- Train For Speed
- Create A Consistent Shot Shape
- Know Your Key Stats (Launch Angle, Swing Speed, Spin Rate)
- Pick The Right Target Line
- Get A Complete Turn
- Develop a comfortable stance
- Experiment with different grip pressure
- Keep the golf ball forward in your stance
- Get the speed out in front of the golf ball
- Record your swing frequently
- Get a full rotation on backswing
- Rotate through the shot
- Pick the right target
- Tee the ball high and hit up on it
- Speed up your tempo
- Use a Launch Monitor
- Develop a “bunt” swing
- Have the right equipment
- Practice the driver frequently
- Keep the golf ball in play
- Stay within your game
- Look for challenging opportunities
- Control your club face
- Be aware of your swing path
- Embrace the challenge
One of the major keys for any level of golfer is the driver.
Driving the ball properly sets up the rest of the hole. Without the ability to hit the driver somewhat straight with quality distance, the golfer will struggle and might not enjoy the game as much.
The good news is that we believe every golfer can become a quality driver of the golf ball. The 25 tips below are great tips to start with and focus on during your golf journey!
Always keep in mind that distance does matter! The old saying “driver for show, putt for dough: can be thrown out the window. The golfer must be able to hit a quality tee shot with the driver on a high percentage of holes.
If you are playing from the trees or 200 plus yards all day on approach shots, reaching certain benchmarks in the game of golf becomes really difficult!
A recent study by golf.com shows that if you plan on reaching the 6 handicap level or below, your average driver needs to be 239 yards or further. Even if you desire to just be in the 6-12 handicap range you need to drive the ball at least 219 yards. Distance matters and one of our tips focuses on driving distance and gaining speed!
Want to lower your handicap? Distance matters! Check out this chart below:
| Handicap Range | Median Driver Distance Average |
| PGA Tour Professional | 275 Carry |
| Scratch | 251 |
| 0-5 | 244.6 |
| 6-10 | 231.3 |
| 11-15 | 220.4 |
| 16-20 | 210.3 |
| 21-25 | 201.9 |
| Total Average of 0-25 | 221 |
25 Golf Driving Tips
Personal Story: I have found two keys to help transform my driving over the years. 1) I added more speed and gain 20-30 yards of extra distance and 2) I learned to hit three shots: the standard swing, the “bunt” swing (less than normal speed), and the “blast” used for extra yardage on a wide open hole. Adding speed and developing 3 different shots was a game changer!
We could really dive in and provide 20 plus driver swing tips, but we feel these are the most important to your overall success with the driver in your golf game!
Tip #1: Train For Speed
My own experience with training for speed has been incredible. 5 years ago my average swing speed was between 98-101. Over the past month I have started to hit the 111-115 range! Yes, you too can gain speed and distance!
I would highly recommend checking out SuperSpeed Golf to improve your swing speed!
I spent many years wondering how I can increase my swing speed. Regardless of your current speed levels, there are always new barriers to break!
Check out the Price of SuperSpeed Golf HERE!
The SuperSpeed Training System is based on three different swing speed sticks all weighing at different weights. There is a green club that is 10% lighter than the average driver, the blue club which is 5% lighter and the red club which is actually 5% heavier!
Following their prescribed protocols the golfer completes the training every other day. The total time to complete most of their protocols is between 10-15 minutes. Most people can find the time to make this happen. The golfer will also need a swing radar to measure their progress.
The science behind the SuperSpeed Training System is based on overspeed training. Overspeed training has been around for several decades now and has been used by olympic athletics in the sport of Track and Field.
For more permanent results, the golfer should continue these training protocols for several months. The initial 5-8% is great and can become more permanent with the right length of training. The golfer can expect to continue to break down barriers every several months at a 1-2% increase.
My own experience has been an increase of 13-17 miles per hour on average from between 98-101 all the way up to 111-115. My goal is to hit the PGA Tour average of 113 mph in the coming months. (Update, I have hit this number in speed training) I will continue to train every other day and watch in amazement as I am hitting drivers longer now than ever before!
Related: Average Driving Distance by Age
Phil Mickelson (a senior golfer now) has been known to increase his swing speed in the past year or so and is close to 120 miles per hour in his swing speed. There are potential results for golfers of all ability levels and age!
Check the current price on SuperSpeed Golf System, here!
| Original Swing Speed | After 4-6 Weeks | New Carry Distance | Total Distance |
| 95 | 102 | 245 | 265 |
| 100 | 108 | 259 | 279 |
| 105 | 113 | 271 | 291 |
| 110 | 118 | 283 | 303 |
My Most Recent Driver and 3 Wood Shot Chart
| Shot # | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Fairway Hit (Y/N) |
| 1 | Driver | 270 | 151 | Y |
| 2 | Driver | 280 | 157 | N |
| 3 | Driver | 287 | 157 | Y |
| 4 | Driver | 288 | 156 | Y |
| 5 | Driver | 270 | 158 | Y |
Tip #2: Create A Consistent Shot Shape
Once you have started to increase your distance, we now you need to work on a consistent shot shape. The uncertainty of whether a shot is going to slice or draw is not a good way to play golf. If a golfer can consistently rely on a draw or a fade, they can eliminate one side of the hole and play a consistent shot with their driver and more than likely every other club in the bag.
Why does my golf ball curve to the right?
Against some advice you might have heard previously, you don’t need to work your shot both ways. If you can, great! If you can’t, use your shot shape for consistency and to build confidence that you can eliminate one side of hole.
We have a great drill to help you develop a stock shot with all of your golf shots!
Stock Shot Drill
- At the driving range, set up an alignment stick about 6-8 yards in front of you, straight down your target line.
- If you have a second alignment stick, set the stick 3-4 feet right of the first stick (for a draw) or left of the first stick (for a fade).
- Complete your initial assessment see how many times out of 10 you can start the ball to the right or left of your target. Pick one side and measure your game at this point.
- The goal is to eventually get 7 out of 10 shots to start to the correct side and draw back towards the target.
Hit 20 shots. How many times out of 20 were you able to start your ball down the right target line and have it curve towards the target?
Draw vs Fade (Which one should I play?)
Tip #3: Know Your Key Stats (Launch Angle, Swing Speed, Spin Rate)
With today’s golf technology, knowing your key swing stats is more realistic than ever before. I use a Skytrak to train in my golf setup in my garage and I get the following stats after every shot:
- Carry and Total Distance
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed
- Swing Path
- Spin Rate
- Spin Axis
- Launch Angle
These are key starts regardless of your club you are hitting, but you will find that spin rate has a significant impact on the overall distance your ball carries. DId you know that a spin rate between 1800-2800 is ideal for most swing speeds, while anything over 3,000 RPMs is more than likely destroying any distance you might get?
How the Skytrak can change your game!
I would highly recommend picking up a launch monitor for between 500 and 2000 dollars and get to work. Take it with you to the driving range or setup a net in your garage to have key data after every shot. The pros have access to Trackman and other expensive device, but you can get started at a much more reasonable price.
Here are the top 3 options to check out:
Tip #4: Pick The Right Target Line
Where do most beginners aim? They just assume they are to aim down the middle of the fairway. However, if you play a stock draw or fade, you might consider aiming down the right or left side of the fairway and drawing or fading the ball towards the middle of the hole. The same holds true with approach shots.
Another complete level is understanding where the true trouble is (out of bounds or hazards) and finding the middle or right or left edge of where you need to start the shot. The first goal with any driver is to keep the ball in play and picking the right target line is essential to keeping the ball in play on every hole.
How to aim a golf shot (5 Tips)
There are plenty of golf analytics programs out there that have broken down where to aim and sell training to help you improve in these areas. I would challenge you in the meantime to consider the edges of the hole and not worry about fairway or rough and pick a starting line or target line to ensure your ball remains in play!
Tip #5: Get A Complete Turn
In order to maximize your distance and your accuracy, a complete turn on the backswing is essential. If you lack a complete turn, not only are you going to lose distance, you are going to have a difficult time getting your swing in the proper sequence leading to accuracy issues!
The shoulders should turn at least 90 degrees with your hips turning at least 45 degrees. We would highly recommend using a camera from the side view and recording your swing and viewing in a free app where you can assess your turn in the backswing. Also, on the downswing, make sure you get completely through the shot and turn all the way through!
One last thing, keep your head behind the ball at impact and don’t move in front of it. Get that complete turn and stay behind the ball and oh yeah, don’t forget to check out SuperSpeed Golf and start training for new speed today! Your partners will watch in amazement and jealousy!
Rotation in the golf swing: why it matters!
#6: Develop a comfortable stance
There is no perfect stance in golf. You will find golfers with wide stances and narrow stances. Open stances and closed stances are also out there, even on tour. The key for your game is to find what allows you to generate quality swing speed, while controlling the clubface and your swing path. Experiment with a variety of stances and test your results!
Related: Open stance in golf
#7: Experiment with different grip pressure
The original teaching on grip pressure was to hold the golf club as if you were holding a small bird. But what we have found over the years is that many golfers are gripping the club with a bit more pressure than originally known. If you are going to try to do something fast or powerful, there is going to be some pressure in your body. Holding something very light, might actual reduce your speed. Once again, test it out, measure it and determine what is best for your game!
Related: Grip pressure in golf
#8: Keep the golf ball forward in your stance
This one is pretty simple. Keep the ball aligned somewhere around your front heel. Too many golfers get the ball in the middle of the stance, which makes hitting a 45 to 46” driver on the right line and far enough. The driver is the only club in the bag where the golfer is catching the ball on the up portion of the swing. If the ball is too far back, this is nearly impossible, without jumping at the shot. Use your smartphone and take a video from the side view to ensure the ball is in a good position. You also want to keep your head behind the ball through impact.
#9: Get the speed out in front of the golf ball
Even after playing golf for 30 plus years, I have to remind myself to keep the speed past the ball. If all your speed is “at” the ball, you aren’t going to reach your max speed and you end up dumping your speed prior to getting to the golf ball, causing a loss in distance. Something impressive happens when you focus on the speed “out front” is that it eliminates other over complicated swing thoughts that can lead to trouble. Keep that speed out front and watch how you hit the ball farther and straighter!
Related: How to get to 120 mph swing speed
#10: Record your swing frequently
There is a fine line between recording your swing too often and becoming obsessed with your golf swing and checking in from time to time to check the following:
- Where is your ball position?
- How far back are you taking the club?
- Is your head staying behind the ball at impact?
- Anything else look out of the normal?
Ask those four questions and stay on track with your swing. Sometimes our ball position can move or we start swinging longer than we need to. The head might move forward or something else strange starts to happen. Use the video check every 1-3 rounds to keep your swing progressing to your goal.
#11: Get a full rotation on backswing
For years the teaching was to use the “X” factor or where the golfer would restrict the hips. If anyone ever tries teaching you that terrible concept, run away! Instead, making a full rotation back with the hips and the shoulders, which provides more distance and can be easier on your body. Everyone can rotate regardless of age, especially when you engage the hips in rotation vs trying to restrict them.
#12: Rotate through the shot
Too many golfers swing to the ball, instead of allowing the body and arms to rotation through the shot and to the finish position. We understand, you want to hit the ball, but the focus can’t get stuck at the ball and must move beyond the ball and into the finish. Hold that finish and watch your ball fly down the fairway!
#13: Pick the right target
Some golfers just might assume they are going to aim right down the middle, but I believe that could lead to less accurate shots. For example, I know that I hit a draw or a pull when I miss a shot. So I want to aim more down the right side to allow for multiple ball flights that can end up in a good position. Plus your ultimate goal is to hit the ball a quality distance and keep it between the trees. Play to the widest part of the hole and know where you can miss the shot.
Related: Target Focused Golf (7 Keys)
#14: Tee the ball high and Hit up on it
When you tee the ball high it encourages you to hit up on the ball. With the driver we want to hit up 2-5 degrees and launch it high and let it fly. This helps keep the speed out in front of the ball and encourages a quality spin rate, which will give you more distance. If you are hitting down on the ball with the driver, your spin rate might increase and cause a lack of distance.
#15: Speed up your tempo
The old saying of “low and slow on the backswing” is bad advice. Studies have been completed and have found that the best golfers have a 3:1 ratio backswing to downswing. When the downswing is low and slow it can create a 6:1 ratio, which causes you consistency issues and a lack of distance. Check out TourTempo for some tips on how you can accomplish the ideal tempo.
Related: Tour Tempo Review
#16:Use a Launch Monitor
While not everyone can own a launch monitor, try to get your key numbers on a launch monitor 1-2 times per year. Key information like ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, and spin axis can help you check in on your swing and know if you are making improvements or what might the root of some of the issues you are facing.
Related: How to use Skytrak to improve (5 Tips)
#17: Develop a “bunt” swing
This one change my golf game forever and it took me 30 years to discover. I actually hit 3 shots with my driver.
- The standard stock shot (normal speed)
- The “bunt” shot (Less than normal speed)
- The “blast” shot (More than normal speed)
The “bunt” swing should be used to get 80-90% of your normal driving distance, but you are almost guaranteed the ball will be in play and give you a decent approach shot. It takes the pressure off on those days when you are hitting the golf ball all over the place and can help you get your swing back on track.
#18: Have the right equipment
The number one most important part of the equipment is the golf shaft. If the shaft is not the right weight or stiffness, you can struggle forever with the driver. This is the one club you will want to at a minimum test out on a launch monitor. The difference in a 3500 RPM spin rate vs 2500 RPM spin rate can be 20-30 yards. Dial in the right equipment and stop battling your equipment.
#19: Practice the driver frequently
Your driver can be your favorite club and the one you feel most comfortable with. It is find to practice this club often because it sets up every par 4 and 5 on the golf course. You hit the club often and it needs to be a club you can hit multiple shots with.
#20: Keep the golf ball in play
The number one destroyer of a good golf round is the dreaded out of bounds driver shot. It almost guarantees a double bogey or worse. Be smart in utilizing the “bunt” shot when necessary and giving up 10-20 yards to ensure you are between the trees and in play!
#21: Stay within your game
Some beginners can be intimidated by the long hitting playing partner or the golfer that can hit both the draw and the fade on demand. Stay within your game during these rounds and hit your shot. Swing your swing and live with the results. Manage your game and take on the challenge of shooting your best score. Stop worrying about the other golfers in your group!
#22: Look for challenging opportunities
Every now and then go play a difficult golf course that you might not be comfortable on. We need to challenge your driving game and figure out how we can get better. Testing your game and your emotions is a great way to grown. Don’t get frustrated, but instead learn from your struggles and get to work in practice!
#23: Control your club face
The ball is going to start relative to the direction of the clubface at impact. If you are pushing it right, your club face is too open. If you are pulling it left, your club face is too closed. Look for the start line, understand the curve and make adjustments as needed. The golfer that can control his or her club face often plays the best.
#24:Be aware of your swing path
Once you see what direction the ball is starting in (controlled by clubface), read what direction your ball is curving. If it is curving too much, you have too large of a gap between club face and swing path direction. You want them to ideally by 1-3 degrees apart to help develop a soft fade or soft draw. When the gap grows too large, you end up with a slice or a hook.
Related: Ball Flight Laws: Complete Overview
#25: Embrace the challenge
Golf is not easy and that is why we love it. If it was easy, there wouldn’t be a challenge. Embrace this challenge and take on the journey of getting better and playing your best. The more you can control your mindset, the better you will play. Have a grateful heart and appreciate every round of golf and you will perform better!
Final Thoughts: Driving Tips For Beginners
Make sure you enjoy the journey and have fun. The great news for golfers is that hitting the driver is fun and you should practice it often. Work in some speed training and reach new levels this year! Monitor and track and compare to previous levels!
My Secret To Golf Improvement
Let’s face it, in order to get really good at golf, we must practice frequently. About four years ago, I made the leap and invested in a golf simulator build for my garage. I went with a SkyTrak Launch Monitor and the TGC software and can now play over 100,000 courses including Augusta, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits. St. Andrews and many other of the top 100 courses in the world.
This golf simulator setup, which is more affordable that you might imagine, has been a game changer. I can now play golf everyday of the year regardless of rain, snow, cold weather or time of day. I can practice or play rounds of golf. I can stand in the 11th fairway at Augusta and with the auto-rewind feature I am able to practice my approach shots from various differences.
It is worth checking out through Rain or Shine Golf as they offer some incredible packages along with financing offers that are difficult to beat.