Tee It High and Let It Fly
As a beginner golfer, I remember the first time I stepped up to the tee box with my driver in hand. The anticipation was palpable – finally, I’d get to unleash that big club and let it rip down the fairway! But more often than not, my excitement would quickly turn to frustration as my shot sliced off into the trees or hooked into the water. What was I doing wrong?
It turns out, there are quite a few nuances to properly driving a golf ball, especially for those new to the game. Luckily, the team at Eagle Ridge Golf Club has put together some of their top driver tips to help beginners like myself start bombing it off the tee. [1]
Get Your Stance Right
One of the most important fundamentals for driving the ball well is having the proper stance and balance. As the old saying goes, “it’s all about the hips.” [2] By getting your weight distributed evenly on the balls of your feet and your hips turned slightly towards the target, you’ll create a stable base that allows you to swing freely without losing your balance.
Another key to a good driving stance is positioning the ball just ahead of your front foot. This helps you swing up on the ball, which is crucial for getting maximum distance. [1] Too far back in your stance and you’ll end up hitting down, robbing yourself of precious yards.
Time Your Swing Speed
Now that your setup is dialed in, it’s time to think about your swing speed. A common mistake I used to make was just swinging as hard as I could, only to see my ball dribble 150 yards down the middle. [2] The key is to focus on tempo and timing rather than pure power.
Start your backswing at a smooth, controlled pace, then shift your weight and accelerate through impact. [3] This “1 and 2” swing rhythm helps you generate speed at the right moment, rather than rushing the transition and getting “quick at the top.” The result? Longer, straighter drives that leave your playing partners in awe.
Grip It and Rip It…Almost
Of course, no discussion of driver technique would be complete without talking about your grip. An improper grip can absolutely wreck your ball striking, causing slices, hooks, and all sorts of other nasty mishits. [2]
The good news is, getting your grip right is relatively straightforward. Focus on keeping your hands slightly ahead of the clubhead at address, with your dominant hand (right hand for righties) controlling the club. Your grip pressure should be firm but not too tight – you want to be able to feel the clubhead, but not strangle it.
From there, it’s simply a matter of giving it your all and swinging freely. But don’t go overboard – as tempting as it may be to try and absolutely crush every drive, maintaining balance and control should be your top priority as a beginner. [1] Build up your speed gradually, and you’ll be bombing it past your buddies in no time.
Leverage Tech to Improve
Of course, no discussion of driver tips would be complete without talking about the role of technology. Thanks to the rise of affordable launch monitors and swing analyzers, golfers of all skill levels can now get detailed data on their drives. [4]
By using a launch monitor, you can pinpoint exactly where you’re losing distance – is it ball speed? Launch angle? Spin rate? Knowing these key metrics allows you to make targeted adjustments to your swing and equipment. Maybe you need to tighten up your tempo, or try out a different shaft flex. [2] The data doesn’t lie, and it can be an invaluable tool for improving your driving game.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep the game enjoyable. As a beginner, it’s easy to get frustrated when you’re not hitting the ball as far or as straight as you’d like. [4] But remember, golf is a lifelong pursuit – focus on the process, not the results.
Take it slow, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from the pros at Eagle Ridge. They’re always happy to provide personalized guidance and get you on the right track. Before you know it, you’ll be ripping drivers down the middle and leaving your buddies in awe. So what are you waiting for? Tee it high and let it fly!
References
[1] Knowledge from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFvl5FtLJl8
[2] Knowledge from https://sundaygolf.com/blogs/news/golf-driving-tips
[3] Knowledge from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqXDZutw4-4
[4] Knowledge from https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/pfhr09/any_tips_for_driving_beginners_or_a_what_i_wish_i/
[5] Knowledge from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xcHBK6NNc
[6] Knowledge from https://brakestogo.com/blog/driving-tips-for-beginners/
[7] Knowledge from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxk8c6FukhU
[8] Knowledge from https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/10-driving-tips-for-new-drivers/
