All golfers are searching for a way to hit the ball for additional distance. Even the longest PGA Tour players would like an additional 10 yards. One way to increase distance is to maximize swing speed. While increasing swing speed will help hit the ball farther, it does not guarantee more distance. There are many variables involved in hitting a golf ball farther. If you cannot hit the sweet spot on the club face it is basically useless to increase swing speed. Work on improving impact, tempo and balance throughout the golf swing. If you lose your balance, you will not hit consistent golf shots.

The proper grip is necessary for a good golf swing.  Every move throughout the golf swing will have a positive or negative impact on the direction of the ball. The grip is the only connection you have with the golf club. Therefore, it is important to hold the club correctly. The golf swing starts with a good grip.

Our lessons at the United States Golf Academy have a similar pattern. We typically start with a 6 or 7 iron, and hit a few so we can get an idea of how the player swings the golf club in a broad sense. We discuss fundamentals and the different techniques that might help the player improve his or her ball-striking abilities. Then, about halfway through the lesson, we almost always get a comment like, “This is great, but my real trouble is with the driver.” So, we haul the driver out of the bag and, after about 4 swings, I am usually walking back into the Academy to find a driver better suited to the player’s particular style of play. I think we have seen enough players to write this with no reservations: The majority of amateur golfers are playing with drivers that do not fit. They blame the golf swing when the problem is the equipment.