Drive the ball with Precision

If you can achieve the proper set-up with the driver you’re well on your way of having more success off the tee. The driver set-up is different than that of an iron because the shaft is much longer, the clubface has less loft and the club meets the ball at the lowest point of the swing's arc.

To set-up properly for a drive you will need to take your stance with your heels at least shoulder-width apart, properly positioning the ball at the inside of your lead heel. This puts you into the correct posture over the ball with the proper amount of primary and secondary spine angle.

It also is important to have your shoulders and forearms square to your target line at address with the feeling that your forearms are soft and relaxed in line with – or slightly behind –the ball. Once you can demonstrate the proper set-up and good balance, focus on delivering the driver along a flatter angle into impact.  To develop the ability to drive the ball with precision, learn how to control the speed at which you are swinging. Begin with making swings to a tee only, training yourself to deliver the club on a shallow angle of approach. Once you can demonstrate a proper setup and correct balance, place a ball on a tee and begin hitting shots at 25 percent of your full effort. This will allow you to maximize control of the club and create a shallow angle of approach into impact. 

As you begin to consistently create center-face hits, begin to increase the swing's speed to 50 percent, then to 75 percent, and finally, to full speed.  Now that you're consistently hitting the center of the clubface, focus on a very specific target and commit to this target as you prepare to hit each drive. Driving the ball with precision puts you on the offense and creates birdie opportunities while poor driving forces you to play defensively and scramble all day.  Sean Lanyi will provide you with the tools and others to drive the ball with authority and precision.