Hitting a good drive is an incredibly important part of golfing. Your driver sets you up for success, and it’s the one tool you have to get as close as possible to the putting green in a single swing.
A good drive in golf ranges from 200 to 300 yards (183-274 m) for men and 150 to 200 yards (137-183 m) for women. Pro golfers often drive between 280 to 320 yards (256-293 m), but an amateur doesn’t have to compare to these numbers. You can improve your drive by adjusting your footing and swing.
Throughout this post, I’ll show you how you can know if you have a good drive in golf, how you can improve it, and how long it takes to get better. Enjoy!
How Do I Know if My Golf Drive Is Good?
You know if your golf drive is good by comparing it to other amateurs of your age and gender. Bomb Tech Golf reports that the average male golfer hit about 216 yards (198 meters) with a driver, while the average female hit 148 yards (135 meters).
Do your best to get as close to these numbers as possible if you want to have a better drive. You can also review some of the golf driving tips mentioned below.
How To Make Your Golf Drive Better?
To make your golf drive better, follow these steps:
- Improve your shoulder positioning. Golf explains that your shoulders should be slightly back when you’re standing. Your back shoulder should be tilted slightly downward from your right shoulder, allowing more power when you contact the ball.
- Choose the right driver for you. Your driver makes all the difference. For example, the flight bias will affect how low or high the ball goes, how long it hangs in the air, and more. Your driver can also change its weight distribution.
- Follow through with your swing. Don’t stop the swinging motion until the club is parallel to your leading shoulder. This will ensure that you make complete contact and force the ball toward the green.
- Loosen your hips and roll them with the swing. Locking your hips is one of the most common driving mistakes. Your back hip should lift on your backswing, then dip forward as you drive down the course.
How Long Does It Take To Improve Your Golf Drive?
It can take between three to six months to improve your golf drive. This assumes you’re able to visit the course regularly. Remember, you can practice your swing without hitting a ball. Head out to your garage or your backyard, then practice your backswing, follow-through, and hip movements, and address positioning.
According to Stitch Golf, you should expect to spend at least half a year mastering the art of hand-eye coordination. This process takes a long time, but it works like a snowball effect. Once you learn how to swing and drive properly, everything becomes exponentially easier.
Final Thoughts
While hitting a solid drive can be difficult, it’s more than worth the effort. A top-notch golf drive will bring you much closer to the green, drastically improving your chances of getting over par. It’s also very satisfying to get as close to the pro’s distance as possible!