GOLF INSTRUCTION

Golf Tip: Drive like Lorena Ochoa with a proper set-up

By Karen Palacios-Jansen,
Special to WorldGolf.com

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Although not the longest driver on the LPGA Tour, at 5 feet 5 inches tall and 125 pounds, Lorena Ochoa can belt it out with the best of them. Lorena's 270.6 yard average driving distance ranks third on the LPGA Tour.

So how does an average size woman hit it so far? With a lot of practice and a rock solid set-up that promotes power. If you are looking to increase distance off the tee try this power set-up.

The Correct Angle of Attack at Impact

Angle of attack is the way the clubhead approaches the ball at impact.

To hit the ball correctly in the sweet spot you must understand how the clubhead should approach the ball.

When you hit a driver, the angle of attack is shallow. The clubhead should arrive to the ball at the same level.

This sweeping motion assures that you will hit the ball in the sweet spot.

Set-up Correctly for Power and Distance

In order to achieve the correct angle, you must set-up "behind the ball at address." To do this, play the ball off the inside of the left foot and tilt slightly into your right side so that the head starts behind the driver. You want to have the ball in line with your left ear. This position will help you turn and sweep the ball off the tee at impact.

The most common fault I see with high handicappers is that they have the wrong angle of attack with their drivers. This happens when they set up incorrectly with too much weight on the left side, causing the head to be on top of the ball or even in front of the ball at address.

A reverse pivot follows this set up and causes too steep of an angle of attack. When the clubhead approaches too steeply or from the outside, you will end up hitting the ball on the toe or on the top of the clubhead.

Try This Drill

Practice setting up behind the ball with the driver. Place a club behind your back and make sure that your right shoulder is lower than the left. This angle should set your head behind the ball at address. Practice making a level turn, at the top of your backswing and make sure your left shoulder is over your right knee. If your left shoulder is still over your left knee, then you have a reverse pivot.

Practice your driving set-up in the mirror. Check your alignment and make sure that you are set-up behind the ball at address. Your set-up should promote a sweeping motion.

February 14, 2008

Karen Palacios-Jansen, voted one of America's Top 50 Instructors by Golf for Women magazine, is a LPGA Teaching Professional and an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. She owns Swing Blade Inc., a golf events management company, and her golf-specific program Cardiogolf is available on DVD. Read her golf instruction blog at WorldGolf.com

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication.