If your golf game is distance challenged it could be for many reasons, perhaps due to lack of strength, getting older, taking the game up later in life in fact, there are many, many explanations for not hitting the ball very far off the tee.

In order to hit the drives further there are also many ways of improving this. More turn on the backswing, create more clubhead speed through the ball, better angle of attack etc. There are 1001 videos and books on this subject. If you are going to attempt any of these I would recommend you book a series of lessons from a PGA Professional always asking for the Pros PGA qualifications beforehand.

Changing anything in the golf swing requires hard work, persistence and patience so please think carefully before you start on this.

In this weeks tip I'm going to give you a few handy hints that may just be what you are looking for in gaining those extra few metres off the tee without spending hours on the driving range beating balls which is not everyones favourite pastime.

*The below tips are for people with slower swing speeds

• Check your Driver. The clubhead should be a 460 c.c. game improvement club. The loft on your club should be quite high (up to 15 degrees). The reason for this is that the extra loft gets the ball flying higher off the clubface which in turn will give you extra trajectory and carry. A lot of people (in particular men) make the mistake in thinking that lowerIng the loft of a driver will make the ball fly further. In most cases this is false particularly for slower swing speeds. Also check your shaft flexibility and weight as a club that is too heavy and stiff in flexibility will decrease your clubhead speed. A nice light, flexible shaft will increase your distance.
• At address make sure your ball position is at least in line with your left heel (for right handed golfers). With the driver we are trying to hit the ball on the upswing towards the follow through and if the ball position is too much in the middle of your feet then the swing will make the club hit down on the ball which decreases the loft.
• The upper body at address should be tilted about 10 degrees to the right (right handed players) again making it easier to hit the ball on the upswing. This tilt is done without moving the lower body i.e. the hips do not move to the left.
• Grip the club lightly and turn the left hand slightly to the right giving you a slightly stronger grip (again for right handed players) With this grip let the club swing with a feeling of control. Almost as though you are hearing the club swoosh through the ball instead of trying to swing the club as fast as possible and hit at the ball - trying to hit it miles will only result in lack of control and shorter drives. Trust your swing 100% to give yourself a chance.
• Swing the club smoothly through to a full finish with your belt buckle pointing down the fairway.

These tips do not require you to change your swing but they should help to maximise your distance off the tee - try them you'll be amazed.

If you have any further queries or questions please send me an e-mail I'd love to hear from you.

You never know you might even win a longest drive competition - wouldn't that be great.

Happy golfing, Gordon