This week on Tee Talk, I’m finally going to give in and talk about a topic I’ve been avoiding since I began writing these articles and that is how to gain more distance. This is by far the most common request I receive when I teach lessons. Everyone wants to hit it farther. With today’s technology, it is possible to increase your distance just by changing your equipment, but I can give you a tip or two that will get you a few extra yards without costing too much.
First, let me explain why I said I’ve been avoiding this topic. I believe the majority of players place too much stock on distance. Distance is not, I repeat, is not the fastest way to lowering your scores. There isn’t a single thing that will lower scores quicker than a great short game. With that said, it does play a factor, and a player should never miss an opportunity to gain a few extra yards.
Now, let’s discuss why most players do not get the distance they feel they should. Start by looking down. Check out your hips the next time you take a swing. See if they rotate with your shoulders when you take the club back. If they do, try and stabilize them, but still attempt to get a full shoulder turn. If you do this properly, you will feel some tension in your side. You are now creating coil in your golf swing.
Think of your muscles as a rubber band. The tighter you pull the rubber band, the farther it goes. It’s the same idea with the golf swing. You want to feel those big muscles tightening and stretching as you take the club back, then, when you begin your downswing, everything you built up in the backswing can unwind at the ball.
If you check on your backswing and your hips are relatively stable, then try and notice where they are on the follow through. Is your zipper facing where the ball started, or is it facing the target? If it is facing where your ball started, then you are getting no hip action in your swing, which can seriously hinder distance. Try to get the feeling that your hips begin the downswing and aid in pulling the club through the hitting area.
Finally, make sure you get to your left side (right side for lefties). I can’t begin to tell you how many players I see that shift their weight pretty well on the back swing but fail to get it back through on the downswing. Perfecting this “transition” will not only help with timing and rhythm, but it will also assist in getting the maximum distance out of your swing.
Note: The David Dorn Golf Academy is now up and running equipped with video analysis software and also the Tomi Putting System, which will analyze every aspect of the putting stroke. Video lessons start as low as $45. Contact the Hartsville Country Club Golf Shop for more details.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement