Joe Miller is a beast of a man in person. On the golf course he uses an enormous amount of brute strength and power to hit a golf ball a long way.
Performing live he is absolutely awesome. He is a two time World Long Drive Champion, in 2010 with a drive of 414 yards, and in 2016 with a drive of 438 yards.
In his latest swing video from Facebook, he is showing off his amazing swing. Lately Joe is consistently topping 150 mph of clubhead speed, and as much as 228 mph ball speed! His drives are going about 430, mostly in the air.
Now, Joe does not swing in an orthodox way. This is not a swing that I would advocate copying in every way. It works for Joe and his body build. It is designed for the highest speed and distance possible. He would be the first to tell you that he doesn’t always know where the ball is going…but competing in long drive means he doesn’t have to play his crooked shots.
But the average golfer can still learn a few valuable things about hitting longer drives from Joe Miller’s golf swing. Check it out:
First, most people can squeeze out more distance by lengthening their backswing and follow through. It’s ok to dip a bit past parallel at the top as long as you aren’t letting the lead arm bend too much and allowing the arc to collapse or get narrow. Allow the clubhead to freely whip over the shoulder after impact and collide with the collar line at the base of the neck.
Second, Joe’s tempo going back is much faster than most people. If you want an instant boost to your clubhead speed, try taking your driver back more briskly on the backswing. Feel and allow the extra momentum to wind up the big muscles in your shoulders and back.
Third, you should copy Miller by making an aggressive weight shift to the front foot. In this video, Joe is shifting his weight so completely that his rear foot becomes nearly weightless and drags along the ground. Mike Austin was known for his foot drag as well.
Finally, many golfers would benefit from Joe Miller’s ‘All Out’ attitude. I’ve encountered lots of people who simply swing too ‘smoothly.’ Be both fast AND smooth instead.
Keep up with Joe Miller coming up at the World Series of Long Drive in Dubai, over the summer on the Long Drivers European Tour, and in the fall as he goes for his third world title.
