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By Earl Svenningsen
President & Director of Instruction
VIP Golf Academy

HIT LONGER

“Form good habits. They’re as hard to break as bad ones.” anonymous

Length is a function of clubhead speed, weight shift, and body turn (torque). Those three elements done together will give you the maximum power. The wider the arc and the faster the club is swung will result in longer tee shots.

Lengthen the arc of your swing by increasing your weight shift to your right side on the backswing. Move as much weight shift as your want, as long as you brace your move to the inside of your right foot. Stretch your arms as you take the club back from the ball. At the top of the swing, reach a little higher. Keep the swing’s length the same, but stretch it by reaching higher.

Now that you have created this added power, you need to effectively transfer it to the ball and through. Recreate the arc of your backswing on the downswing, keeping the swing as fluid and smooth while increasing the speed of the swing as it approaches the striking of the ball and through to the finish.

During the 100 yard dash you do not see the runners stop at the finish line, they sprint well past the finish line before they start slowing down. The same is true in the golf swing. The swing is accelerating to and through the ball. Be sure to finish your swing by letting the club finish over your left shoulder with almost all your weight on the front foot and your belt buckle facing the target.

Remember, even though you have the power, you do not have to use it every time. Long and straight is the best, but straight is almost always better then just longer.