20 Proven Golf Driving Tips: Hit Longer & Straighter Drives

Driving the golf ball long and straight is the goal of every golfer. Being able to consistently drive the ball down the fairway sets up the opportunity for lower scores. Here are 20 proven tips to help you hit longer, straighter drives:

1. Optimize Your Stance Width 

The width of your stance is crucial for power and balance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with the ball positioned off your front heel. A stance that's too narrow or too wide will reduce your ability to transfer weight properly.

2. Maintain Proper Posture

Bend slightly at the hips so your back is arched and your tailbone is tucked under. Keep your knees flexed and your chin up to promote a spinal tilt away from the ball. This athletic posture allows a full shoulder turn.

3. Grip the Club Lightly 

A tight grip restricts the wrists and forearms, reducing clubhead speed. Hold the club firmly but not tightly. The optimal pressure is just enough to hold the club in place throughout the swing.

4. Position the Ball Correctly 

Place the ball in line with your front heel or slightly inside for most drives. Tee height should position the ball to lightly brush the grass at the bottom of the arc. Adjustments may be needed for different clubs.

5. Keep Your Head Still

Minimize lateral head movement during the backswing and downswing. Keep your head behind the ball and let the shoulders turn against a stable head to create torque and power.

6. Turn Your Shoulders

Initiate the backswing by turning your shoulders horizontally away from the target. The rotation of your shoulders and torso is the power generator, not your hands and arms.

7. Hinge Your Wrists Late 

Keep your wrists stiff during the initial takeaway. Allow them to hinge naturally once the club reaches hip height. This delays wrist action for maximum clubhead speed.

8. Complete a Full Shoulder Turn

Rotate your shoulders a full 90 to 110 degrees on the backswing. The greater the shoulder turn, the more potential power you can unleash during the downswing.

9. Remain Balanced

Keep your weight centered between your feet during the backswing. Resist leaning toward your back foot, which reduces power and consistency.

10. Transfer Your Weight 

Initiate the downswing by shifting your weight to your front foot. Allow the hips to rotate toward the target as your torso unwinds. Around 70% of your weight should be over your front foot at contact.

11. Accelerate the Club

The downswing should steadily build speed rather than initially swinging fast from the top. Let the weight shift and unwinding torso accelerate the club release.

12. Release Your Wrists 

Allow your wrists to naturally release through impact, unleashing the stored power of the wrists and forearms. Avoid consciously flipping the wrists as this leads to inconsistent contact.

13. Extend Your Arms

Keep your elbows tucked close together with your arms extending toward the target after impact. This promotes a powerful release through the ball for maximum distance.

14. Maintain Spine Angle 

Hold your posture as you swing and resist straightening up during the downswing. Maintaining spine angle permits a clean strike with the driver's center of gravity.

15. Make a Full Finish 

Allow your body to fully rotate until facing the target in a balanced finish position. This ensures you swing through the ball rather than decelerating too early.

16. Swing Smoothly

A smooth, rhythmic swing generates more power and consistency than a fast, jerky swing. Build smooth momentum back and through the ball.

17. Use Your Legs

Power comes from the ground up. Maintain flex in your knees and hips while rotating against a stable lower body to transfer significant ground force.

18. Swing Within Yourself

Trying to overswing leads to tension and inconsistent contact. Swing at no more than 80% effort and let proper technique provide an optimal release.

19. Practice Your Tempo

Groove the optimal swing tempo for your body type. Count a three count backswing and one count downswing to find your timing.

20. Stick to the Fundamentals

Reinforce proper setup, posture, grip, alignment and ball position. Master the basics before trying to manipulate trajectories or shape shots.

In summary, long and straight driving requires full shoulder turns, proper weight transfer, correct ball-striking technique and a smooth, fluid swing. Study the fundamentals, build sound mechanics through practice, and implement proven tips like these in your next round to hit more fairways and lower scores. With some discipline and perseverance, you can achieve the distance and accuracy you desire off the tee.

Best Guide: Golf Swing Tips