Using the Driver in Golf
By Steve Silverman
Picking up the driver and attempting to swing it can be quite intimidating for high- and medium-handicap golfers. Yes, the driver is capable of hitting the ball a long distance, but it can also cause its share of embarrassments on the golf course. With such a large clubhead, it can be a difficult club to control. Yet, there's no need to throw away your driver.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Give yourself adequate room when hitting the ball with your driver. One of the biggest mistakes made by those who are uncomfortable with the driver is that they stand to close to the ball. Stay at least 18 inches away and as much as 24 inches from the ball to give yourself room to take a good swing.
Play the ball a bit forward in your stance. Most drivers only have 3 to 6 degrees of loft. To get the ball in the air, play the ball about 1 1/2 ball lengths closer to your front foot than your back. This will enable you to catch the ball on the upswing and sweep it into the air.
Take an athletic position when you hit all your golf clubs, but especially the driver. One of the things you have to do to hit the ball for distance and keep the shot accurate is shift your weight from back to front. This is much easier to do when your knees are flexed slightly and you feel a bit of bounce and movement as you prepare to swing.
Start your swing by rotating your hips toward the back of the tee box. As your hips turn, bring your hands back until they are at about head height. Once you have gone as far as you can with your hips, rotate them in the opposite direction as you bring your hands to the ball.
Snap your right wrist with authority as you come through the ball. Most people let their left side do all the work and bring their right hand along for the ride. By snapping your right wrist forcefully at impact, you will get maximum distance and keep the ball on track.
Tips & Warnings
Follow through completely once you hit the ball. Your hands should be at shoulder height at the finish.
About The Author
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.
