Many female golfers are at a disadvantage because of lack of driving distance. With a few minor changes, one can improve both their tee shot and golf game.
In the game of golf, driving (or the tee shot) is a very important part of the game. It’s similar to making free throws in basketball, or stepping up to bat in baseball. Simply put, the drive or tee shot is the first shot made on a hole, and the shot results will determine how you maneuver/play the remainder of that hole.
Most beginning golfers have trouble with the tee shot. Men, especially young men, are usually powerful drivers, hitting the ball with lots of power and getting good distance. Consequently, they usually have to work more on ball control than distance. New female golfers on the other hand face another problem, that is a lack of distance and loft when driving.
Kurt Westendorp, the Head Coach of the women’s golf team at Albion College in Michigan, spoke with Suite 101 about his experience coaching female golfers, especially those experiencing problems with drive distance. “I tell them not to be concerned about the par on that hole, just to play their game,” says Westendorp. “Women who can’t drive as far will need to play smarter and make up for it with a better short game.” When asked about how he helps the ladies gain more distance in their drive, Westendorp gives the following tips.
- Work on technique instead of strength - Although strength may be a minor factor in hitting the ball far, Westendorp says he focuses upon swing technique because it fosters the biggest results.
- Improve flexibility - Someone looking to get more driving distance needs to work more on their flexibility. Westendorp says that he makes sure his players stretch well (shoulders, hips, legs, arms and especially the back) and are rid of tightness/hindrances that might affect their ability to have a complete swing.
- Play smart - Westendorp says he teaches his players to play smart, that is using the appropriate clubs, setting up the shot and having proper alignment.
- Follow through on shots - One consistent problem Westendorp witnesses with many young players is a lack of follow through in their swing. Westendorp says that assuming you are a right handed player, your swing should take you completely from the right all the way to the left side. The swing should begin with your weight being on the right side, and end with your weight being on the left hand side.
- Body turns - Appropriate shoulder position and hip twisting is also something Westendorp works on consistently with his players to get good distance and loft. Good turns involve appropriate use of both the hips and shoulders working together.
For an added edge, it's a good idea to develop a daily workout regimen that improves your flexibility, balance, strength and endurance. Some suggestions include: light weight training (use hand weights), stretching, abdominal crunches, knee bends/squats and resistance training.
