Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Getting driver distance

  1. #1
    Banned is a major contributor here at GTO, and is a valued member... takinitdeep's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    367

    Smile Getting driver distance

    I notice alot of folks set up tense and then wonder why they don't get distance with driver. It doesn't work for irons either but its absolutely critical with driver that one sets up loose as a noodle in arms, hands, wrists.
    We have stated before how the tension naturally gets increased during the swing so if one sets up already tense, wow, pre impact is like iron.
    Taking a good posture and allowing the hands/arms to hang down from the shoulders, there should be just a little reach to the ball from there. I personally like to measure the distance by a hands width with the tip of the thumb from butt end of the driver to the left thigh or zipper which ever you prefer.
    On practice swings with a driver but without a ball, just take a swing with no effort and notice how loose arms and hands promote great wrist hinge and tremendous snapping motion through impact. Its like cracking a whip.
    From the top of the swing, there should be no dominant move with the arms, just hang on to the club and let it swing while you move your lower body first towards the target.
    I like to think of a blur or blending of backswing and downswing; while the backswing is finishing, the lower body has begun moving towards the target. You can't do this with tension, you have to be loose as a goose.
    Just thought I would comment on this in case anyone missed previous posts.

  2. #2
    Banned has posted a few times...
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    12

    Re: Getting driver distance

    Do you find keeping your right elbow low in the back swing helps with wrist release in the down swing?

    I think you said you where a 1 Planer.
    Last edited by Rich01; 11-22-2007 at 05:02 AM.

  3. #3
    Banned is a major contributor here at GTO, and is a valued member... takinitdeep's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    367

    Re: Getting driver distance

    Thanks curtis, yes at the top, the right elbow is pointing down but away from the right hip, the left elbow is also pointing down but is almost straight but again as far away from the head as possible-this gives width.
    At set up, since the shoulders can ONLY pivot around a straight spine, make sure good posture at address is maintained throughout the swing; everything relaxed and the butt end of the driver stays between the hands/arms and never gets inside or outside of that zone.
    See you on the other side, curtis.
    Quote Originally Posted by Rich01 View Post
    Do you find keeping your right elbow low in the back swing helps with wrist release in the down swing?

    I think you said you where a 1 Planer.

  4. #4
    GTO Moderator is a major contributor here at GTO, and is a valued member... BrianW's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    England UK
    Posts
    4,792
    Blog Entries
    2

    Re: Getting driver distance

    The other side
    Best Regards
    Brian

    ________________________________
    Funny o'l game!

  5. #5
    Member is a major contributor here at GTO, and is a valued member...
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    234

    Re: Getting driver distance

    talking about tencing up.. you really only need to hold onto the club tight enough that it doesn't come flying out of your hands when you swing.

  6. #6
    bjd
    bjd is offline
    Member has made one post...
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    1

    Re: Getting driver distance

    Don't take the club back inside to quickly. The take back most be slow and low for about 2 feet. I concentrate on only taking a 3/4 swing for control and solid contact. Now when you come down do not slide your body or swing it after you hit the ball. Stop your bodies forward motion when the club arrives at the ball and keep your head down and eye on the ball. Always follow thru and have the shaft smack you in the back. Stay loose the whole time. I can consistently hit it about 250-290 yds. Not bad for a 54 year who broke his back 2 years ago I must say.

  7. #7
    Member has posted many times at gto... AvidGolfer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    89

    Re: Getting driver distance

    Quote Originally Posted by bjd View Post
    Stop your bodies forward motion when the club arrives at the ball and keep your head down and eye on the ball. Always follow thru and have the shaft smack you in the back. Stay loose the whole time. I can consistently hit it about 250-290 yds. Not bad for a 54 year who broke his back 2 years ago I must say.
    I must disagree with the recommendations to keep your head down and have the shaft smack you in the back!

    I have never seen a golfer hit a good shot when he/she is focusing on keeping his/her head down. Like Ernie Els says it is a better thought to think keep your chin up.

    http://www.ernieels.com/default.aspx?i_CategoryID=144

    For many years I modeled my swing after Greg Norman, and arriving at the same finish position as him (with the club finishing across my back) I ended up with two drivers and two iron shafts that broke (the second driver scratching my back...I'm lucky it didn't impale me ). I recommend that people who can't afford to replace broken shafts, and don't want to hurt their back and shoulder try to finish more around the neck and parallel to the shoulders like you see from players like Ernie Els, Fred Couples, and Annika Sorenstam.

    (larger image linked below):
    http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2...shpositei2.jpg
    Last edited by AvidGolfer; 02-26-2008 at 10:58 PM. Reason: fixed grammer/spelling error ;)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •