Try My Sure Fire Methods For Hitting A Controlled Driver

I am amazed by how many golfers only care about how much distance they can get from their driver. Distance is important, and necessary, but my main goal with the driver has always been control. I love to hit my drives 300 yards but it does me no good if I’m in the trees with an unplayable second shot. I think most golfers would agree, it’s better to give up 20-30 yards to be in the fairway with every tee shot. Hitting a controlled driver will lower your scores, guaranteed. These sure fire methods will keep your ball on the short grass.

First. When faced with a narrow fairway or a limited landing area it’s imperative that you hit a controlled drive. In the set-up or address position, narrow your stance to slightly more than shoulder width. Align the ball about 2-3 inches inside your heel (left heel for right-handed golfers). Tee the ball a bit lower than you normally would. Choke down on the club about an inch. All of these set-up positions provide you with the most control of the driver throughout the swing.

Second. With most of the “hard” work out of the way in the set-up, you can now confidently swing the club knowing you’re in the right positions. The best way to hit a controlled driver is by making minimal weight transfers on the back swing and by keeping your head centered over the ball. The focus should be on a good shoulder turn, not body sway. Your head will move slightly behind the ball, which is okay, but you don’t want to move your head in front of the ball at any point through the swing. A controlled, steady, back swing is crucial. You don’t want to whip the club head back, focus on moving both arms back in a triangle.

Finally. The down swing is where the power comes from and to maintain control with your driver on the down swing you must keep your body moving forward. The hips should begin to move forward in coordination with the weight transfer to your left side (for right-handed golfers). If you keep your body weight “hanging back” you will lose your shots, usually to the right. Again, keep your head over the ball, or slightly behind, through impact. Release both arms through the shot, another triangle should form with both arms after impact. Be aggressive but don’t try to “kill” it. My favorite swing thought: “Smooth is fast, fast is smooth.”

Take these sure fire methods for hitting a controlled driver to the range and practice. Practice will improve your ability to keep your tee shots in the fairway on a more regular basis. The key to lowering your scores is by being consistent, especially with the driver. For me, consistency comes with a repeatable, controlled, golf swing. Good luck and remember; it’s only a game!