The 4 essentials of a long drive

There are a multitude of steps that go into an effective golf swing. But if you want more power, these four things can get you there:

1. Contact

The first thing to figure out if you want to get the most out of your driver – or any of your clubs – is contact. This is a multi-step process all on its own. Whether you figure it out yourself or with the help of a coach, until you make solid contact (you hear the crack, feel the impact, see the ball sail down the fairway), you’ll never get the most out of your drives.

2. Strength

Once you have your swing figured out, the next essential step is strength. Overall strength is important, and endurance is important. Golf is a 4- to 5-hour marathon. If you want to shoot your best scores, you can’t fade at the end.

But to hit the ball a long way, raw strength is essential, and specifically-targeted strength is even better. General purpose strength can come from any form of exercise, including weight machines, curls, push-ups, walking, jogging, and any form of strength training.

Specific strength training should focus on legs, shoulders and arms, and particularly any exercise that resembles the down-pulling motion of a golf swing. Swimming is a great exercise for that, rowing is helpful, as are other arm strength exercises in the weight room. And, of course, some regular trips to the driving range to bolster your driving strength are also essential.

My secret weapon has been the Exer-Genie, a strength resistance device that I attach to a post above and behind me that allows me to do the entire golf downswing and follow-through with stiff, steady resistance throughout the entire swing. (Coming soon, “The Perfect Swing Strength Solution”).

But building strength in any and every form is essential to a longer drive.

3. Flexibility

 Solid contact and strength are a good start, but to get the maximum out of your swing, you need flexibility – the ability to make a full backswing and a full follow-through as smoothly and effortlessly as possible.

A stiff back or hips can dramatically affect your ability to take a full hard swing, not only with the driver, but with all of your clubs. The looser you are, the smoother your swing.

In order to develop flexibility, it just takes a few minutes of stretching every day or so. Focus on the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Looser and more flexible shoulders, hips, and back, should give you a greater backswing and follow-through, as well as a smoother swing from top to finish.

4. Pre-game stretching

Much of that strength and flexibility training will be wasted if you don’t stretch before the game. You want to be as loose a possible before you take your first drive. That may mean lying on your back on the floor before you leave home, and doing some hip, legs, back, and shoulder stretching.

Once you get to the course, do some standing stretches of your arms, shoulders, back, and hips until you feel as loose and flexible as possible.

Focus on those 4 essential steps and you’ll be bombing longer drives in no time.

— Gene Walden, Golf Cross Fitness