Driving strategy

Written by Alex Nicolson PGA coach

Featuring Grant Willman, PGA Regional Tour player, and recent winner of the National PGA trainees matchplay championship.

Inconsistent driving is often as much to do with inconsistent preparation as with a faulty swing. This is a guide to getting your driving to behave itself more often by ensuring that the little things support the biggest shot in the bag.

• Pick the right shot . Survey the land, pick a line and a club. Take into account the side you don't want to miss it, and also whether you need to hit the driver.

• See the shot clearly in your mind. This is not about positive thinking just to give you a nice happy glow before each shot, it's about giving your brain a clear instruction.

• Aim the club first , check the face is aimed at the target then put the body in position using the clubhead as your reference for your feet.

• Set-up – one of the key elements of driving is alignment. Shoulder alignment is frequently the factor that determines a good day from a bad one. When putting the body in position try to get feet and shoulders parallel to the target line . Don't fall into the trap of opening the shoulders as you take one last look at the target. It gives you a better view, but it virtually guarantees you will pull across the ball – often resulting in a slice. That last look should be by swivelling the head so as to preserve the shoulder line.

• Swing – swings are too individual to preach identical mechanics to everyone, but common features of the “good driving day” are comments like, “It felt effortless”. By focusing on smooth acceleration, the golfer can find that ideal and often elusive balance between making a positive swing and being relaxed.

• Commit to the shot . As with all the shots we will be teaching, a good routine encourages you to go through the logical thought process of seeing what you want, making a decision and committing to it. Many fairways are missed because swings lacked purpose and decelerated. Whatever line you pick or club you take off the tee, commit to the shot completely. It is more important to be decided than right.