I always like to write a few lines before I start the lesson to let you know some of my views based on my experience with the sport.
In this issue I would encourage – yes, encourage – all golfers to compete in tournaments during the year. It is true that many of you believe you only play in them for fun, but don't forget that competition has the power to change your energy. I can only stress that, if you sign up for a tournament, you will experience golf in a different way, with your mind and emotions focused on that day.
I encourage all my students to play in competitions, and when we meet next time we talk about the difference between a day of practice and a day of competition, both the technical and the emotional aspects.
I recommend that, if you are yet not a tournament player, you should do it from time to time, as it will always provide a positive experience.
It goes without saying that Andalucía Golf/España Golf has a wonderful circuit that is played on many courses throughout Spain and they will be happy to help you with the registration to access the competitions.
Today's Lesson
Drive for show and putt for dough… This is an oft-repeated saying in the world of golf, but you don't have to downplay the importance of tee shots, as they are just as important as any other strokes.
In this lesson we are going to try to improve your driving and give you more distance, more directional control and more consistency.
To achieve this I will outline four key factors that are important to keep in mind when using this club.
1. Release Tension Early in your Stance
Many players when teeing off with the driver create tension including:
- Clubhead positioned and pressed into the ground
- Hands squeezing the grip
- Left arm fully tensed
All of this means that the club is not properly controlled at the start of the backswing. In the majority of cases the first part of the upswing is completed in a very fast and uncontrolled way.
Correction:
A few seconds before the start of the swing, raise the club a few centimetres off the ground. Start the upswing with the club in the air – this will release all tension and you will start the swing in a more controlled manner.
.
2. Positioning of the Body and Ball in the Stance
It is true that you will see many professionals with the ball very far forward in the stance, almost in front of their left foot.
They are professionals and they know that, if they do this, they will have to compensate with the position of their shoulders.
Bear in mind that, if the shoulders are not aligned, it will be difficult to move the club along the correct line and angle, and therefore the swing will cross over and this will cause you to slice if you block your hands or pull the shot directly to the left (for right-handed players) if you move them too much.
Correction:
- Place the ball between the centre and left of your feet (right-handed players), and make sure that your feet are generously spaced.
- Once placed on the ball, drag your club to the height of your right foot and you will notice that your shoulders turn while doing this exercise.
- Without changing the position of your shoulders, return the club to the ball. This will be the perfect position to start your shot.
3. More distance
It is important to bear in mind that the speed of the swing is not important if you don’t move the club in the right direction, which is why the previous point is key. Position your body correctly so that the club does not cross your swing and you can then create more club and ball speed.
Swing Extension
If you don’t turn your body well, you will not create an extension and the upswing will be vertical. This will make it impossible to hit good shots, as the club will finish with too closed an angle.
Correction:
With this club you have to create the same extension on both the upswing and the finish of the swing. So, in order to avoid displacement, try to position your right leg straight on the upswing (not bent) to more effectively sense how your body turns.
.
4. Correct Ball Height (Angle of Attack)
I have seen players go to a golf shop and buy clubs with higher degrees in order to achieve more height with the ball and more distance.
I have to say that this only works if the angle of attack that you generate is correct. Otherwise, it won't have much effect.
Let's say that, even though many tour players can create negative angles of attack with the driver, in general amateur players have to look for positive angles.
The club hits the ball on the way up, not on the way down. Thus, a 10-degree driver will result in a shot with a ball exit of about 12 degrees.
Correction:
- Place the tee high
- Set your body axis back from the ball.
- Lower your right shoulder slightly
With this placement in mind, you will have to work on all three of the above points, and your tee shots will be much better.
As always, and in the hope that this lesson has been of great help, I remain at your disposal for further advice and information.
DAVID GIL – DG GOLF ACADEMY
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
