Getting a longer drive can be a very frustrating process. Generally what happens is this: a golfer’s game is going well, he has some friends who really crank out some long shots and is convinced that a longer drive will improve their game overall. Consequently, this golfer feels the pressure and when they walk up to make a long drive, they tense up thinking of ways to improve the shot. This scenario is common amongst golfers hoping for a longer drive. This article will delineate three things to keep in mind to improve your drive and will therefore reduce the overall pressure.  When a golfer tightens up or concentrates too hard, their game can fall apart; this guide will help you get a longer drive and keep your cool so you can enjoy the game.

1. The Swing:  A golfer’s swing is one of their most important tools. First thing to consider is: Make sure you are hitting the ball squarely. Although most think that hitting the ball faster will make the ball go further, hitting the ball perfectly square is more significant, especially at first. Hitting the ball too much on the inside results in a hook while alternatively, too far outside results in a slice. Mishitting the ball in this manner only reduces a drive’s overall distance because the ball veers significantly off course.  Ideally, a long drive’s downswing will have a club lightly on the inside of the backswing.   However, once mastering hitting the ball squarely, increasing speed will improve distance, but not before that.

Now that you have hit the ball, are you fully balanced during the finish? During practice swings done in slow motion, focus on really twisting your body and shifting your weight from your front foot to your back foot. Confirm that you have your hips and arms working together at the same time. Then during the finish, follow through with your arms the motion that is in the hips. Once you have taken a thorough inventory of your swing from start to finish, try holding the finish position for a handful of seconds. Can you hold the finish?  If you are unable to hold your finish position when the swing is done at half speed, it means that you are out of balance.

2. Grip: It may seem slightly counterintuitive, yet is a completely natural reaction to grip the club more tightly than you would normally during longer drive. Essentially what is happening is that the golfer is trying to grip their way into an increased drive length. The problem with tightening a grip is that it only creates an excess of tension in the body which will negatively impacting the swing. Technically speaking, the undue tension slows muscles and reduces swing speed. The result of these two things is that the swing is no longer on ideal target path. There are no real tricks to loosening a grip and making it stay loose throughout the drive, reminding yourself that you want to stay relaxed may be a golfer’s best bet. 

3. Stance: A slightly wider stance than what is generally used will make your overall swing more balanced. As previously mentioned, a balanced swing is critical to gaining distance.  Now that your weight is better distributed, make sure you are aiming at the target. As with many ball sports, the direction of a player’s toes and shoulders will dictate the direction of the ball and it is no different with golf. If you are right-handed, point your left toe at the target and the converse is true if you are left-handed.  Aside from improving your balance, toe direction will ensure that your shots follow along the ideal path of the ball.

Although it may feel as though none of these changes are particularly revolutionary, golf is a game of subtlety. Minor changes can have big rewards and this is especially true when it comes to getting a longer drive. Practice makes perfect, and going to the driving range is great, but remember that if you are not improving your swing or if you are unaware of the tiny nuances which are making your swing not as effective as it can be, such as your stance or grip, you are only reinforcing negative habits. Seek professional advice to improve your swing before spending hours engraining negative habits into your muscle memory.