A lot of the better players, especially older golfers, that I coach understand quite clearly that more distance for the sake of accuracy won’t help their games.
However, they are usually under the impression that you can’t have both. What made Mike Austin unique was not the great distance that he could drive the ball, but how straight he hit it.
These golfers are usually club players, and vary from 0 handicaps to around 7. They have never had the experience of totally dominating a golf course, and how easy it becomes when you can overpower holes. It is very difficult to convince this group to swing outside their comfort zone. They only want to swing smoothly. What they need is to increase their ‘cruising’ speed’. Maybe this is you too.
It is possible to dramatically increase your clubhead speed on a smooth swing – but you won’t get there without leaving your normal range of effort. You must push. You must train with the intent of swinging all out. Fpr most good golfers who are used to play under control, it will take a swing completely out of control – I often use the phrase ‘reckless abandon’.
Ernie Els is a great model of smooth power – he looks totally under control and rhythmic:
But the speed is there even at cruising speed – with more if he reaches down for it. Here is the ultimate smoothie:
Snead was as long as anyone playing back then.
I recommend that when you are practicing at the driving range, and you get to the driver, that you follow this simple routine:
1. Hit 5 drives with your smooth swing. Find your rhythm and timing.
2. Swing 5 times all out. You must explode and activate all muscle fibers.
3. Rest one minute.
Repeat this process a total of 5 times. Yes it is more driver swings than you are used to taking, and you can even work up to a larger bout when you’re ready.
Within a few weeks, your smoothest swing will become faster, and faster. You should gain 5 mph in 5 weeks, which will equate to around 14 yards of distance.