The Power Equation: Effortless Speed

Distance is the biggest advantage in golf. Hitting a 9-iron into a green is much easier than hitting a 5-iron. But you don't need to look like a bodybuilder to hit the ball far. You need to combine speed with efficiency.

1. The "Smash Factor" (Strike It Center)

Before you try to swing harder, you must swing better. The "sweet spot" on a modern driver is about the size of a dime. If you miss that spot by just half an inch, you can lose 15 yards instantly, even if your swing speed was fast.

• The Test: Spray your driver face with Dr. Scholl's foot spray or use a piece of impact tape. Hit three balls.
• The Goal: If your marks are all over the face, stop trying to kill the ball. Slow down and focus on finding the center. A slow center strike goes further than a fast toe strike.

2. Launch It High (Angle of Attack)

With irons, you want to hit down on the ball. With the Driver, you must hit up. Hitting up launches the ball high with less backspin, creating that "rainbow" flight that runs out when it lands.

The "High Launch" Setup:

• Tee it High: At least half the ball should be above the top of the driver head.
• Ball Forward: Move the ball up so it is opposite your left big toe (for righties).
• The Tilt: At address, drop your right shoulder lower than your left. This pre-sets you to swing upward through the ball.

3. Use the Ground

Power doesn't come from your arms; it comes from the ground. Watch a baseball pitcher or a boxer—they push off the ground to generate force. In golf, we call this the "Step and Throw."

• The Drill: Take a practice swing. As you reach the top of your backswing, feel like you are stomping your left heel into the ground before you swing down. This stomp starts the chain reaction that creates speed.

4. Speed Training

Your brain has a "governor" that stops you from swinging faster than it thinks is safe. You can remove this governor with Overspeed Training. By swinging a club that is lighter than your driver as fast as you can, you teach your nervous system that it is okay to move faster.

Note: Always warm up for 10-15 minutes before attempting max-speed swings to avoid injury.

Additional Reading

If you want to add yards to your drive, these are three of the best resources available:

• TPI: How Powerful Are You? The Titleist Performance Institute is the world leader in golf fitness. This article explains how your body limits your distance.
• 10 Ways to Gain Distance (GOLF.com): A comprehensive list of simple changes (equipment, setup, and swing) that can add yards immediately.
• Trackman: Attack Angle Explained: A simple explanation of why hitting "up" on the ball is the most efficient way to drive, backed by data from the best players in the world.