5 driving keys to hit longer, straighter tee shots
If you want to hit more fairways and lower your scores, you have to increase your consistency off the tee — and Erika Larkin can help.
GOLF
Your driver might be the easiest club in the bag to hit, but it’s also the most difficult to control. If you want to hit more fairways and lower your scores, you have to increase your consistency off the tee. And fundamentals are a great place to start.
According to Erika Larkin, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, there are certain things every great driver of the ball does: tees the ball high, sets their stance, uses their feet for power and stays in balance. Let’s break them down so you can develop your fairway-finding drive.
Tee up your ball half a ball above the driver face
It might seem insignificant, but your tee height is crucial on drives. As Larkin explains in the video above, the right tee height allows you to catch the ball on the upswing, which allows you to deliver more speed at impact.
So what exactly is this right tee height? About half a ball above the face, according to Larkin.
“Half the ball should sit above the driver,” Larkin says. “That gives me a chance for the club to rise and for the ball to find the sweet spot.”
Play the ball inside your lead heel
With the right ball position, you can time your swing so you arrive at impact when you reach your maximum velocity. Which means more speed and distance off the tee.
To find the proper ball position, start with your feet together, aimed at the ball. Be sure the ball is in the middle of your stance. Then, take a wide side step with your trail foot. This should position you so the ball is now at the front of your stance, in line with the inside of your lead heel, which Larkin says is ideal.
Check your shoulder position, and add spine tilt
Before you start swinging, be sure to check your shoulder position. A common fault amateurs make before teeing off is leaving their shoulders open at address which causes you to hit down on the ball.
How to swing a golf club in five simple steps
Once you’ve squared your shoulders, it’s time to add some spine tilt. Larkin explains that adding spine tilt is key to hitting driver well because it helps you hit up on the ball, which maximizes distance.
To add spine tilt, grip your driver with your lead hand to start. Then, as you place your trail hand on the club, allow your trail shoulder to tilt slightly lower than the lead shoulder.
Use your feet to swing
Now that you’re in the proper setup, it’s time to swing and, according to Larkin, the secret to a good swing is using your feet — and it’s easier than you’d think.
Start by pushing your lead foot into the ground as you turn back. It should feel effortless and controlled. Then, push your trail foot into the ground as you turn through.
“Get that club moving back and through by using your feet to help turn your body around and let those arms swing up naturally,” Larkin says.
As you practice this push and turn move, let the size of your swing grow gradually until you’re making a full swing.
Stay in balance
As you put all these steps together, you might be tempted to swing harder with the driver in hand.
“Don’t fall into that trap,” Larkin says. “It’s very important to keep a smooth swing with balance.”
Remember, Larkin says, your goal isn’t just to hit the ball far, it’s to find the fairway too.
For more handy, ‘how to’ tips from Larkin, check out her series ‘How to Hit Every Shot.’
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