Play ‘Power Ball’ off the tee

By Chris Carter

The search for greater distance off the tee will be a life-long quest for most golfers. Why? Because you always remember those bombs you pump by your competitors.

A long drive may count the same as a six-inch putt, but it’s a heck of a lot more satisfying. Here are five tips that will help you get more distance off the tee.

Before trying to apply these guidelines you should visit your local PGA professional. He or she can help you with all facets of your game, including distance and properly fitting your equipment.

Also, be patient. This is not something that is going to happen over night. Take these pointers out on the driving range with you before attempting to use them on the course.

Find a key that works for you and then practice, practice and practice some more. Before you know it, you will be picking up that extra yardage off the tee that will allow you to attack holes rather than playing for par or bogey.

1. Use the right equipment

This is common sense but it is often overlooked. If you are trying to gain distance you need to fit yourself with the right loft, length and shaft flex. Without the right tools you will really struggle.

The loft of the driver should provide the proper launch angle with enough spin to keep the ball airborne, but not too much spin that will result with a slice, hook or balloon. Drivers of extended length can help with distance, but the trade-off is straightness. Find a club that allows you to hit the furthest without sacrificing accuracy. The shaft flex needs to fit your swing speed. Most golfers play with shafts that are too stiff for them. The extra kick can be truly beneficial.

You don’t need to spend big bucks, but your driver should be the right fit for you and your swing.

2. Check your grip

A tremendous amount of power is generated from the left side (right side for lefties) of your grip. Looking down on your grip, you should see at least three knuckles on your left hand. Think of the grip as a throttle on a motorcycle. To create some leverage you need to turn that thumb underneath. Once this becomes comfortable you will notice your left forearm twisting to produce power through the hitting zone. A grip that is too strong is much better than a grip that is too weak.

3. Widen your stance

Golf is an athletic game and to hit the ball long you will need an athletic stance. Take your normal stance (which should be shoudlers width) at address and then move your right foot another inch of two away from your target. It will feel awkward at first, but the extra width will allow you to make a big turn while you remain balanced.

4. Shift your weight

With a wide stance you should feel powerful. So much so that if one of your playing partners tried to tackle you they would bounce right off. You should be in that type of position. Your balance will allow you to shift your weight properly from your right to your left (or the opposite if you are left-handed). On your backswing, shift all of your weight to your right foot. Imagine a cocked gun, with the hammer fully loaded and ready to strike. From your right side, fire your weight through your left foot. This athletic move will give you great power and make your swing stronger.

5. Extend your arms

The wider your swing arc, the greater your swing speed. Speed equals distance. This takes some practice, but once you can get your club traveling on a wider arc you will be able to move the ball out there.

Begin your backswing and then stop your hands as soon as they get waist high. Then extend them a few more inches. You will feel a little pull on your left shoulder – this is a good thing. You want to get yourself extended on the backswing like a rubberband. The same goes for your follow through.

On a practice swing, stop your hands waist high after a simulated impact. You should feel a little tug on your right shoulder and your club should be pointing down the target line.

Picture a field goal kicker. They keep that foot moving down the line as long as possible and get full extension. By the time your club gets out there it will really be moving and your full power will be delivered to the golf ball.