound a little 'hokie' if you've never done it, but TRY IT! It works. You will hit a lot more acceptable tee shots because your mind has programed your body with a specific goal.
2) Second - You must mentally accept the fact that in order to drive the ball farther you do not try to hit the ball harder. The Big hitters on the tour all have great tempo through the ball striking area. Tempo is about flowing into the ball, not swatting at it.
3) Third - Clear your mind of all thoughts, relax, take a deep breath, let out half of it, then, slowly, almost as if in slow motion start your coiling process with the swing thought 'sweet swing'. This will keep you calm and prevent 'lunging' into the ball.
You can find more information on the mental aspects of golf at this link:
Get Golf Mental Training Program at the University of Golf
Underground Golf Psychology techniques are very unique, but WOW! have they ever worked for ME! Golf Zen Master
The smoothest swing in Golf
They call him 'the Big Easy'. Ernie Els' tempo is so silky smooth - he just Flooows into the ball. Notice that he doesn't swing hard - even though he regularly smacks it over 300 yards.
Tip #6 - Tee it High to Hit it Long
The RIGHT way to take advantage of that new larger 'sweet spot'.Today's larger drivers have a sweet spot that is higher on the club face than ever before. Tee the ball up high, really high, to take advantage of your new driver's expanded sweet spot.
1) Why? - The right tee height allows you to optimize your launch angle, by hitting the ball slightly on the upswing.
2) How High? - The ideal tee height will have half the golf ball above the top edge of your driver. This ensures optimal launch angle with the right kind of spin.
3) How? - Why do you think all those new longer tees are being sold in the pro shop? Equipment manufactures know that today's 460cc drivers perform better when the ball is teed up higher.
You can find more information on tee height at this link: See the results of Actual tee height tests
New Golf 'Brush' Tees on eBay
Hit it 5 yards farther, just by changing your tee!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Tip #7 - Tee it Forward to Hit it Long
One of the easiest ways to increase your distance off the tee is to move your ball position forward - way forward.To accommodate your new high tee, and to make solid contact on the right part of your driver, make sure that the ball is teed forward in your stance between four to six inches. For the average golfer this ball position will look very far forward, but trust it. You will hit the ball farther this way.
This farther forward position encourages you to fully transfer your weight down the target line and enhances a full extension. The greater the extension, the more swing speed you generate. Swing speed equals distance.
You can find more information on the correct tee position at this link:
Jim McLean's Forward Tee Drill Video
A textbook POWER swing in slow motion.
Sergio Garcia - 160 Lbs. soaking wet - and he regularly hits it well over 300 yards. Watch how he does it. Notice two things - the ball is teed high and opposite his left toe.
Tip #8 - Grip it Right to Hit it Long
GRIP - The number one ridiculously simple tip for hitting longer drivesThe grip for power driving is actually different from your other clubs, just as the grip for your putter is different from your irons.
To hit it long - use a strong grip position and light grip pressure.
1) Position - When driving adjust your hands to a strong grip position. A weak grip position is fine for finesse with shorter clubs but not for power driving. To have a strong driving grip position, point both Vs formed by your hands towards the right shoulder.
2) Grip Pressure - Most amateur players tend to grip the club very tightly, which diminishes your 'feel' for the club head. It is very easy, when going for more distance to grip the club tightly. But actually this is the exact opposite of what we need to do. Tightening the grip creates tension throughout your body, slowing muscles and reducing club head speed. It can also cause you to snatch the club back and snap through your swing.
3) Why it works - Gripping the club looser allows you to generate more club head speed and lag. Lag is a term used to refer to angle between the club and your left arm. The smaller this angle, the more energy you release at impact.
4) How to do it - To achieve effortless power, you need to make a conscious effort to grip the club lightly. Think in terms of gripping a tube of toothpaste with the cap off. Grip it tight enough to hold it firm but not squeeze out any toothpaste. Now with that thought in mind, take one or two full practice swings concentrating on nothing but maintaining a 'light grip' throughout.
Unique Golf Sites you should Visit
- The University of Golf
- Your Golf Education Starts Here. Get a Masters or PHD in Golf.
- Maltby Certifies Fitting Centers
- Get that Power Driver designed for the way YOU play!
- Golf Fitness Guide
- Golf Specific exercise and stretching routines.
- Golf Zen Master
- Think outside the Box! Underground Golf Psychology techniques.
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So . . . Let me Know
Did these tips work for YOU?
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gaetan
Hi Dewitt. Great lens and full of some wise tips for extra length off the tee. If you get a chance I'd love to get your thoughts on my golf lenses, Posted May 03, 2008 |
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Great-Golf-GreenFee-Deals
Great information on how to hit the golf ball further and lower your scores. Posted February 25, 2008 |
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TommyL
Hi Dewitt. May I say that this is - The golf lens that has your golfing buddies saying "WOW! Full of tips that I might use when I'm out there golfing. 5 stars and lensrolling you too. Top notch! Posted January 28, 2008 |
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KokoTravel
Great Information! Posted January 26, 2008 |
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Vonpeter
Congratulations on a great lens. If you want to play golf every day without paying greenfees, find the article on my lens, Does Timeshare Work? This is a must read! You won't regret it. Posted January 26, 2008 |
