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Many people complain about not being able to hit the ball well with their woods, and in particular their driver.
From what I've seen, poor quality contact is a major problem for many players. One of the most common faults with the driver is the fact that the angle of attack into the ball is far too steep, even to the extent that some players take divots when teeing off with a wood!!
The result is either a very low ball flight due to the lack of 'loft' on the club at impact (you can get away with being a bit steep to a certain extent with an iron as they have far more 'loft'), or a slicing flight as the club cuts across the ball with an open face.
When using a driver, the angle of attack should be very shallow, even slightly on the up swing, so, if your angle of attack is correct there should be no need to touch the ground at all with the club head.
Before trying the following tip, go back to basics and check that you are setting up to the ball correctly with the driver. We need to make some slight changes before the swing starts in order to help achieve the correct angle of attack into the ball:
Set-up to a drive with the insides of the heels spread to the width of the shoulders. That gives you a good 'anchored' base.
The ball should be played in the forward part of your stance, opposite the inside of the left heel (for right-handed players). Then it is waiting to be 'collected' with an upward sweeping motion as the club head begins its ascent.
Notice in the photo how the hands appear slightly behind the ball at address. This promotes the upward contact you are looking for with the least lofted club in the bag.
PRIZE QUIZ!
YOU could win a free golf lesson with a PGA professional valid until July 31 plus a BD5 gift voucher for use at the Riffa Views Golf & Leisure shop at Country Mall, Budaiya by emailing Sue Addison at s.addison@theroyalgolfclub.com with your answer to this question: What shape will the new academy building be at the Royal Golf Club? A draw will be made from all the correct answers on Monday and the winner's name will be announced in this column next week. Normal GulfWeekly contest rules apply.
To ensure that golfers of all abilities are ready for the grand opening of the new Royal Golf Club in November, Chris is sharing his advice for the perfect tee off - make sure your first hit on Monty's fantastic new course is your proudest golfing memory! If you would like to practice Chris's tip as soon as possible, why not head down to the new public driving range at Bahrain Golf Club in Riffa? Alternatively, if you would like Chris to give you a one-on-one lesson, please contact him on mobile 39797633 to make a reservation.
He is available to conduct lessons at Bahrain Golf Club's driving range over the summer months until he is set up permanently at the Royal Golf Club's new academy in the autumn.
