Distance is simply put the "Holy Grail" of the golfing world.
No matter how far you hit it, you always want to hit it further- its a macho thing.
If you can out drive your buddy's you feel like the alpha male, the pack leader.
Let me tell you I would give anything to hit the ball another 10 yards, well...
nearly anything.
How in the name of Tiger do those pro's hit it so far??? Are they bribing the marshals? Well that's what I sometimes tell myself when I struggle to get it over 220.
"On a proper golf course that would have rolled another 20" Who am I kidding? It is me I am in need of a drastic golf surgery and please hurry I am in a critical condition.
What is that they are doing that I am not ??? Well there is definitely something.
But, those tour guys are only weaklings compared to those freaks on the long drive tours.
Those guys hit it further than I go on holiday.
I mean we are talking 380 and 90's consistently.
There is no guy on tour not even the longest hitters that can come close to that.
But you know what these long drive guys are monsters..
aren't they.
Well the answer is yes but there is also a senior long drive tournament.
Now these guys don't have the same physique in fact I think the "average Joe" tag would be most appropriate in describing them.
Now this is where I got to thinking.
If these guys are hitting it miles and look like me, "what are they doing that I am not".
Like everything in life 'it is easy when you know how!".
It is all about clubhead speed.
More clubhead speed is equal to more distance simple.
But swinging as fast as you can aimlessly is not the answer.
This just leads to a downward spiral which effects every part of your game.
The key is to hit the ball further with a reasonable amount of effort e.
g.
a effort level that won't leave you panting and with ligament damage.
For years I have been listening to the advice of my playing partners, to the chime of "nope, you lifted your head" .
Well if I had a dime for every time I heard that I would be a very happy man.
Little did I know that this advice all though given to me with kind intentions was actually causing me more harm than good.
Forcing the head to stay down or in a stationary position throughout the swing cannot only cause injury but is also technically incorrect.
I didn't find this out until I started to research the golf swing.
I have found numerous websites that promise quick fixes, drastic results and that is great after all even if they don't provide you with 50 extra yards - I can tell you this they won't have a detrimental effect on your game.
This game is all about learning, a process of trial and error , something I realised instantly while reading Ben Hogan's "Five fundamentals of Golf" ( a book I would advise any keen golfer to read).
He went through vigorous practice sessions where he tinkered with his swing seeing if they worked and incorporating them if the held up under the test of time and most importantly competition.
In this modern era however the answers are out there for all to see they are in books, articles, in videos and all kinds of differing media.
Although all of these may hold the key to unlocking your golfing potential - there is no harm in trying.