J.J. Smothers has worked at a major Midwest newspaper for more than five years, designing covers and special sections, editing copy and also providing the occasional byline. In his free time he enjoys spending a night with family and friends, working on small projects around the house with his fiancee, heading outside for a run or to the gym for a pickup game of basketball.
SUPPLIES
- Golf clubs
- Golf balls
- Golf tees
Overview
Learning how to hit a golf ball straight is the surest way to help you lower your score. Keeping the ball in the fairway off the tee or hitting a green in regulation instead of a bunker or water hazard will dramatically improve your game and help keep your stress level on the golf course to a minimum. Consistently hitting the ball straight, while challenging, also adds distance to your tee and iron shots.
Step 1
Learn where to play the ball in your stance. If you are using a driver, play the ball farther ahead in your stance, closer to your left foot (for a right-handed golfer). As the clubs get smaller, move the ball farther back in your stance and gradually closer to your right foot.
Step 2
Stand far enough away from the ball to let your arms and club hang naturally. The longer the club, the farther you need to stand away from the ball. Experiment until you've found a stance that feels comfortable with each club.
Step 3
Keep your feet a comfortable distance apart. They need to be far enough apart to be able to shift your weight to build momentum during your swing, but close enough so you are not off-balance.
Step 4
Make sure your feet are parallel to your target and that your knees are not locked. One of the most common mistakes, especially when hitting a driver, is not lining up your shot properly.
Step 5
Lean back on your right foot (for right-handed golfers) so that roughly 65 percent of your weight is resting on it. This helps with building your momentum during the backswing. Swing away with your club and keep practicing these techniques until you feel comfortable and are hitting the ball straight.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Consistently hitting the ball straight, especially with a driver, is considered the most challenging part of the game of golf. Weekend warriors should not expect to hit the ball straight every time. Even the PGA Tour pros you see on television hit a bad shot from time to time. Practicing the above techniques, and getting tips from club pros, on a regular basis will help in the process.
