Tag: Ball Position

Longer Driver Distance – Five Tips on How to Hit a Draw For Duffers

Longer Driver Distance – Five Tips on How to Hit a Draw For Duffers

The draw shot is popular shot shape for those golfers who want more distance. All other things being equal a tee shot hit with a draw will travel about twenty yards farther than a fade. Distance is king in golf and that extra twenty yards might be the difference between a 5-iron approach and a 7-iron approach.

A draw is different from a hook. The hook moves hard to the left in a totally uncontrollable fashion. The two may be related but like your rude Uncle Harry, the hook is not a member of the family we’re proud of. The draw moves about ten yards right to left while the hook can move more than the width of the fairway.

Strategically the draw shot allows the right hander to eliminate the right side of each hole as the draw moves from right to left. So all the trouble the architect built into the course to challenge those with a slice is not in play for those with a draw.

At my home course here in Charlotte, NC nine of the fourteen driving holes (excludes par 3s) a draw is the best shot shape. I have learned over the past year or so how to hit a draw with the driver and that has meant a lot to my improved scoring.

Let’s discuss five important elements to hitting the draw shot so you can improve your scoring too.

How to hit a draw

• Adjust your alignment – Align your stance along the line where you want the ball to begin. This will be closed compared to where you want the ball to finish. All of your body should be aligned together on this same line: feet, knees, hips and shoulders.

• Aim the clubface – Aim the clubface to where you want the shot to finish. The clubface will be closed to the initial line of flight.

• Swing path – Swing along your body as you would normally.

• Grip – Don’t bother with strengthening your grip as some suggest. The only adjustments required are those mentioned above.

• Ball position – Ball position will help determine the ball flight along with angle of attack. Move it a bit forward for a higher shot or toward the back for a lower shot. A word of caution though: it is much easier to hit a low draw than a high one.

Remember that the draw adds distance. You’ll need to consider that fact when making your club selection on iron shots. It will fly a bit farther but roll a lot more than a normal shot.

I would suggest that you groove this shot on the range prior to taking it to the golf course. These tips on how to hit a draw will help you play better golf and improve your golf handicap.

Can’t share all there is to shot making in this one short article of course. You’ll find more free tips to help you improve your golf swing here: How to Hit a Draw

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Your Golf Swing Starts with the Back Swing – Learn to Perfect It

Ready to perfect your golf back swing? You’ve come to the right place.

better back swing tipsThere is no reason your takeaway phase of the swing has to be complicated or difficult. We’ve compiled some golf back swing tips that cover the most important aspects and can be put into action right now.  These tips are are great for any age.  We have taught these tips to young golfers just starting out but it works for any age and any level of play.

Of the many golf back swing tips you will hear or read about, one is crucial. To make a successful shot, you have to play the ball correctly in your stance. Every shot you make has a proper ball position, and you should learn these as soon as possible.

When you take stance, make sure your hands are gripping the club properly. Most players use a neutral grip, neither too weak nor too strong. Do not choke the club too tightly—strive for a firm grip.

Another important golf back swing tip is to put a little flex in your knees. This allows your hips, which are the power behind every shot, to turn fully.

Keep both arms straight as you bring the club back. This promotes a constant distance between the club head and your hands. If you start bending your arms too early, the distance will shorten and will need to be corrected before impact. This can be prevented by keeping both arms straight during the first part of the takeaway.

When the club and your hands are about waist high, your right arm must bend at the elbow. As you start your takeaway motion, try not to allow your hands to rotate. This will achieve a wide arc as you bring the club back.

Swing speed is key to distance, however, back swing should be slow and easy

As your hands get to waist level, you should also turn your upper body and shoulders. Continue this motion until the club is at the top of your back swing. This coiling action generates the energy needed at impact. Many players have trouble mastering the skill of turning the hips until the top is reached. If that is true for you, try some flexibility exercises for your hips, legs, and shoulders.

Another effective golf back swing tip is to know where your “top” is. The top of the swing differs from one person to the next. Some players are able to bring the club well past parallel at the top, while others cannot make it all the way up. No matter where you fall on that scale, it is important to get the maximum height possible, as this will greatly increase the club head speed on the way down.

The last tip involves the transition that leads into the downswing. Avoid jerking the club; maintain smooth movements and initiate the downward swing with your hips, not your hands.

The first part of the overall swing is vital, because it sets up all subsequent movements.

If you find that you are missing a lot of shots, keep these golf back swing tips in mind. Often, a missed shot can be caused by something that went wrong in the first part of the swing. If possible, have an experienced golfer watch you as you do a few slow motion swings. This is the fastest and more effective way to pinpoint and resolve a problem.

For additional golf tips to lower your score read golf chipping and pitching tips.