My Florida Golf Tips: Driving
There are three critical aspects of the drive that every golfer should know and, if executed properly, will make a tangible difference in the percentage of greens in regulation.
1. TEMPO
One mistake beginners make when driving the ball is associating quickness with distance. Rushing through the golf swing will always result in erratic shots caused by striking the ball off center. Simply standing over the ball and concentrating is not enough. Address the ball as you normally would, but concentrate on having a slow, steady backswing, a one or two second pause at the top of your backswing and then a normal swing through. This will result in a more consistent routine and proper tempo throughout your swing.
2. MIND
Most professional athletes use some sort of visualization. This is why it is important to control one’s temper and try to resist the urge to focus on the bad shots of the day. Instead, as you are addressing the ball, picture the proper swing in your mind, and your ball landing safely on the fairway. The brief pause discussed in Tempo plays a part in Mind also. Study the form and posture of a professional who has a similar swing to yours and visualize that posture as you pause briefly at the top of your swing. This will help to ensure that you do not get out of shape before you strike the ball and that your transition will be smooth and consistent. Also, this exercise can be strengthened before you even get out to the course. Have a friend take pictures of your swing so you can identify and remedy problems before your game. These small changes can have a dramatic positive impact on your score.
3. BODY
Proper weight transfer will not only ensure that your ball lands on the fairway, but will also ensure that you get maximum distance from your drives. On the backswing, your weight should be on your back leg. Imagine your body rotating around your spine—that is to say that your hips and head remain steady. As you bring your club back, concentrate on the increasing pressure and weight on your back leg. Ensure that the pressure is not released as you begin your downswing. The reasoning behind this is that you want your hands to lead your body into contact, not the other way around. Finally, a fit golfer is a better golfer. Golfers will often find that their front nine is better than their back nine. Now, this can happen for a variety of reasons, but fatigue cannot be overlooked. A good stretching routine and regular physical exercise outside of your golf game will improve your scores.
