Generate more power video

Kevin Craggs discusses some ways to generate more power and find some extra length off the tee when you need it most.

Golf Monthly Top 25 coach Kevin Craggs discusses some ways to generate more power and find some extra length off the tee when you need it most.

Generate more power video

There are certain occasions when a little extra power off the tee could help you reach a par-5 in two or drive a reachable par-4.

However, swinging harder at the ball is a risk (you might lose your timing as well as your accuracy).

Instead try to lock your focus onto the mechanics of the swing that generate speed and by that I mean the mobility of your upper body.

Before you address your ball, make a few practice swings with your right foot drawn back. As you reach the top of the backswing you should feel the resistance between your upper and lower body.

It is this ‘tension’ that creates speed as you whip the club through impact. Make a series of practice swings feeling this resistance and then try to replicate this move as you address the ball for real.

Still make sure you still remember to swing within yourself. Not striking the ball out of the middle of the club face will cause a large loss in distance.

Also, try teeing the ball a little higher to encourage an upwards strike on the ball. This will result in a high launching, low spinning ball flight to induce distance.

The key increased power is to feel like you are trying to turn your back to the target on your backswing.

On your backswing, turn your left shoulder beneath your chin until your shoulder is over your right foot.

Read more top golf swing tips

Don't simply raise your arms. Ensure that you turn your shoulders far enough.

 

Guard against this!

Many golfers swing their arms back without turning their upper bodies. You may feel like you’ve reached the top of the backswing but you’re cheating yourself out of much-needed power.

A big shoulder turn is key to powerful swing. Work on tucking your left shoulder underneath your chin at the top of your backswing.

Shot on location at Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Turkey by Tom Miles

Thomas Patrick Clarke
Sports Digital Editor


Tom Clarke joined Golf Monthly as a sub editor in 2009 being promoted to content editor in 2012 and then senior content editor in 2014, before becoming Sports Digital Editor for the Sport Vertical within Future in 2022. Tom currently looks after all the digital products that Golf Monthly produce including Strategy and Content Planning for the website and social media - Tom also assists the Cycling, Football, Rugby and Marine titles at Future. Tom plays off 16 and lists Augusta National (name drop), Old Head and Le Touessrok as the favourite courses he has played. Tom is an avid viewer of all golf content with a particularly in depth knowledge of the pro tour.