Tee Shots - Lack of Distance

20 Most common shot problems

Lesson 13 of 20

Diagnosis: Tee Shots – Lack of Distance

Explanation:   Obviously length off the tee combined with reasonable control gives a player a significant advantage over their shorter hitting competitors. Longer drives enable you to hit shorter irons into the greens giving you opportunities for more birdies and lower scores. Players often fail to maximize on their distance potential not because of their lack of strength or clubhead speed, but because of their set up with the driver.

         In order to hit long, high flying tee shots a player must create a swinging motion that strikes the ball while the clubhead is ascending or on the upswing. Unfortunately many players address their tee shots in the same manner as if they were hitting an iron. Their weight is favoring their left side with their hands forward and the ball positioned too far back in their stance. This set up causes the club to approach the ball on a downward angle of attack resulting in a weak, glancing blow and loss of power. Topped or skied tee shots are often the result.

Correction:    Make the following adjustments in your address to improve your impact and trajectory.  Tee the ball higher and more forward so the ball is opposite the instep of your left foot. Widen your stance slightly and position your head behind or the right of the ball. Relax your grip pressure so your arms feel soft eliminating any tension. 

           This new set up creates a wide arc and full shoulder turn so that your upper body is fully coiled behind the ball at the top of your swing. The increased coil allows for the natural transition back to your left side while allowing the club to accelerate through the ball on a more sweeping ascending path.

       

        Keep your head behind the ball through impact so that you feel you are sweeping the ball off the tee without removing the tee from the ground. Practice this new set up and you’ll soon be hitting shorter irons into the greens and enjoying more birdie opportunities.

 

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