How to Hit a Driver Off the Tee

Take at least one practice swing before hitting your driver off the tee. There is no need to swing hard when using your driver. The driver will supply the impact if swung correctly. An even backswing, followed by a smooth downswing and follow-through will result in a solid shot that you should be able to repeat. Your practice swing should set the tone for the pace of your swing. Resist the urge to swing as hard as you can to get the maximum distance. This will lead to errant shots that are sprayed all over the course and rarely remain in the fairway.

Take your stance and make sure your ball is slightly inside your left foot at address. The drive has a flat head, and it should be perpendicular to the ground as you prepare to swing. By moving back a few inches and putting the ball inside your left foot, your club will make impact with the ball as you are beginning your upswing. This will help the ball get airborne and also provide a degree of overspin that will allow the ball to bounce and roll once it lands in the fairway.

Keep your head down as you begin your swing and keep your eye on the ball. Most golfers eagerly anticipate following their drive as it flies down the fairway. As a result, they will often lift their heads before the swing is completed. By doing this, your eye comes off the ball and the result is usually a shot that is "topped." When you hit the top half of the ball, the shot will usually bounce or dribble down the first fairway and have significantly less distance than a drive that is struck successfully.

Grip your club about 3 or 4 inches down the shaft. Most drivers are oversized. Gripping it from the end will allow you maximum distance, but it will also be difficult to control. By gripping 4 inches down the club, you will increase accuracy without sacrificing much distance.

Turn your hips to the target as you make contact with the ball. You want your club to do the work and by turning the hips and allowing them to open up, you can get a full follow-through and the maximum distance. By keeping your head down, opening up your hips on impact and keeping your head down, you will hit a long, straight drive with some degree of consistency.