How can you develop more power in your golf swing? This is probably a question that all of us want an answer to. Most of us go to great lengths to do whatever it takes to get that “power” into our drives off
tee. I think we probably all have some ideas of where 300-yard drives come from, but I want to give you answers without any “fluff.” Golf swing power is result of three specific factors. Two out of three are much more important, but third does have a bearing on outcome of how far you hit that ball.
The first and probably most evident of three is your swing mechanics. I bet you are not surprised by this one.
The second one is probably least recognized of three, but for many is “key” to longer drives and category that is given least amount of attention. Number two is what we term golf strength. This is defined as how well your body is conditioned (i.e. fitness) to swing a golf club with maximum power. Probably least understood of three, and maybe most needed by golfers in general. We will talk more about this later. Let us move on to number three in regards to power for your drives.
Number three is your equipment. Yes, equipment does make a difference in how far you drive ball. The equipment manufacturers have let this fact be known, and I bet we all have gone to pro shop probably more than twice to pick up a new driver that claims to give us another 20 yards on every drive. That extra 20 yards might not be down middle of fairway, but it will give you an extra 20 yards… could be left, could be right, or could be in center of fairway. That all depends on points one and two of this article. Equipment and technological advances have definitely lengthened distance of our drives. But without better swing mechanics and your body in better golf shape, new technology will not help your game. A bad swing will produce a bad result, regardless of what type of “new” driver you may have just purchased.
Swing Mechanics
I think all of us are aware of how important mechanics of a swing are when it comes to driving ball down fairway. It is essential, if you are over top with your swing or come inside too much, you’ll see that dreaded slice or snap hook. The drives will be short, too low, too high, left, right, or a combination of these if you are putting bad swings on ball.
It is essential for a golfer to work on mechanics of their swing, week in and week out, to improve their game. If it weren’t important why would all these tour players have swing coaches that work with them on a consistent basis? The golf swing is such a finite, mechanically complex movement, that requires constant work to keep it highly efficient and in check.
One of most common mistakes I see amateurs make is probably a lack of instruction. I see amateurs over and over at driving ranges, week in and week out, pounding balls without any improvement. This, I feel, is a result of one of two things: 1) a lack of instruction or 2) low levels of golf strength. A lack of instruction leads to development and ingraining of improper swing mechanics. This only results in slices, hooks, topping ball, and hitting it fat on course. And we all know that those types of swings lead to frustration and bad rounds of golf. I would suggest to most anyone to find a good instructor and take lessons on a consistent basis. This can only help your game in long run. Now moving on second point of how to achieve powerful drives and that is golf strength.
Golf Strength (Golf Fitness)
Golf strength is a term we use to describe golf fitness level of an individual pertaining to swinging a club. This is much different than how much you can bench press or squat, which I like to refer to as “weight room strength.” Understand that these two terms, golf strength and weight room strength, are very different. If you do not quite understand difference, ask yourself one question: How many bodybuilders do you see teeing it up on Tour? The answer to that question is quite obvious, none!
