Stand a little taller with your feet a little wider. The driver stance is not as stooped as an iron stance. As Greg
Norman does when he wants to hit it far, try to be as relaxed and tension-free as possible. Take a loose grip, relax your arms and muscles, and give your club a waggle. A tight grip prevents releasing the club head, and cuts down on distance.
By Jesse Plaza, Poppy Hills Assistant Professional With Kevin Merfeld, NCGA Communications Manager
A great tee shot can make a hole seem a lot easier, but taming the driver is a struggle that all players wage, from Phil Mickelson to Tiger Woods (whose battle with the club has resulted in three overhauls of his swing with three different teachers). Here are some keys to keeping your driver in the fairway, while sending it farther down that fairway.
2. TAKEAWAY
Sweep your driver along the ground, low and slow. You want to turn your chest with the club, maintaining the triangle formed by your chest and arms. Feel like your left shoulder is turning underneath your chin.
TIP
While the iron swing mirrors the steepness of the letter “V,” the driver swing is like a
shallowed-out “U.” You want the swing to bottom out and be slightly on the upswing when your driver makes contact with the ball.
DRILL: Swing with a broom and feel the bristles sweep along the ground during your backswing.
For optimum distance and performance, get fitted for TIP the correct shaft flex and club head loft.