TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DRIVING SKILLS

James Wilkinson is the head professional at Bidston Golf Club and teaching pro and short game specialist at Moreton Hills Golf Centre. This month, the two-time PGA EuroPro Tour winner gives some tips on hitting more consistent and longer drives.

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SOLID fundamentals when using driver are paramount to hit consistent and long drives.

Firstly, we need the ball in the correct position in our stance.This should be just inside the left heel.

The feet, hips and shoulders all need to point in the same direction.

The weight distribution should be 60 /40 right side with the left shoulder higher than the right. Having a higher left shoulder (for right handers) will help get the club swinging on the up into impact (PIC 1)

A big turn into the right leg not only loads power for our drives but can help straighten your shot shape, especially if you are a slicer of the ball (PIC 2) IMPORTANT!!!

A common fault i see on a daily basis is players aligning their body before the clubhead.

This will then cause incorrect aiming and force us into compensatory movements that will likely produce curve on the shot.

The golden rule when setting up is always aim the clubhead first at the target, then the body goes parallel to that.

DON’T HANG BACK!!!

Many players struggle to fully transfer their weight off the back foot (PIC 3) At the end of the swing we should be fully forward onto the left foot with the right foot turned up and in a comfortable balanced finish position (PIC 4)

TIP

Practice holding your balance with your driver until the ball lands. Not only will this help your weight transfer, but it will also help bring synchronization and rhythm to the driver swing.

Email: jameswilkinson@majorgolfdirect.com Mob: 07900 484820