The first thing anyone asks when playing golf is How far can you hit? In today’s world of golf it seems like power and distance prevails over accuracy. You see long ball hitting contests on TV and announcers only talk about how far Tiger Woods can hit the ball. So you’re tired of telling everyone you can only hit the ball 200 yards. It’s understandable that you want to improve your distance off the tee, after all, the tee shot is the first shot you take and it’s one that everyone will notice.
Contrary to popular physics laws, increased swing speed does not equal increased distance. When I learned how to play, I always followed Newton’s 2nd Law of Physics: acceleration x mass = force. It took me years to realize that the laws of physics don’t apply to golf. Tip number 1 to improving distance off the tee with your driver is to decrease swing speed.
I first want to clarify that when I say decrease swing speed, I mean decrease the take away and the follow through. With a slower swing you leave less room for error because the club is not trying to play catch up with the rest of your body.
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Professional golfers average a downward swing speed of over 100 mph, with most at around 110 mph. Tiger Woods swings the club 125 mph. Just because professionals do it, does not mean the average golfer should. They are professionals for a reason.
The typical golfer should maintain a club head speed of just below 100 mph. If you are unsure of your swing speed, you can usually go to a local pro shop and have it measured in a simulator.
After taking a slow back swing and you have the club set at the peak position, recommended that you swing the club faster than the backswing, just don’t try to kill the ball. Some of the common problems associated with increased swing speed are:
- Snapping the wrists
- Anger
In conclusion, the number 1 Easy Golf Tip for increasing distance off the tee is to slow down your swing speed. I know it sounds ridiculous because it defies the laws of physics, but you have to trust the plan. Practice as often as you can with slowing the swing down. Take 2-3 practice swings before stepping up to the ball. Repeat the exact practice swing on the ball. Don’t try to kill the ball, it didn’t do anything to you.
