Who doesn’t want to hit it further?

We’ ll show you how to eke out extra yard age from your swing, driver and ball

They say power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I don’t necessarily agree with that, especially when it comes to the game of golf. Look at the world rankings. The current top five in the world – including No.1 Dustin Johnson – are all power players. They hit it as far as they can, and rarely hold back. In fact, as I write this, only Jordan Spieth in the top 10 in the world isn’t really a bomber – he’s just the world’s best putter.

Last year, we published some stats from score tracker Game Golf which revealed the average amateur driving distance (all handicaps, all ages) is 219.55 yards. Game Golf broke it down further to reveal that a five handicapper (or better) averages 251 off the tee, while your 10-19 handicappers are nearer 215. They even broke it down into age groups – those 30-40 hit it about 230 most of the time; 50-60s about 220 and over 60s just dip below 200.

Of course, these are just averages and we can all bunt one out there when the wind is on our backs and the fairway is rock hard. But hands up – who doesn’t want more distance?

This issue we’ve dedicated a chunk of space to the subject, covering things like tips (from Open champ Henrik Stenson, as well as TG Top 50 teacher Gareth Johnston), what a great drive looks like and why you’re missing out if you’re using an older – and especially unfitted – driver. It all starts on page 89.