Whether you’re just starting out or working on your game, you’ll probably be focusing your energy on mastering the basic shots. Your drive, also known as the tee shot, is one of these. The first shot of the hole, the drive sets you up for the rest of play. Given the importance of the shot, we thought we’d share three tips to help you improve your drive and consequently your game as a whole. So what are you waiting for? Get your clubs ready and come and practise at the world-class courses and academies in the Costa del Sol.
How to improve your drive
As soon as you make your way to the tee and start to take your stance, you’re setting yourself up for your first shot of the hole: the drive. You’ll want to use the right club for the type of hole and course you’re playing. Generally speaking, the driver is the most common choice with woods being preferred for long holes and irons selected for shorter holes. Once you’ve identified the right club for the hole, follow these three tips to help you finetune your driving technique.
1. Make sure your tee is well positioned
First things first. Take your tee - the small stand used to elevate the stationary ball before you strike - and make sure it is well positioned in the grass. What do we mean by well positioned? Well, this will depend on the terrain: whether it slopes to the left, slopes to the right or is flat. Here are some general indications for you to follow:
- If the terrain slopes to the left, place the tee lower in the ground.
- If the terrain slopes to the right, place the tee higher in the ground.
- If the terrain is flat and you’re aiming straight, place the tee just above the grass if you’re playing with an iron or hybrid. If you’re playing with a driver, place the tee at the normal height.
And an additional tip: if you’re aiming straight, step on the grass behind the ball to flatten it. The drive is the only shot you can do this without being penalised.
2. Stand to the side of the tee that will put you at an advantage
The side of the tee you stand on will have an impact on the trajectory of your shot. This is normally related to the way you naturally hit the ball and will influence the direction your ball curves in the air, resulting in a draw or a fade. Our advice would be to get a club fitting at a prestigious academy such as to give you an insight into your swing and how you can improve your stance. Players that have a tendency to slice generally feel more comfortable to the right of the tee while players that tend to draw will find it more beneficial to be to the left, depending - of course - on the layout of the hole.
3. Be smooth and natural
The key to hitting a great drive is having a smooth, easy and natural swing. And though this might seem difficult, the good news is that you can work on it. Whatever you do, don’t force your swing; instead be mindful of your posture while moving in a way that feels natural to you. Before taking your stance, think about where you want your ball to end up and how you will have to strike the ball to achieve this. This will help you avoid hitting the ball too hard.
The importance of choosing a quality academy
Your drive dictates how you will play the rest of the hole. Get it right and you’ll be on par, but get it wrong and you’ll need additional shots to reach the green. You’ll need to practise, practise and practise some more to master this basic shot, and the best way is with a pro by your side. The Costa del Sol - one of the most popular European destinations among golf pros and amateurs - is home to world-class academies where you can learn from the very best. Choose the course and academy for you and then work on finetuning your technique. With courses straddling the coast and the mountains and boasting unbeatable facilities, the province of Malaga has got everything you need to improve your game. So why don’t you come and check it out for yourself?
