A common question that we receive is whether or not the driver set up is different from other clubs. The short answer is yes it is. Let’s dive into it.
Stance Width:
Stance width with your driver should be the widest of all your clubs. Slightly wider than shoulder width. Also, you should flare your front foot (left foot for a right handed golfer) slightly open to the target.
Why: We swing the hardest and generate the most speed with a driver and therefore need a stable base to support that speed. A wider base combined with the correct spine tilt, will promote the correct angle of attack and club path through impact with a driver.
Ball position:
Ball position with a driver should be off the instep of your lead foot
Why: Ball position is critical to achieve the correct angle of attack and club path. We are looking to achieve an angle of attack between -1 degree to +3 degrees with a driver. The forward ball position will encourage the club to be swinging less DOWN than other clubs. The forward ball position will also help the club shaft at set up to be in the proper position, which is slightly leaned backwards away from your target
Posture and spine tilt:
Your posture with your driver should be the same as it is with other clubs in terms of how far you are leaned forward. Just because this is your longest club, does not mean that you need to stand more upright. You will simply be farther from the ball.
Your spine tilt should be slightly away from the target. This means that you will be leaned to the right (for a right handed golfer), and that your pelvis will be bumped slightly towards the target. Your lead shoulder (closest to the target) should be higher than your trail
shoulder.
Why: We want your posture to be consistent with all your clubs. The spine tilt away from the target is key with a driver as it will shallow the angle of attack, and allow you to hit slightly up on the ball. The tilt away from the target will also allow the path to be slightly more from the inside which is ideal for a driver.
Body lines:
Make sure that your stance, knees, hips, forearms and shoulders are square or even slightly closed to your target line.
Why: With a driver we want to deliver the club slightly from the inside (Slightly right for a right handed golfer). By setting up square or even slightly closed, this is easier
Weight distribution:
At set up, your weight should be between 50% front vs. 50% back to 45% front vs. 55% back. This depends on your tendencies and the type of shot that you are trying to hit.
Why: If your weight is slightly back, it is easier to make a full turn off the ball, and it makes hitting up on the ball easier.
Remember, always check your set up and keep it simple
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