Australian Cameron Smith loads up for a drive. Hitting the ball a long way off the tee doesn’t win you a trophy, but it certainly can give you an advantage – something Smith could tell you. — AP
THESE days there are numerous players who fly the ball far off the tee box, and for a number of reasons.
Equipment and technique are among the most debated topics when discussing distance.
In 2022, Cameron Champ topped the average driving distance on the PGA Tour at 321.4 yards.
Bryson DeChambeau led the numbers in 2021 with an average of 323.7 yards and did it the year before as well with an average of 322.1 yards in 2020.
Data showed that 61 players on the PGA Tour averaged at least 300 yards in 2021, and that 72 managed to do so in 2020.
And while hitting the ball far off the tee doesn’t win you a trophy, it certainly does give one an advantage.
Short drives often leave you with long approach shots, which make it a bit tougher to score.
But whatever your physical attributes or standards are, following a few key principles should help you reach your maximum distance.
For the pros on tour, being able to take one club less for the approach could be the difference between a good week and a great one.
Thus, if you can find a few extra yards off the tee, no doubt your scores will benefit as you get the chance to be more aggressive with the green in range.
The set-up
If you want to hit the ball long and straight, you must carry it long. And to do that, tee the ball up a little bit higher and get your weight slightly more on your right side at address (for right-handers).
Wind it up
The coil in your upper body keeps loft on the driver, thereby creating distance. So, make a full turn by getting your lead shoulder directly under your chin.
Build a solid platform
During the backswing and transition, keep your legs stable and knees flexed. Moving kills power, but this firm base helps you spring into impact.
