How to Drive a Golf Ball Straight

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Golf is a game of accuracy. Driving the ball straight off of the tee can be the difference between a birdie and a bogey. With the right technique and some practice, your golf game will only get better.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Driving the Ball Straight and Far

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  1. Put your golf tee in the ground only slightly. [1] Place your golf ball on your golf tee.
    • A high tee will allow you to strike the ball on the upswing.
    • Get the most distance from your swing by using a high tee.
  2. Stand so that the ball is aligned with your left toe. Swinging from this stance will allow the largest swing.
    • Make sure the ball isn't beyond your left foot.
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  3. The further your feet are apart from one another the more range of motion you will have. [2] This large range of motion will translate into power behind your swing. [3]
    • Keep your weight equally on both feet.
    • Keep your head behind the ball.
  4. Use leverage to put more power behind your shot. Hold the club higher up, towards the end of the grip, to maximize this leverage. [4]
    • Gripping the club up high allows for power at the cost of accuracy.
    • Make adjustments to your own body and club size to find the best grip.
  5. Shift your weight onto your right foot. Keep your eye on the ball. [5]
    • Don't use too much back-swing. [6]
    • Bring your head further behind the ball.
  6. Bring the club down and hit the ball. Strike the ball from beneath, on the upswing of your club.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Driving with Control and Accuracy

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  1. Place your golf tee in the ground with some depth. Put your golf ball on the tee.
    • Use about half of the tees length.
    • Teeing too high or low will alter your drive.
  2. Stand so that your golf ball is only a few inches behind your left toe. Placing the ball here will result in less swing range and more control.
    • Setting the ball back further in your stance will diminish power.
    • Putting the ball further ahead in your stance will reduce accuracy.
  3. Stand just wider than shoulder width. Taking a narrow stance will constrict your range of motion and grant more control. [8]
    • Don't take too short a stance as this will drastically alter your swing.
  4. Place your hands a bit lower down on the grip area of your club, away from the clubs end. Gripping down further on the club will give you more control over its movement as you swing. [9]
    • Low grips will trade power for accuracy.
    • Keep your hands and wrists as straight as you can.
  5. Keep your weight distributed evenly, shifting only slightly to your right foot. Keep your head and torso straight and centered with the ball.
    • Bring the club back at a moderate speed.
  6. Send the club down, swinging towards your ball. Strike the ball slightly under its center and with the midpoint of your swing. [10]
    • Make sure you strike the ball with the club face flat. [11]
    • Swing strongly, but don't overdo it.
    Tiger Woods, Golfer

    Greatness in golf comes from time and dedication. "Talent is something you are born with, and a skill is something you develop. 99% of what you need to succeed in golf are skills."

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best driver for straight drives?
    Michael Metz
    Golf Instructor
    Michael Metz is a Golf Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Simi Hills Golf Course. With more than 15 years of experience, Michael is adept at coaching all facets of Golf. Mike uses technology, such as Flightscope, V1 Swing Suite, Blast Motion, and BodiTrak pressure mapping, to provide advanced golf training with quick results.
    Michael Metz
    Golf Instructor
    Expert Answer
    I would definitely make sure I get a driver that's fitted for me. This is important because the swing is so different and there's a lot of new drivers that accommodate multiple swings. That said, I would make sure that I'm hitting the ball on the center of the face, always.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I drive a golf ball from right to left?
    Community Answer
    Shift your grip counterclockwise about a finger width. If too much hook, cut it back slightly; turn it more if not enough.
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  • Question
    How far away from the ball should I stand?
    Community Answer
    Take a practice swing on the side and see where the club whiffs through the grass, then go back to the ball with the same amount of bend and arm extension.
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      References

      1. ↑ Michael Metz. Golf Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 February 2022.
      2. ↑ Michael Metz. Golf Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 February 2022.
      3. ↑ https://www.golfdigest.com/story/rickie-fowlers-keys-to-great-driving
      4. ↑ https://www.golfdigest.com/story/rickie-fowlers-keys-to-great-driving
      5. ↑ https://www.golfdigest.com/story/rickie-fowlers-keys-to-great-driving
      6. ↑ http://www.golfinstruction.com/golf-instruction/driving/hit-longer-straighter-drives-10569.htm
      7. ↑ Michael Metz. Golf Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 February 2022.
      8. ↑ https://www.golfdigest.com/story/improve-your-timing-for-better-tee-shots
      9. ↑ http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2011-05/rickie-fowlers-keys-to-great-driving
      1. ↑ Michael Metz. Golf Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 February 2022.
      2. ↑ http://golf.duke.edu/hitting-driver-straight/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to drive a golf ball straight, try adjusting how you tee the ball and how wide your stance is. If you want to get some distance with your swing, tee your ball high in the ground and stand so that the ball is aligned with your left toe. You should also keep your stance wide to get more power in your swing. If you are going for accuracy on a shorter drive, narrow your stance and tee the ball about halfway into the ground for more control. Either way, you should draw the club up and back before swinging. To learn how to grip the golf club for different shots, read on!

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