by Butch Harmon<\/p>\n
The old idea of hitting a low draw to get the ball running down the fairway is, well, an old idea. Launch monitors have proven that carry distance is the key to overall distance. Here are some tips for maximizing carry. \u2014<\/p>\n
First, check your driver specs. A little more loft\u2014for most players, at least 10.5 degrees\u2014will help you launch the ball higher. A lighter, more-flexible shaft means you\u2019ll get more out of the speed potential you have.<\/p>\n
Next comes the setup. Move your trail foot back a few inches to widen your stance. That\u2019ll tilt your spine away from the target and put your head behind the ball. From there, you can swing into impact on a shallow, sweeping angle and produce that nice, high launch.<\/p>\n
You can make a few tweaks to your swing, too, but don\u2019t try these all at once. Going back, take your time setting the club at the top. You don\u2019t want to go slow, but be deliberate. Get as much body turn behind the ball as your flexibility allows.<\/p>\n
Coming down, let\u2019s focus on two things: the trail shoulder and the trail foot. Keep your shoulder back and in for as long as you can. Nothing saps power faster than the upper body taking over the downswing, which causes a steep chop. Let your hands and arms drop as the lower body starts forward. But don\u2019t overdo the lower body: Keep your trail foot down longer, and the club will stay to the inside and come in shallow.<\/p>\n
Finally, maintain your arm speed all the way through like Dustin Johnson is doing here. Don\u2019t just hit at the ball. Carry distance requires a level strike and as much speed as you can muster and still hit the ball flush. with Peter Morrice<\/p>\n
SUMMER\u2019S HERE: HOW\u2019S YOUR GOLF?
\nIf you\u2019re getting out to play, you\u2019re probably realizing that your good shots and bad shots look a lot like last year\u2019s. Don\u2019t let that bum you out; a consistent pattern is a good thing. Taking stock is the critical first step, then you need some solid swing advice. Seeing a PGA pro is a great option. So is Golf Digest\u2019s all-access instruction program. The videos are top-notch; and all the leading teachers are there. Best of all, you can pull them up on your phone or computer whenever you have time. Learn more at golfdigest.com\/allaccess.<\/p>\n
BUTCH HARMON is based at Rio Secco Golf Club, Henderson, Nev.<\/p>\n
Originally Published on GolfDigest golfdigest.com\/story\/driving-for-distance<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Butch Harmon The old idea of hitting a low draw to get the ball running down the fairway is, well, an old idea. Launch monitors have proven that carry distance is the key to overall distance. Here are some tips for maximizing carry. \u2014 First, check your driver specs. A little more loft\u2014for most […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8118,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-198","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-news","7":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n