How to Catch Drives Flush
By Steve Silverman
Most times it is advisable for a golfer to take a calm and deliberate swing with the driver. However, there are some moments in a match or a tournament where a golfer has to get the maximum distance possible on the shot. This is done by hitting the ball right in the middle of the sweet spot and doing it with velocity. This is called "catching a drive flush."
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Take your stance as you normally would with your knees bent slightly. Instead of playing the ball directly in the middle of your stance, you should play it one ball length closer to your front foot. Also, turn your left foot a few degrees to the left so it is pointed toward your target. This will allow you uncoil your swing a bit more after contact.
Rotate your hips fully to the right as you bring the club back. As your hands have reached their finish point in your backswing, bring your hips through the hitting zone with as much power as you can.
Bring your hands through the hitting zone as quickly as you can once your hips have cleared. Your hips and your front side will provide the power you need to drive the ball.
Keep your head down as long as possible so you can ensure proper contact with the back of the ball. Missing the back and middle portion of the ball will result in a mis-hit, and the velocity with which you are swinging will cause the ball to fly well off the fairway and into the rough or hazard.
Go to the driving range and practice hitting a drive where you catch the ball flush and hit for maximum power. This is a difficult shot, because when you are trying to add velocity you are increasing your chances of making a mistake.
Tips & Warnings
Take your time on your backswing. You don't have to add velocity until you start your downswing.
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.
