W L
GOLF
GOLF IS BACK
BY TOM ATKINSON , PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL
The US Open has been and gone and we all want to get that extra distance . After all a wedge from the rough is easier than an 8 iron from the rough to correct !
So where does distance come from , speed sticks , gym sessions , quicker swings ? Maybe but let ’ s have a look at the key ingredient , the strike !
Ok so we ’ ve cleared that up , now you ’ ve got to do a little to help yourself . Position the ball up in your stance , front heel is about right and then slightly tilt your spine away from the target , this will encourage an upward sweep . Did you know the average angle of attack on the men ’ s PGA tour is just 1 degree downwards , I ’ d hazard a guess that at your club this would be more like 6 or 7 degrees down .
The middle of the face is the most efficient part of your driver , how do you know if you ’ re using it ? Before you do anything else you will need to test it . I ’ ve used face tape here but if you ’ ve not got any of that then foot powder spray is a great alternative . Notice how the strike mark is very high on the club face , this will lose you speed and increase spin , a terrible combination for those looking for the extra yards . This needs to come down the face somewhat . It ’ s a pattern I see a lot on the amateurs driver . Lots of marks high on the face , even off the top of the club . So how can we get this better ?
I ’ d always start with tee height . Naturally , if the strike was too high up then you ’ d not be laughed at for thinking the tee was too high , unlikely , it ’ s probable that the tee was too low , causing you to hit too steeply on the ball and catching it high on the face rather than middle . So rule number one , for a modern driver , tee the ball up . At least half of the ball should be above the top of the club .
Now you ’ re good to go . Pull the trigger and watch the result . Find the middle and you ’ ve unlocked the key to more ball speed , and more distance .
Good luck - don ’ t forget though that this is likely to be the most inconsistent club in your bag forever so don ’ t be too hard on yourself .
56 wirrallife . com