How to Add 20 yds to a Drive???

[TinCup]

Ok I won't get into the specifics of my swing but I would like to hear some general tips for all golfers. I read the thread about how high to tee up the ball but it didn't sound like a definitive answer. I currently carry the ball about 220-240 on the drive. I wouldn't expect to jump up to high off a few tips but I feel some things to try the next time I go out might add a few yards on the drive.

[jeffgladchun]

Swing harder, from the inside.

[iacas]

Swing harder, from the inside.

Yeah, try the opposite: swing smoother. When I want to hit a good one, I make a slower takeaway with a slightly wider stance.

[TinCup]

Should your stance be even with your shoulders on a drive or a little wider?

[Rafcin]

Should your stance be even with your shoulders on a drive or a little wider?

a bit wider ain't a crime. you can also open up both feet a bit - it allows easier to get a full turn and nice follow through.

[ttee9]

... Adding 20 yards "sometimes" can be accomplished with just some easy basics ...

Most players could probably use a new grip on their club .... just because it came with the club doesn't mean it works for you .. with all of the new technology out there you might find you need a bigger one, maybe you will prefer something smaller, perhaps you would like something with a more "softie" attitude - who knows.?

The best way, is to actually spend some time and do a "feely touchy" thing at the local golf store on 5/10/15 clubs .. once you find the one you like, get it .. if it doesn't feel right after 2/3 plays, then find the one you do like -- whatever it takes ....

I've always wondered why players have settled for the "measurement" when it's all in the "feel" ... isn't that what it's all about.? ... a new grip can make a 6, 8, 10+ yard difference ... and depending on the player and the situation, sometimes much more than that.

Sometimes the shaft will make it or break it ... it seem's most players that use an Xtra stiff would play nicely with a stiff (or less) and those that use a stiff will actually have better distance and control with a regular (or less) ... and "Heaven forbid" we use the term "senior" or "A" on a 35 year old with a 80/85/90 mph swing speed .l.o.l... but that's an ego thing, not a reality that most like to face ..... the correct shaft can add another 10/15+ yards and cut out some of the slice and hooks (not all) - again, depending on the situation.

A simple thing like a golf ball can change the landscape for most average players ..... most that use the high compression balls today are buying the name, but miss the distance ... many times, a lower compression ball will gather another 5/7/9+ yards instead of pulling your shoulder out of joint trying to get up the speed to move the high compression ball.

Another good point that "Golferswired" had mentioned - "core" strength ....

I remember Butch Harmon talking about this a few years back .. basically, it was about his relationship with Tiger and how much Tiger had "helped him" ..... and that was through basic exercises like Yoga and Pilates .... he said "I'm 62 years old, and I'm driving farther and with more control and accuracy then when I was 40, it works.." (I guess it's part of school now.) ..... since then, I take 3 classes a week, he's right - it works .. and has increased my control and distance by 20/25% ... let's put it this way, I play in my own fairway now ..l.o.l....



I hope this helps.!




whats in the bag.??

Driver: Tour Edge Jmax 460 Carbon with the Fuji Vista Pro 50 shaft.
Woods: only one left after switching to hybrids - Adams ST #7 22*.
Hybrids: Tour Edge 21*, 24*, 30*, 41* and the 50* Attack Wedge with the Fuji graphite R shafts.
Wedges: Warrior 56*, 60*, 64* with the Harrison Shafts.
Putter: Ping Anser 2F.
Balls: Dunlop Super Loco, Maxfli Noodles - or any "good" ball when it goes on sale ...



Home course: Grey Hawk.
travel course: Tobacco Road (Pinehurst).

[TinCup]

Yeah lots of great information. Thanks everyone for the contribution.

I understand that finding the right equipment is a huge help. Once I graduate from college and start brining in the money I can go buy some drivers that fit me better and will perform better.

I'll look into some pilates/yoga classes. As a Tennis player I definitely understand how a strong core can help my swing performance.

How do you know if its a low or high compression golf ball? Just by what it says on the outside like "distance" or "feel"?