Beginner Golf Driving Tips - The Golf Grange
Updated: Apr 3
If you are looking for a way to start hitting those drives on the golf course, and actually be able to play your second shot with ease. Take a look at what we have put together on the Best Beginner Golf Driving Tips.
Driving is an essential aspect of golf as it sets up the entire hole for the golfer. A successful drive can result in a shorter approach shot and a better chance for a birdie or even an eagle. Which as we all know as beginners thats exactly what we want.
A poor drive, on the other hand, can result in a difficult approach shot and a higher likelihood of bogey or worse. It's important to note that, driving distance is not the only factor that determines a good drive, accuracy also plays a huge role in it. It's still going to happen, but we are trying to minimise the amount of bogeys (hopefully).
A well-struck drive that lands in the fairway allows the golfer to have a clear shot at the green, while a drive that goes into the rough or out of bounds can make the hole much more challenging.
Additionally, driving is often the first shot of the hole, and it sets the tone for the entire round. A good drive can give the golfer confidence and momentum, while a poor drive can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence. Confidence is key in golf and anything that helps that should be a priority.
These tips can also work for a fairway wood. If you are looking for a good 3 wood then check out our post on The Best 3 Wood for a high handicapper
Grip
The grip is important when driving because it helps to control the clubface and the direction of the shot. The grip is the only point of contact between the golfer and the club, and it plays a crucial role in determining the flight of the ball. The grip is what allows the golfer to rotate the clubface and control the angle of attack. A proper grip will also help the golfer to generate power and speed while maintaining control.
A poor grip can lead to a number of problems, such as a slice, hook, or lack of distance. When the grip is too weak, the clubface can be open at impact, causing the ball to slice or go off to the right (for right-handed golfers). A grip that is too strong can cause the clubface to be closed at impact, resulting in a hook or a shot that goes off to the left. A poor grip can also cause the golfer to lose power and distance.
Proper grip is also important for a good swing plane, as it allows the golfer to keep the club on the correct path throughout the swing. This helps to ensure that the clubhead is moving in the right direction and that the ball will be struck with the center of the clubface.
In short, a proper grip is essential for controlling the clubface, generating power and speed, and maintaining a consistent swing plane. A poor grip can lead to a number of problems that can negatively impact the golfer's performance.
There are several different types of golf grips, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. The most common types of golf grips include:
Overlapping Grip: This is the most popular grip among golfers, used by amateurs and professionals alike. It's the grip I explained above. It's generally used for all types of clubs, including the driver.
Interlocking Grip: This grip is similar to the overlapping grip, but instead of placing the little finger of the right hand between the index and middle finger of the left hand, the golfer interlocks the fingers together. This grip provides a firmer hold on the club and is often used by golfers with smaller hands or those who want extra control.
Baseball Grip: This grip is not very popular among golfers, but it's a good option for those who have arthritis or other hand conditions that make it difficult to use other grips. In this grip, the golfer holds the club like they would hold a baseball bat, with the fingers wrapped around the handle.
Ten-Finger Grip: This grip is also known as the "baseball" grip, it's an unconventional grip, but it's a good option for those who have arthritis or other hand conditions that make it difficult to use other grips. In this grip, all ten fingers are on the club, and the hands are not overlapping or interlocking.
Reverse Overlap Grip: This grip is similar to the overlapping grip, but it's used by left-handed golfers. It's used for the same reasons as the overlapping grip, but the hands are positioned in the opposite way.
It's important to note that, the best grip for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and natural. It's also best to consult with a professional coach or golfer to help you find the right grip for your swing.
Stance
Proper foot and body positioning is crucial for a successful drive in golf. Here are some tips for positioning your feet and body for a successful drive:
Align your feet: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and align them parallel to your target line. This will help you maintain balance and stability throughout your swing.
Stand tall: Keep your spine straight and maintain good posture throughout your swing. This will help you generate power and maintain control of the club.
Position your hips: Turn your hips slightly towards the target, which will allow you to generate more power and speed.
Keep your weight forward: Your weight should be distributed more towards the front of your feet. This will help you maintain a consistent swing plane and transfer power to the ball.
Use your legs: Your legs play a crucial role in generating power and speed. As you take your backswing, push your hips back and let your legs do the work.
Shoulders square: Make sure your shoulders are square to the target line, this will help you to maintain a consistent swing plane and strike the ball with the center of the clubface.
Keep your head still: Keeping your head still during your swing will help you maintain your focus and aim, and prevent any unwanted movements that could cause your swing to be off.
Flexible : Make sure you are loose and flexible before your swing, which will help you generate more power and speed.
It's important to practice and experiment to find the position that feels comfortable and natural to you, and also to work with a coach to fine-tune your positioning for optimal performance.
Balance and stability are crucial when driving in golf. They are essential for maintaining control of the club, generating power and speed, and achieving a consistent swing plane. A proper stance and good posture will help you maintain balance and stability throughout your swing.
When you are in a balanced position, your body weight is distributed evenly on both feet, and your center of gravity is directly over the balls of your feet. This will allow you to make smooth and fluid swings, and transfer power to the ball effectively.
A stable position will help you keep your upper body still throughout the swing, and your head and shoulder square to the target. This will help you maintain your focus and aim, and prevent any unwanted movements that could cause your swing to be off.
In summary, balance and stability are key components of a successful drive in golf. They help you maintain control of the club, generate power and speed, and achieve a consistent swing plane, which are all essential for hitting the ball farther and straighter.
Swing
A proper technique for a driving swing in golf includes the following steps:
Take your stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and align them parallel to your target line. Keep your spine straight and maintain good posture.
Grip the club: Use a proper grip that feels comfortable and natural to you.
Take your backswing: Turn your hips slightly towards the target, and keep your weight forward. Push your hips back and let your legs do the work.
Downswing: Swing the club down towards the ball, keeping your head still and maintaining a consistent swing plane.
Follow through: After striking the ball, let the club continue to swing through the impact zone.
To generate power and speed, it's important to use your whole body, including your legs, hips, and core. The key is to transfer the energy from your legs and hips to the clubhead.
Common mistakes to avoid include:
Standing too close or too far from the ball
Not aligning your feet and body parallel to the target
Swaying or sliding during the swing
Lifting your head or losing your balance during the swing
Not using your legs and hips to generate power
Holding the club too tight
Not maintaining a consistent swing plane
It's important to practice and experiment with different techniques to find the one that feels most comfortable and natural to you. It's also important to work with a coach to fine-tune your technique and correct any mistakes you may be making.
Practice
Practice and repetition are crucial for becoming a better golf driver. By consistently practicing, you will be able to develop muscle memory, increase your swing speed and power, and improve your overall consistency.
When using a driving range or practice facility, it's important to have a plan and focus on specific aspects of your driving technique. For example, you can focus on your grip, alignment, or swing plane. Start by hitting a few balls, then make adjustments to your technique and hit a few more balls. Repeat this process until you feel comfortable and confident with the adjustment.
It is also important to use a variety of clubs and practice different types of shots, such as fades, draws, and straight shots. This will help you develop a better understanding of your swing, and give you more options on the course.
Practicing at home can be done with the use of a golf net or a hitting mat in a backyard or garage. You can also use indoor golf simulators to practice your swing indoors. The key is to focus on the same principles as you would at a driving range or practice facility: focus on one specific aspect of your technique at a time, and make adjustments as needed.
In summary, practice and repetition are essential for becoming a better golf driver. By using a driving range or practice facility effectively and practicing at home, you will be able to develop muscle memory, increase your swing speed and power, and improve your overall consistency.
Choosing The Right Equipment
Having the right equipment, including a properly fitted driver, can greatly impact your performance on the course. It is important to choose a driver that is appropriate for your skill level and swing.
When choosing a driver, consider the following:
Loft: The loft is the angle of the clubface. Drivers typically have lofts between 8 and 12 degrees. Higher lofts create a higher trajectory, which can be helpful for players with slower swing speeds. Lower lofts create a lower trajectory, which can be helpful for players with faster swing speeds.
Length: The length of the driver can affect your swing and distance. Most drivers are between 43-45 inches in length. It is important to find a length that feels comfortable and allows you to make a smooth swing.
Shaft: The shaft is the thin tube that connects the clubhead to the grip. Shafts come in different flexes (stiff, regular, or senior) and materials (graphite or steel). Different flexes and materials can impact the speed and trajectory of your shots.
Weight: The weight of the driver can affect your swing speed and distance. Heavier drivers tend to be more forgiving, while lighter drivers can be more maneuverable.
Head size: The size of the driver head can affect the sweet spot and forgiveness. Larger heads tend to have a larger sweet spot and be more forgiving, while smaller heads tend to have a smaller sweet spot and be less forgiving.
If your looking for a great Beginner Driver that is best suited to you, then check out our article : Best Beginner Golf Drivers In 2023
It is also important to maintain your drivers by keeping them clean and dry and storing them in a protective headcover. Regularly check the clubhead for any damage or wear. Drivers should be re-gripped as needed and re-shafted if the flex is no longer suitable for your swing.
In summary, having the right equipment including a properly fitted driver can greatly impact your performance on the course. It's important to choose a driver that is appropriate for your skill level and swing. And also to maintain your driver by keeping them clean, dry, and properly stored, and regularly checking them for damage or wear.
If you are looking for more than just a driver then check out The Best Beginner Golf Sets
Summary
So there you have it. Some of the best beginner golf driving tips you can have. With anything, it doesn't just come down to one aspect. To truly become a great golf driver you have to have all these different skills dialled in and be able to execute them consistently.
It may seem daughnting now but once you get out there and start practicing it will all start to make more sense.
Check out some other articles we have on Drivers here: Best Small Head Golf Drivers
So get out on that golf course and start bombing some drives!
