Tee It High and Let It Fly?

Tee it high and let it fly? Is that what you need to do to get more distance off the tee? Maybe so, read on.

I’ve been a golf pro since 1967 and I started studying clubfitting about 20 years ago. I was active in the Golf business for about 10 years until back problems forced me into other professions. In 2000 I ventured back into the golf business when I started building golf clubs to sell as a semi hobby profession. Then I met Tom Wishon and learning about golf club design, shaft designs and clubfitting. Like a brave new world of golf.

Back to more distance. One thing I’ve learned over the past 20 years is what it takes to maximize your ability to hit longer tee shots and get the most out of your golf game.

• Clubhead Speed – Clubhead speed creates ball speed and the faster the golf ball comes off the face the farther it will fly. But…
• Launch angle and trajectory – Regardless of the speed the ball comes off the face if it doesn’t come off at the right angle, or launch angle, you will not get maximum distance no matter how fast it is.
• Launch Angle – It’s all about physics at this point. The right angle for the speed you produce will determine how far the ball will fly before it falls out of the air.
• Trajectory – The shape of the shot while in the air. How high you launch and how steep is the descent.
• Roll Out – Your angle of descent determines the roll out you get on your tee shots. About 30° is best for most of us.
• Golf Ball – Then there is the golf ball. The compression of the ball and the dimple pattern of the ball and how the ball is designed to spin at different speeds.
• Center Face Contact – Very Important! No matter how fast you can swing a club if you don’t hit the center of the face and get maximum energy transfer into the ball you will never get maximum distance from your swing.
• Ball Position and Tee Height – You have to strike the ball on the upswing or with a positive Angle of Attack to get maximum distance. To do this you have to play the ball forward of the lowest point in your swing and tee it higher.
• Club Fitting Your Swing – How do you get all of the above? You have to have a club fit to your swing and ability that allows you to get all of the above. Not just any club at any weight, balance point, length, loft and design will work for you. Think of what fit means. Will any belt work? Will any pair of shoes work? Any pants, shirt, coat, etc.? No, you need the right size for you.

• What is the right weight, balance point, length, loft and design for you?
• Where do I find someone who can help you get the right club?

A positive angle of attach (hit it on the upswing) will add distance for most.

Take a look at some my drivers while you are here. The prices are base prices before I select the right shaft for you based on your information. Look at the shafts in my store to see shaft prices.