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HOW TO HIT THE BIG STICK
BY TOM ATKINSON, PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL
This could be the one you’ve been waiting for - how to hit the big
stick!
To maximise your distance off the tee you need to find the optimal
launch and spin conditions for your swing, specifically with the
driver as this means you need more of an upward hit on the ball.
I see too many golfers losing distance because their launch angle is
too low. This doesn’t usually come from just one swing fault. Have a
look at these fixes and see if any of them help you:
this rehearsal a few times prior to taking the tour shot in your pre shot
routine, or try this drill when you’re out practicing. Place another tee
peg in the ground 4”- 6” in front of the ball, aim to miss it on your
follow through, this will help you to develop the correct angle of attack
through the hit.
Spine Angle
We like to try and create a spine angle that is perpendicular to the
ground we are standing on, this is true of a shot where the ball is
on the floor and we need to hit down on it with a low point further
to the left but the ball wants to be collected on the way up with the
driver, add some axis tilt to your set up to help this.
We never want too much lateral movement (sway) on the golf swing
but with the driver you need to get more pressure in the trail leg
making you feel more behind the ball. This backswing move puts you
in a great position to drive towards the target using the lower body and
launch that golf ball off the tee.
See how you go, don’t forget that your target is much bigger than when
you’re hitting into a green so don’t be too critical of yourself if you
don’t hit the centre stripe each time.
Feelings are a huge part of golf, with this shot you need a low to high
feel, imagine the club moving upward as you strike the golf ball, do
78 wirrallife.com
You can contact Tom at Heswall Golf Club on 0151 342
7431, www.heswallgolfshop.co.uk or @heswallgolfshop.