The driver is often the most intimidating club in the bag for a new golfer. It’s long, powerful, and can be frustratingly inconsistent. However, with a few simple adjustments to your setup and swing, you can start hitting longer, straighter drives with confidence. This article, based on a new instructional video, breaks down the fundamentals of how to hit a golf ball with a driver for beginners.
The Foundation: Your Setup
A great drive starts before you even swing. Nailing your setup is the most important step for beginners.
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Ball Position: Unlike with irons, you should position the golf ball farther forward in your stance. A good rule of thumb is to align the ball with the inside of your lead heel. This forward position is crucial because it helps you to hit the ball on the “upswing”.
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Stance Width: To create a stable base for your powerful swing, your feet should be at least shoulder-width apart. A wider stance provides the stability you need to generate more clubhead speed without losing balance.
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Body Tilt: At address, slightly tilt your upper body away from the target so that your trail shoulder is lower than your lead shoulder. This tilt helps you to strike the ball on the upswing, launching it with a better trajectory.
The Swing: Simple Keys for a Better Motion
Once your setup is correct, you can focus on a few simple keys for a better swing.
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Tempo and Rhythm: Many beginners try to hit the ball too hard, but a smooth, controlled swing is far more effective. Don’t rush your takeaway or the downswing. Focus on a fluid motion and let the club do the work.
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Weight Shift: A proper weight transfer is essential for power. Begin with your weight evenly distributed, then shift your weight to your lead leg in the downswing. You should finish your swing in balance with most of your weight on your front foot.
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Swing “Up” on the Ball: A common mistake is trying to hit down on the ball, as you would with an iron. With a driver, you want to “sweep” the ball off the tee, hitting it on the upswing to get a higher launch and more distance.
Avoiding Common Mistakes and Pro-Level Tips
Even with the right fundamentals, a few common mistakes can derail your drives.
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Tee Height: Tee the ball higher than you think you should. Approximately half of the ball should be visible above the top of your driver’s clubhead at address. This makes it easier to hit the sweet spot on the upswing.
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Relax Your Grip: Avoid gripping the club too tightly. A tense grip creates tension in your forearms and wrists, which kills speed and control. Hold the club with a relaxed but secure grip, like a tube of toothpaste you don’t want to squeeze.
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Full Finish: Always swing through to a balanced finish, with your chest facing the target. This ensures you complete your weight transfer and don’t slow down at impact.
Conclusion
Hitting a driver can be one of the most rewarding parts of golf. By focusing on a few simple setup adjustments and a smooth, balanced swing, you can start hitting longer, straighter drives with confidence.
Ready to see these tips in action? Check on YouTube