Everyone wants to find a few extra yards off the tee on those
par 5s and long par 4s. Let me give you some pointers to help you
give it everything you
’ve got. First, you need to make some minor adjustments. Tee the
ball higher than normal, about half of it visible above the
clubhead. Secondly, widen your stance to where the insides of your
heels are about shoulder width apart. The first encourages an
upward strike, which will keep the ball in
the air longer; the second gives you a feeling of stability. As
you start your swing, take the club back slowly, creating a wide
backswing. When the shaft of the club is horizontal, your arms
should be comfortably extended. At this point your lower body
shouldn’t have moved much at this stage.
Everyone wants to find a few extra yards off the tee on those par 5s and long par 4s. Let me give you some pointers to help you give it everything you’ve got. First, you need to make some minor adjustments.
Tee the ball higher than normal, about half of it visible above the clubhead. Secondly, widen your stance to where the insides of your heels are about shoulder width apart. The first encourages an upward strike, which will keep the ball in the air longer; the second gives you a feeling of stability. As you start your swing, take the club back slowly, creating a wide backswing. When the shaft of the club is horizontal, your arms should be comfortably extended. At this point your lower body shouldn’t have moved much at this stage.
Think of your upper body coiling “over” your lower body, providing resistance that you need as your shoulders turn fully. The resistance created in your lower body in the backswing must be maintained in your downswing until the club is at least halfway back to the ball. The gap between your knees needs to be maintained as long as possible. What must also be retained is the angle formed by your right arm and the club (90 degrees).
Think of merely dropping your top-of-the-backswing position down toward the ground. There should be no excessive hand or leg action. Through impact is when the angle of your right wrist should disappear. Your arms should be fully extended as you make impact with the ball. Finish the swing getting the club behind your head at the end of the follow-through. These swing thoughts will help you hit it long and straight.
Dave Tuttle is the First Assistant Golf Pro at Coyote Creek Golf Course. For information about classes, email dl****@*********ke.com or call 463-8024.
