How to Use a Driver in Golf
The golf club you will use off of the tee and hit the farthest with is usually the driver. It has a rounded head and it is generally longer than your irons, putter or other woods. Learning how to hit the driver can be difficult; however, when mastered, it can significantly improve your score. The drive is played at the beginning of a par 4 or 5 with the ball sitting on a tee about an inch off the ground.
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Instructions
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Place the golf tee in the ground and put your ball on it. The tee should be approximately 1 to 2 inches out of the ground depending on what size club head you are using. If your driver head is placed directly behind your ball when sitting on the tee, it should be lined up with the center (sweet spot) of your club head.
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Line yourself up with the ball. Assuming you're a right-handed golfer, line the ball up with the inside of your left foot. Your feet should be shoulder width apart. However, some golfers prefer to have their feet slightly farther apart than their shoulders. Have a firm, but relaxed grip on the club.
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Extend your arms so the club head is sitting on the ground directly behind your ball. Your arms should be extended far enough so your elbows are not in contact with your stomach. Do not extend them far enough out so that your elbows are locked.
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Lift your driver off the ground behind you and above your head in a slow manner using your arms and shoulders to do the work. It will seem like you are drawing a circle in the air with your driver. Keep your eye on the ball the entire time you are performing your backswing while also shifting your body weight from your left foot to your right foot. As your golf club starts to ascend above your head and becomes parallel with the ground, you will begin your downswing toward the ball.
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Roll your forearms forward toward the ball as you swing the driver downward. This will make sure you squaring up your club head on impact. After you have come in contact with the golf ball, continue to swing the club upwards. On impact, you should be shifting your weight from your right foot to your left foot to increase the power and momentum placed on the ball. According to Golfgist.com, you should end your swing with 95 percent of your weight on the outside of your left foot.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice, practice, practice. The only way to improve your performance with the driver is go to the driving range or golf course and practice.
If you are having a bad day on the course with your driver, don't get discouraged. Drop down to a 3-wood or 5-wood until you have boosted your confidence.
