Want to become the longest hitter in your foursome and a better player too? Then stop ignoring your pre-swing fundamentals. Yes, I’m talking to you. Not only are pre-swing golf techniques important in every part of your golf game, they are critical in the drive because they are magnified with the longer clubs. Here are 3 ways to hit the golf ball farther.
Grip
In the long game, we all know that power and distance are required so that the ball can approach the putting green in as few strokes as possible. But did you know that it truly starts with the proper grip? Rather you are an advanced golf player or a beginner, grip is the first way to hit the golf ball farther.
Start by placing your hands on the club in front of you at an upward 45 degree angle with your right hand (left for left-handed players) on the shaft slightly below the grip. Place the left hand on the grip with the heel pad at the base of the little finger on top of the shaft. My preference with the left-hand grip is to see the knuckles of the forefinger and middle finger. For most people this would be a neutral grip. My left thumb is on top of the shaft but to the right of center.
From there, I slide my right hand down so that the left thumb fits into the lifeline pocket of the right hand. There is slight separation between the right forefinger and the middle finger with the grip resting in the middle knuckle of the forefinger. The right thumb rests on top of the shaft but slightly to the left of center.
The “Vs” formed by the thumbs and forefingers of each hand should be parallel to each other and pointing somewhere between the chin and the right shoulder. Obviously everyone is built differently. The player should experiment with this “V” alignment to determine which position enables him or her to return the club face to impact with the with the face perpendicular to the target line.
Last but not least is the issue of grip pressure. To determine the proper pressure, hold the club in front of you with the shaft parallel to the ground. That’s too much pressure. Then, hold the club in front of you with the shaft pointed straight up. That’s too little pressure. When the club is held at a 45 degree angle, the pressure should be proper.
Posture
It's not a secret that proper golf posture is important for a consistent golf game. But did you know that it might be one of the best ways to hit the ball further?
I remember someone asking Tiger what he thought the most important fundamental was. His response? “Posture.”
Proper posture allows your arms to swing freely and also enables your body to rotate at maximum speed. The general rule of thumb is that you should bend from the hips approximately 25-30 degrees. When you do this properly, the shoulders and knees are aligned directly over the insteps of your feet. The lower back is flat in what is referred to as neutral posture. This puts you in a solid position in good balance with your arms hanging softly and ready to swing the club back and through on the proper plane.
Always remember that you must remain in this posture until well after impact. If you are moving up or down during the swing you will have to make compensation moves which will always result in inconsistency.
Alignment and Ball Position
Alignment and ball position are both important factors for any golfer wanting to hit longer, more accurate shots. As part of the pre-shot routine, the player must pick out a very specific target while standing behind the ball and facing the target. Most good players pick out a piece of grass or clump of dirt roughly 12 inches in front of the ball and directly on the target line. This provides a far more effective reference point with which to aim the clubface.
When the golfer moves into the address position, all of the body lines (toes, knees, hips, elbows and shoulders) should be on a line that is parallel to the target line. Keep in mind that most right handed, right eye dominant people have a tendency to allow their aiming point to drift to the right. It’s something that needs to be checked constantly.
Most good players position the sand wedge through six-iron at the midpoint between the feet. From the five-iron and up the position gradually moves forward towards the left instep (for right-handers). Incorrect ball position can effect shoulder alignment and can cause off-line shots even with a sound swing.
The pre-swing fundamentals; grip, posture, alignment and ball position are not only important techniques for your entire golf game game, they are crucial for your long game. Stop getting frustrated and start becoming the longest hitter in your foursome by practicing these 3 techniques to hit the golf ball farther.
About Dave Anderson, Certified PGA® Professional
Dave Anderson, PGA Golf Professional, began his career at the Golf Digest Golf schools where he assisted the top golf instructors in the world. Dave has been teaching golf for 30 years and has given over 50,000 golf lessons. Dave combined his two passions Golf instruction and technology to create the Dave Anderson Golf Method. A unique training method that combines his golf skills with state of the art technology, proven to shorten the learning curve by 80%.
Want to improve your golf game? Contact Dave Anderson Golf
