Hitting the Driver 250+

[tshapiro]

Seems that most people are concerned with hitting the driver straight and go for years searching for fundamentals to accomplish this. The big problem I see with this is that moves to manipulate the swing path or face angle suck the power right out of the swing. So, I see a lot of people who have learned to hit the driver straight - but in the low 200's. I equate the driver swing to swinging a heavy axe into a tree. With that move, there is a lot of body action and no room for wrist or arm wrist manipulation. As I got better at golf, I got tired of being shorter than other good players. On my way to learning how to swing for the fences I learned - by using a swing speed meter - that any club manupulation at all would kill swing speed. Muscling the club with every ounce of power would also kill swing speed. I eventually got my swing speed to 100mph+ by using a long and smooth swing. To get the extra length in the backswing and to have a smooth flowing transition I needed to stay extra loose and not 'load up' at address. Of particular importance was to let the momentum of the backswing pull my loose upper body all the way taught. With this, I can use my hips to pull the club through the swing with totally relaxed arms. Today, I strive to have as long a back swing as possible without rushing the transition prior to my upper body becomining taught. With this method, it is quite easy to close the clubface with the timing of the hips. This allows you to hit straight and far. My bottom line tip here is to learn to hit straight - and far - at the same time. Learning to hit far will change how you learn to hit straight.

[poser]

If you swing a club like you are chopping wood then good luck ever breaking 80.

[tshapiro]

If you swing a club like you are chopping wood then good luck ever breaking 80.

Seems you've missed my point. What I am saying is that big drives are not made up of non-athletic movements. It's a powerful full body action based on a long and flowing motion.

[poser]

Gary woodland hits it harder than anyone on tour and his swing is short and compact. So is JB holmes.  Different ways to get it done just because bubba and john were long doesn't mean it works for everyone.

[tristanhilton85]

Long swings can have a lot of wasted moves... Wasted moves = less power.

[saevel25]

I would have to agree, there are many ways to hit the ball long, its not just one swing type. Though i think the majority would be those will very lengthy swings, like bubba who can get his hands really high..

[xmanhockey7]

I think there's a lot that goes into hitting the ball "far" whether people realize it or not.

[crawford1982]

there isn't a one size fits all recipe for anything in golf, it literally is different strokes for different folks.

[inthehole]

i was always a hit it short & straight kind of player.   I have since tried hard to change a few things to get more distance, which I did, but began spraying it all over - no consistency.    The game is just alot more fun from the fairways - I'm going back to the short & straight regimen ... I do have a reknown respect for the pros that can swing as hard as they do & keep it straight - thats just art in motion.

[phillyk]

Although, I'm 6'1" and have long arms, I'm also very flexible.  It's that which I give a lot of credit to to give me more power.  It's a combination of a strong and flexible core to build up torque at the top of your swing and release it as you hit the ball.  Hitting the ball far is fun, but definitely comes at the price of control and consistency.  Took me a couple years to finally get a more or less consistent swing with my driver that will carry me 280+yds.  The other key is point of impact on the driver face.  If you can hit the sweet spot every single time, distance will improve.

[gmc1950s]

tshapiro

I like your advice. I was a hitter for many years, and it really was no fun. The ball went nowhere. The long smooth swing is the way to

go, just like you mentioned. I don't own it yet, but the game is a lot more fun when you know you can reach most longish par fours with too

good swings. Gonna pick up a swing speed meter like you use.

phillyk

You sir are a storyteller of the first rate. No way you are a 5 living in that country, it rains everyday up there!!!! I'm kidding of course. That

course (can't remember the name) a few miles south of Bellingham of the frontage road was my favoriate place to play. Cheap , pretty

and as a single they usually joined you up with someone inside a half an hour. Back to the long drive business. On 15 ? a par 5, 250

straight out and then 250 almost  dead left into the green. You can't cut the corner tree are too big, draw is the shot on that hole. Anyway

i'm playing with a Gentleman and his 12 yo son (5' nothing 100 and nothing) On 15 I hit the shot of my life 20 yards off the dogleg and right

around the corner 210 left. The kids gets up there with tshapiro's long smooth swing and hits what looks like a duck hook. When we get to

our balls he's maybe 5yds behind me!! It was very impressive.

It's taken me a long time to understand, but long slow easy is the way to go. I'm almost 67 and still learning, aint this a great game??

[phillyk]

It certainly is difficult to remain a 5, but I'm used to playing in this environment, just as you may be used to a different environment.  My coping mechanism is being able to carry the ball a good 280+yds.  I mean just the other day I played at my home course, it is a downhill tee shot, no wind, and I carried my drive 340yds (it was plugged, b/c as u say it is wet).   I still credit this to being able to hit the sweet spot, while releasing the built up torque from a solid core and good flexibility.  My height is just a minor plus, as I know many shorter people that can hit the ball fairly far.

[Brian Robinson]

I agree 100% with you, people often ask how i hit 300 plus yard drives. It is all about flow, here is my swing you will see that this supports your statement. I hit this one well over 300 yards

[carpediem4300]

Long drives are overated Ive rrecently chopped my driver down, lost 20 odd yards in length but gained accuracy,..... Shot a career low of 81 today,.go figure lol

[inthecup]

Originally Posted by carpediem4300

Long drives are overated

Ive rrecently chopped my driver down, lost 20 odd yards in length but gained accuracy,.....

Shot a career low of 81 today,.go figure lol

How far does the chopped down driver go?  The threads title is 250 plus.  I think 250-260 if longish but not silly long.  I average 240 but 20 yards would help my game.

[carpediem4300]

anywhere between 230-240 carry,....9.5* loft so up to 25-35 yards roll on top of that,...but thats swinging hard,....an easy within myself swing probably knock 20 yards off the above figures,...

[inthecup]

Those are still doable distance.  Not courses roll that much though.

[rustyredcab]

Speed in my swing comes for proper hand movement. I'm not crazy long but long enough.