The Ultimate Guide To Driving the Golf Ball Like A Pro

Most golfers would love to improve their ball striking and drive the ball further. Adding even just a few yards can have a big impact on your score, and it can also make the game more enjoyable. While there are many factors that affect how far you can hit the ball, improving your golf ball driving is a good place to start.

Plus, there's just something about the feeling of hitting the ball dead center and for miles that makes golfers happy. If you want to learn how to drive the golf ball like a pro, there are a few things you need to know.

In this blog post, we'll help you understand what your deficiencies may be, and how you can correct them.

Ready? Let's go!

Take The Time To Warm Up

Before you start your round, take the time to warm up. We know that it's tempting to just go out and start swinging, but you need to resist the urge. By taking the time to warm up, you'll be able to increase your flexibility and range of motion, which will help you swing the club more powerfully.

Unless you're looking to get injured, we recommend that you spend at least 10 minutes warming up before you start your round.

Start by stretching your arms, legs, and back. Then, take a few swings with a small club, such as a 7-iron.

Once you've warmed up your muscles, you'll be able to swing the club more powerfully and with more accuracy.

It Starts With Your Stance

Not many people realize the importance of your stance when hitting the golf ball. Your stance is actually the foundation for a good golf swing. If your stance is off, it can be very difficult to hit the ball consistently.

There are two main elements to a good stance: width and alignment.

The width refers to how wide your feet are positioned. You want your feet to be shoulder-width apart, or even slightly wider. This will give you a good foundation and help you maintain your balance.

Alignment is just as important as width. You want to make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are all in alignment with the golf ball. This will ensure that you are able to make solid contact with the ball.

If you're not sure if your stance is correct, ask a friend or a professional to take a look. It's worth taking the time to get it right early on since it will make such a big difference in your game.

In addition, the weight distribution of your feet is important for creating a good foundation. You want to have about 60% of your weight on your front foot and 40% on your back foot. This will help you keep your balance and maintain control of the golf club.

You may need to experiment with foot placement until you find what feels comfortable for you and which delivers the best results. 

Check Your Grip

Your grip is another important element of the golf swing. Many golfers tend to grip the club too tightly, which can lead to a number of problems.

First, gripping the club too tightly can affect your wrist hinge. This is the motion that allows you to generate power in your swing. If your grip is too tight, it can limit the amount of wrist hinge you're able to achieve. This will lead to a loss of power and accuracy.

In addition, gripping the club too tightly can cause your hands to tense up. This can lead to a number of problems, including a loss of control and inconsistency in your swing.

If you find that you're gripping the club too tightly, try to relax your hands and loosen your grip. This will help you generate more power and maintain control of the club.

Align Shoulders WIth Lower Body

One of the most common problems golfers have is aligning their shoulders with their lower body. This often happens because people tend to rotate their shoulders too much during the swing. As a result, the club can get "stuck" on the downswing, which leads to a loss of power and accuracy.

To fix this problem, it's important to focus on keeping your shoulders level with your lower body. This will ensure that you're able to make a smooth, powerful swing.

It may help to practice in front of a mirror so that you can check your alignment. To picture if you're in alignment, pretend that there's a string attached to your sternum and it's pulling you straight up. This will help you keep your shoulders level with your lower body.

Rotate Those Hips

Another common problem is failing to rotate your hips during the swing. This can lead to a number of problems particularly when it comes to force generation.

When your hips don't rotate, it's difficult to generate the power needed to hit the ball a long distance.

To ensure that you're able to rotate your hips properly, it's important to start by turning your shoulders. This will help you "wind up" for the swing and generate more power. From there, you can focus on rotating your hips as you swing.

This may take some practice to get used to, but it's important to focus on hip rotation if you want to hit the ball a long distance.

Fully Extend Arms During The Shot

One of the final elements of the golf swing is fully extending your arms during the shot. This is often called "reaching for the ball."

Reaching for the ball ensures that you're able to hit the ball with the sweet spot of the club. This will lead to more accuracy and power.

In addition, reaching for the ball will help you maintain control of the club. Many golfers tend to grip the club too tightly, which can lead to a loss of control.

By reaching for the ball, you'll be able to keep your grip relaxed and maintain control of the club throughout the swing.

Need...More...Speed

Let's face it, you won't be generating any drives worth talking about if you can't generate the speed necessary to send the ball soaring through the air. Speed is generated by a number of factors, but one of the most important is your clubhead speed.

There are a number of ways to increase clubhead speed, but one of the most effective is by exercise. Yes, bigger muscles typically generate more force, but there are specific exercises that can help you generate more speed in your golf swing.

We will mention what those are in our next point.

Perform Specialized Training

Your regular low-intensity jog won't help you gain the distance you want. To do that, you need to lift weights that are challenging enough to help you build muscle. In addition, you need to perform exercises that specifically target the muscles used in the golf swing.

One such exercise is the medicine ball throw. This exercise helps develop rotation and power in the hips, which is essential for generating clubhead speed.

Another exercise that can help is the overhead triceps extension. This exercise helps develop the muscles used to extend the arms, which is important for maintaining control of the club.

These are just two examples of exercises that can help you increase clubhead speed, but what matters is that you need to incorporate a variety of resistance exercises for the best results.

Make Sure To Tee The Ball Higher For Optimum Hitting

One of the easiest ways to add extra yards to your drives is by teeing the ball higher. This may seem like a small change, but it can have a big impact on how well you hit the ball.

By teeing the ball higher, you're able to make better contact with the ball. This leads to more power and accuracy.

In addition, teeing the ball higher helps you keep the clubface square at impact. This is important for maintaining control of the ball.

To tee the ball higher, simply place the tee in the ground so that the ball is elevated higher than normal.

Pause At The Top Of Your Swing

One of the most important aspects of the golf swing is the pause at the top. This is often called "the moment of truth. "The pause at the top helps you generate power and load weight, which contributes to speed and force output.

Many golfers tend to rush through this part of the swing, which leads to a loss of power and accuracy. To ensure that you're able to pause at the top, it's important to focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath in as you reach the top of your swing and hold it for a second. This will help you maintain control and generate more power. From there, you can exhale as you start your downswing. This will help you stay relaxed and focused as you swing.

Match Arm Speed Throughout Motion

Maintaining the same arm speed is important for generating power and accuracy. Many golfers tend to swing their arms faster on the downswing, which leads to a loss of power and accuracy. To ensure that you're able to maintain the same arm speed, it's important to focus on your breathing. As you exhale on the downswing, it will help you keep your arms relaxed and swinging at the same speed. In addition, it's important to focus on your body's turn. By turning your body, you'll be able to generate more power and keep your arms moving at the same speed.

Keep Your Head Down

This sound so cliché, but keeping your head down is one of the most important things you can do to improve your golf swing. By keeping your head down, you'll be able to maintain control and generate more power.

Many golfers tend to lift their heads up as they start their downswing, which leads to a loss of power and accuracy. You don't need to see the flight of the boy before it has been sent flying!

Not only this but just keeping your head down will also help you stay more focused and relaxed, taking the pressure off.

Hold Your Finish Position

Holding your finish position is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps you maintain control of the ball. Second, it allows you to check your form and ensure that everything is in alignment. Finally, holding your finish position helps you stay focused and relaxed. by taking a few deep breaths, you can reset your body and mind for your next shot.

Plus, it just looks damn cool!

Don't Rush Your Swing

One of the biggest mistakes that golfers make is rushing their swing. Rushing your swing compromises technique and will, of course, cause a botched shot.

Instead of rushing your swing, it's important to focus on your breathing and rhythm. Take a deep breath in as you start your backswing and exhale as you reach the top. From there, you can take another deep breath in as you start your downswing and exhale as you make contact with the ball.

This may seem like a lot to focus on, but by taking your time and focusing on your breathing, you'll be able to swing at your own pace and maintain control of the ball.

Choose The Correct Shaft For Your Driver

Can the shaft have an impact on your drive?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Your driver is only as good as the shaft that you're using. If you're using a shaft that's too light, flexible, or long, you're not going to be able to hit the ball as far or as accurately as you'd like.

On the other hand, if you're using a shaft that's too stiff, short, or heavy, you're going to have a hard time controlling the ball.

So, how do you know which shaft is right for you?

There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when choosing a shaft for your driver. First, you need to consider your swing speed. If you have a slow swing speed, you're going to need a shaft that's long and flexible.

If you have a fast swing speed, you're going to need a shaft that's short and stiff.

Second, you need to consider the type of terrain that you'll be playing on. If you're going to be playing on a course with a lot of trees and rough, you're going to need a shaft that's long and stiff.

If you're going to be playing on a course with wide-open fairways, you're going to need a shaft that's shorter and more flexible.

Finally, you need to consider your budget. Shafts can range in price from $50 to $500, so you need to find a shaft that's within your budget.

Of course, a professional fitter can offer more specific advice on which shaft is right for you, but these are the general guidelines that you should follow when choosing a shaft for your driver.

Focus On Creating A Wide Arc

One of the best ways to create more power and distance in your golf swing is to focus on creating a wide arc. The wider the arc, the more power you'll be able to generate.

Many golfers tend to swing too flat, which causes them to lose power and accuracy. By swinging too flat, you're not giving yourself enough time to wind up and generate speed.

Instead, you want to focus on swinging on an upward plane, which will help you create a wider arc. This may feel like you're swinging too hard, but trust me, it's not. The key is to focus on using your body, not just your arms, to generate power.

By focusing on creating a wide arc, you'll be able to hit the ball further and straighter.

Visualize Your Shot

While we advocate that you keep your head down, you still need to visualize where you want your ball to go before you start.

If you can't visualize your shot, you're not going to be able to hit it. It's as simple as that.

So, how do you visualize your shot?

First, you need to take a look at the hole and think about where you want your ball to land. Second, you need to pick a target. It can be a tree, a bush, or even the flag.

Once you've picked your target, take a few practice swings and visualize your ball flight.

By taking the time to visualize your shot, you'll be able to hit it more accurately and with more power.

Eat Good Food

Want to have a guaranteed bad time of the course? Have a crappy breakfast. Or even better, eat nothing at all (sarcastically of course!)

When it comes to peak performance, your body needs fuel. This can come in the form of a hearty breakfast, but also quality nutrition in the form of real food Whole In One Bars on the course.

We understand that you may not have the time to eat a lot on the course, but Whole In One Bars offer complete nutrition in a convenient bar.

Aim For That Sweet Spot

The sweet spot is an area on the clubface where you make contact with the ball. It's usually located in the center of the clubface.

However, what's interesting is the fact that when it comes to drivers, the sweet spot is not dead center. It is actually towards the toe, and above the lateral center line.

Not sure you're up to finding it? An easy way is to look at the clubs of an experienced player. There will usually be signs of wear on the clubface in the area of the sweet spot.

Now that you know where it is, focus on making contact with the ball in this area. Doing so will help you optimize each shot!

Try A Launch Monitor

A launch monitor is a tool that can help you optimize your golf swing. It's a device that measures the trajectory and speed of your golf ball.

Using a launch monitor is a great way to improve your game because it provides you with feedback that you can use to make adjustments to your swing.

Plus, it's a lot of fun!

If you're serious about improving your game, then you should definitely consider using a launch monitor.

Modify Loft Angle

The loft angle of your clubface is one of the most important factors in hitting the ball far. However, there is some confusion about if you should opt for a lower or higher lofted club. A general rule of thumb is that the lower the loft, the harder it will be to hit the ball in the air. If you have a hard time getting your shots up in the air, then you should consider using a club with more loft. Conversely, if you find that your shots tend to go high but don't travel as far as you would like, then you should opt for a club with less loft. Experiment with different clubs and loft angles to find what works best for you and your game.

If your clubhead speed is on the lower side, your best bet is a higher lofted club, while golfers with higher speed output stand to benefit from a driver with a lower loft.

Pick The Correct Ball

Most people that don't play golf never realize that there are differences between golf balls. Golf balls are designed with different specifications to suit the needs of different players. For example, some golf balls are designed to spin more while others are designed to travel further distances. As a general rule, newer and beginner golfers should opt for softer golf balls as they tend to be easier to control. More experienced players can benefit from harder golf balls as they tend to have more consistent results.

Balls with two layers usually work best for amateur players as they help to achieve more distance and are more forgiving if you don't hit the sweet spot. For those that want more spin, three-piece golf balls are a good option. Ultimately, it is up to the player to experiment with different types of golf balls to see which ones work best for their game.

Practice, Practice, Practice

There's no substitute for practice. If you want to get better at golf, you need to put in the time and effort.

You can practice your swing in your backyard or at the driving range. You can also take lessons from a professional golf instructor.

Practicing your swing will help you develop muscle memory, which is essential for playing your best golf.

So, if you're serious about becoming a better golfer, make sure to practice as much as you can!

FAQ:

How Often Should I Be Going to The Range?

If you're just starting out, once or twice a week should suffice. As you get more experienced, you can increase the frequency to 3-4 times per week.

How Long Should My Practice Sessions Be?

Again, this depends on your level of experience. For beginners, 30 minutes to an hour is plenty of time. For more experienced golfers, 2 hours is not uncommon.

How Many Balls Should I hit At The Driving Range?

This is entirely up to you. However, most people tend to hit between 50 and 100 balls per session.

How Do I Stop Hitting The Ground Before The Ball?

One of the most common swing flaws is hitting the ground before the ball, also known as "fatting" the shot. This usually happens when golfers try to hit the ball too hard. The best way to avoid this is to make a smooth, controlled swing and let the club do the work.

Teeing the ball higher might also help, but is looked down upon in more professional circles.

Remember, it's not about how hard you hit the ball, it's about making contact with the ball in the sweet spot of the club.

How Far Should a Beginner Golfer Drive The Ball?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on a number of factors, such as club head speed and the loft of the club. However, as a general rule, beginners should aim to hit the ball around 150 yards. With practice and experience, you will be able to increase this distance.

Final Words

If you're looking to improve your golf game, then you need to start by practicing regularly. There really is no substitute for real-world experience. If you think you've been at it enough and not seeing the improvements you need, time may be well-spent seeking out a professional golf instructor. With their help, you can develop a personalized practice routine that targets the specific areas of your game that need improvement.