This simple setup move will add distance to your drives

I have always struggled to consistently “hit” my driver.

Whenever I focus on swinging the ball and getting it up in the air, my contact tends to suffer. Because of this, I’ve always been content playing with a relatively neutral player angle of attack with the big stick.

This approach works for pros on the PGA Tour. But for weekend warriors, it’s not ideal. Tour pros can get away with a neutral (or even negative) angle of attack thanks to their high head speeds. When you’re moving that fast, a lighter shot doesn’t cost much distance, and they’re happy to trade a little power for accuracy. However, for recreational players with slower swing speeds, ball striking is essential for maximizing distance.

During a lesson last winter with GOLF Top 100 Teachers Jason Baile, something finally clicked for me. I didn’t need to adjust my swing to hit the ball – I just needed to make a small change in my setup.

At address, Baile had me “bump” my hip a little toward the target. This positioned my lead hip slightly higher than my trail hip, which naturally increased my angle of attack without me having to think about it.

After incorporating this fix, I saw immediate results. Whereas I used to hover around -1 or 0, my angle of attack is now between 2 and 3. As a result, my drives launch higher and with less spin, making my swing more efficient and powerful.

“No one has ever gotten worse by upgrading their setup,” Baile said.

When you dial in your setup, the game becomes much easier. If you struggle to hit your driver, try this – you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to hit the club head with a positive attack angle.

3 things I’m thinking

1. The data I’m mining. Data Golf has long been the standard for advanced analytics in men’s golf, and now this insight is available at even the women’s game. It should do for much more informed analysis when it comes to the women’s game, that’s something we can all celebrate.

2. Nelly is in charge. Speaking of Data Golf’s rankings, this should come as no surprise Nelly Korda is the highest ranked player in their women’s rankings. And with 2.92 strokes gained per round, she’s in the same neighborhood as the top-ranked men’s golfer, Scottie Scheffler, who gains 2.95 strokes per round.

3. The Return of Rory. Rory McIlroy won’t be playing it at this week’s signature event in Doral, but he has committed to next week’s Truist Championship. Will the friendly confines of Quail Hollow (where he has won four times) suffice? avoid a post-Masters hangover?

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