John Daly is among the longest hitters on Tour. But he overswings. And while it’s better than swinging too short, overswinging off the tee usually gets you in trouble. Still, Daly’s swing highlights one key point you should remember when it comes to hitting the ball long: The secret to achieving extra distance off the tee lies in better technique.
Below are 6 keys to achieving extra distance with better technique:
1. Widen your stance
2. Lift your chin
3. Posture is crucial
4. Stretch out in the takeaway
5. Hover the clubhead
6. Hit hard with your right hand
Stability is a must when trying to find extra distance. So widen your stance a bit and shift your weight to your front side slightly. A 60-40 ratio is good. This stance promotes a good turn away from the ball and a powerful coil. It also guards against the dreaded re-verse pivot.
Keeping your chin down against your chest restricts your swing especially your shoulder turn and weight transfer. So lift your chin up away fro your chest. It creates room to turn the left shoulder under your chin, and encourages a better coil.
Good posture is crucial in your swing. It creates good angles, which promote a good swing shape. Flexing the knees and bending comfortably from the waist encourages the arms to hang down in a relaxed manner.
Stretch out during the take away as much as possible. To do this, sweep the club away from the ball low and slow. Extending the arms like this pulls the front shoulder under your chin and stretches the muscle in your lower front side during the coil.
Hovering the clubhead over the ball promotes a smooth, wide takeaway—a must when it comes to generating extra distance. Positioning the ball opposite your front heel ensure the clubhead sweeps the ball of the tee, as it should.
Finally, hit hard with your right hand (left for left-handers). You want to create the sense of the right forearm coming over the left through impact and on up to a high finish while moving your weight onto the front side.
The secret to hitting longer drives off the tee is better technique. Longer drives help cut strokes off your score by creating shorter, easier approach shots.