Are you fed up with being the short hitter in your group, even though you feel like you’re putting every ounce of effort into your swing? If you’re swinging harder and harder but the ball is still going nowhere – maybe even spraying left and right – you’re not alone. I see this all the time as a PGA coach. But here’s the good news: you can swing slower and actually hit the ball further and straighter than ever before. It all comes down to efficiency with your driver.
The Real Mistake in Driver Setup
The most common error I see is golfers setting up to the driver too much like they do with their irons. Sure, you know the ball should be forward in your stance, but the rest of your setup might be letting you down. If your spine is straight up and your weight is balanced evenly, with your shoulders level, you’re almost guaranteed to hit down on the ball. This not only kills your launch and distance but can also send the ball left or right because your swing path is compromised.
The Key Changes for More Distance and Accuracy
To get the most out of your driver, you need to make a few subtle but crucial changes at address:
- Move the ball forward: Ideally, opposite your left armpit for right-handed golfers.
- Increase your shoulder tilt: With the right hand below the left, let your hips move slightly towards the target. This creates natural spine tilt without you leaning back onto your right foot.
- Check your shoulder alignment: With this tilt, your shoulders and forearms should point a little more to the right, setting up an inside path.
- Pull the club head back slightly: This helps with your swing path and angle of attack.
These changes encourage you to hit up on the ball and swing more from the inside, both of which are proven to deliver longer, straighter drives with lower spin. You’ll notice more carry and more roll, even with less club head speed.
How to Deliver the Club Efficiently
It’s not just about setup. A lot of golfers, when trying to hit up on the ball, stay stuck on their back foot. Yes, this gets the low point behind the ball, but it also ruins your strike and consistency. Instead, feel your lower body driving towards the target in the downswing, while letting your upper body stay behind the ball. This technique lets you maintain a positive angle of attack without sacrificing strike quality.
What About Strike Location?
If you do miss the middle of the club, a high toe miss is actually a better option than a low heel miss. High toe strikes tend to keep the spin down and can still produce decent distance. Always aim for centre contact, of course, but don’t be discouraged if you see a slight toe bias as you work on these changes.
Practise with Less Speed First
When you’re working on a new move, take a little speed out of your swing. This lets you build awareness and consistency with your new setup and delivery. Once you’re striking it well and seeing the ball fly further, gradually add your speed back in. You’ll be amazed at how much distance and accuracy you gain when you combine efficiency with power.
Make Your Drives the Best Ever
If you want to start hitting your longest and most accurate drives, focus on:
- Adjusting your setup for spine tilt and correct shoulder alignment
- Moving your hips towards the target at address
- Letting the lower body drive through while the upper body stays behind at impact
- Practising at a slightly slower speed until you’re comfortable, then adding speed
These changes aren’t difficult, but they do require a bit of focus and practice. If you need extra help working through these adjustments, I offer online lessons here so we can work together to unlock your best driving yet.
Watch the Full YouTube Video
Ready to see these tips in action? Watch the full video here and start transforming your drives today.
