Brad Redding, a golf instructor for 15 years, and his wife, Kimberly, a pro for five years, describe some of the elements for a winning drive-swing.
Grip : The grip is the golfer's connection to the club, and since the drive requires agility as well as power, the proper grip is extremely important to this aspect of the game. The pad of your left hand (for a right-handed player) should be in contact with the club, while the "lifeline" of your right hand folds over the left thumb (figure A). As you tighten both hands around the club, form an interlocking grip (figure B) that allows freedom for wrist movement. Unlike putting, which utilizes the shoulders while the wrists and forearm are kept stiff, driving depends heavily on flexibility and movement in the wrists. In fact, most of the speed and power of your swing comes from the action of the wrists. That speed and power generated from a whiplike action as you follow through your swing will determine the distance that the ball will travel.
Stance: Since the drive swing requires the exertion of considerable force that derives from the upper body, a good supporting posture is important for maintaining control. Bend forward slightly from the hips with the lower back slightly arched. Your knees should be slightly bent and your weight should be centered over the balls of your feet (figure C). This results in a stable posture that allows the golfer's body to accommodate the speed of the swing.
Clubs: The length of the driver in proportion to the golfer's height is an essential consideration. Another important attribute is the flex of the shaft: more flex makes for a more powerful swing. The loft, established by the angle of the club-face, relates to how high the ball will travel. A club with more loft is preferred for a slower swing. The fundamentals of a good swing -- grip and stance -- are the same for men, women and children. Selection of the right clubs to match the physique of the player may make a big difference -- particularly in driving. Don't assume that having an old set of clubs cut down is a suitable option for a child or shorter player. Shortening clubs alters the flexibility of their shafts, resulting in a stiffer club. Children actually need less weight and more flex in their clubs in order to get more power from their swing.
Family Sports Fun Fact: - The longest recorded drive in the history of golf was made on the moon. Taking advantage of the diminished gravity of the lunar surface, astronaut Alan Shepherd was able to drive a golf ball nearly half a mile -- despite the poor playing surface.
RESOURCES :
Brad Redding Golf Instruction
Brad Redding Golf Instruction
Knoxville, TN 37932
Phone: 865-777-4653
Fax: 865-777-4654
GOLF magazine
Sports Illustrated
Website: www.golfmag.com
Golf Digest magazine
Golf Digest
Website: www.golfdigest.com
PING Golf
Golf clubs and information.
Ping Golf
Website: www.pinggolf.com
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