Accuracy First and Distance Later

Hi Guys,

I hope you enjoyed the Masters last week and what a tournament it turned out to be. I am sure you are raring to get out on the course and today i just want to share a thought with you about the need for Accuracy First and Distance Will Later.

Most golfers have one thing in mind, and that is to hit the ball as far as and as long as possible. For the tour pros this is now a good technique as they are capable of still getting to the green in regulation even if they are off the fairway.

A lot of golfers are so fixed on this that they try “Too Hard” and this is one of the main reasons why they will never get as much distance as they are capable of hitting the ball.

So why not change things around and go for accuracy first and foremost and concentrate on distance once you have mastered the art of control.

It’s not much point knocking the ball 270 to 300 yards if it leaves you with a tricky second shot into the green. All you will achieve in doing this is to make the following shots all the more difficult.

A drive down the center of the fairway, albeit 20 – 30 yards shorter, will set you up for a better approach shot and a lower overall score.

By playing with shorter, slower more controlled swings, you will gain control of your shotmaking sooner and you will then be able to gradually increase your driving distance.

You will be learning correct techniques that will hold you in good stead for the rest of your playing career.

By focusing on your accuracy first and starting with smaller swings it will be easier to train your body to develop the correct actions, and these actions will always be needed when you progress to the longer drives.

As your swing becomes repetitive, you can start lengthening the backswing knowing that you will have the correct control to hit the ball not only in the right direction but with increased distance.

So try this quick tip to help with increasing swingspeed and therefore your distance.

On the practice range tee up and hit two shots with each of your six, seven and eight irons. A normal practice swing is better that a full swing.

Now pick up your driver and hit two balls with the same speed and flow of swing you just used on the irons.

I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised because the slower swing will feel more relaxed, and this in turn will lead to a lighter grip, which will let the club head actually swing that little bit faster in the hitting zone.

If you find that your drives are going wayward, then it would be wise to focus on control, even if that means limiting your swing until you are hitting the ball straight.

Just give this one a try and leave me a comment to let me know how you go.

All the best

Richard