Enjoy drive of your life

In his last section on how to improve our golf game, professional Gregor Wright tackles driving and highlights how Major and Ryder Cup star Jon Rahm’s unorthodox style hasn’t stopped him being one of the best off the tee. HITTING UP ON THE DRIVER

Jon Rahm has provided a ‘stripe’ show with his driver over the last few years from the Masters to the Ryder Cup, having the ball on a string and hitting it exactly where he wants it to go.

His swing could be classed as unorthodox, as it’s shorter than others on the tour, but he does not lack distance and it is all about playing functional golf… that is how I like to coach, as every individual moves and swings differently and you have to work to that, like Rahm’s limited mobility in his right foot.

He cannot just swing it ‘longer’. But with the shorter swing, the rest of his body needs to move out of the way very quickly in the downswing to allow him to get into the ‘ideal’ impact position with the driver to achieve his desired angle of attack to provide maximum launch and distance.

But we cannot all move like Jon. TV commentators are always talking about hitting up on the ball with the driver. But the common question I get asked is how do I it? It all starts with the set-up.

1 Ball position.

2 Weight distribution – make sure you are even left/right (50/50).

3 The ball being forward naturally tilts your spine back to hit up on the ball.

4 Sweep it, don’t steep it.

5 Grip it and rip it.

Rahm does this effortlessly… try this drill to help you ‘hit up’ on the ball.

Drill: Set up as per the images and place your headcover ahead of the ball on the edge of the mat. Practice making full swings at the tee, while missing the headcover. Then introduce the ball.

But, you must have a customfitted driver to ensure you have the right driver loft to maximise your potential outcome.

SWING WHEN YOU’RE WINNING: Jon Rahm has enjoyed much success off the tee.