Hitting the ball further is shown to have a huge advantage when it comes to shooting lower scores. We only have to look at the moves the players on the PGA Tour such as Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy searching for distance to improve their scores. Mark Broadie, creator of Strokes Gained found that a gain of 20 yards off the tee will gain 1.4 strokes per round. How would it feel to hit 2 less clubs into the green (9iron compared to 7iron)?
Here are some key tips to help influence distance:
Ball Position
When hitting a driver, to optimise distance we want to hit up on the golf ball (positive attack angle). Therefore having your ball position forward of middle, adjacent to lead heel to allow the club to square up and to hit up on the ball is beneficial
Stance Width
Comparing a driver to an iron, we want a wider stance width with a driver. This will help us keep stable and keep a good balance when generating a faster clubhead speed. E.g. try and picture Rory McIlroy and his fast clubhead speed whilst holding the finish and keeping in balance. Also, having a wider stance width (up to a point) will also increase clubhead speed and therefore distance. This is due to to the player creating more torque by using the ground more effectively.
Shoulder Tilt
As we would like to hit up on the golf ball, allowing us to influence this by getting our trail shoulder slightly lower than the lead shoulder will help us. This can also help produce a wider backswing and influence a more in-to-in or in-to-out swing
Backswing Length
The backswing is there to create power. The longer your backswing, the greater the chance of creating more clubhead speed. Think of it like an elastic band. The more you pull back on the elastic band (until it turns white), the further the band will go. In the backswing, try and increase your rotation and get more pressure into your trail side creating a bigger backswing. Once completed, be an athlete and hit a powerful golf shot.
Ball Flight
The optimum flight for a driver would be to launch the ball high (this launch changes depending on how far you hit it), and low spin. This will optimise carry distance and total distance. Players who hit a slice will produce higher spin and lose distance as a result. Focus on the curvature you produce and try and change this to optimise your distance and also accuracy.
Strike
The biggest drop off in distance can be found with off-centre strikes. No matter what clubhead speed or ability, centreness of strike is of high importance. If we do not consistently strike the middle of the clubface we can lose distance and accuracy. Use foot spray/dry shampoo or face tape to identify your strike location when practicing.
Zach,
THSG