After watching the US Open, you can see a real premium for hitting fairways and greens. Here are a few keys to work on with your swing to improve your ball striking and help you hit more fairways and greens.

1.  Consistent Set Up – Make sure you are addressing the ball with the same Pre-Swing Set up with each swing.

Grip – Is your hand position the same with each club and each shot? Is your grip pressure the same with each swing? The answer to both of these questions should be “yes” unless you are trying to work the ball in a different flight pattern than your normal shot and desired ball flight. Check your grip by counting how many knuckles are visible on the left hand and fingernails on the right hand. If you want the ball to stop slicing, lighten the left hand pressure; if you want to correct a hook, firm up the pressure in the last three fingers. Find the key that works with your desired ball flight and stay with it.

2.  Consistent Swing Plane – Your swing plane should be similar with each club.  Your swing plane will automatically become more upright with shorter irons than longer woods due to the length of the shaft and your distance from the ball at address. You should be trying to swing the club on a similar plane.

Backswing – Position the club over your right shoulder and finish with the club over your left shoulder. This is a good path to swing the club on and a swing that can be duplicated when you have added pressure on your swing. Another way to think of this position is to point the club shaft at the target at the top of the backswing. 

3.  Consistent Weight Shift  – You must be consistent with your weight shift.

Right Foot, Left Foot – This is a simple key and reminder to shift to the right foot on the backswing and finish with the weight on your right foot at the finish. You will not shift all of your weight onto the right foot on the backswing, shoot for about 75%. For maximum power you will want to shift all your weight to the left foot by the finish of your swing.

4.  Maintain good balance from Address to Finish – Start with your weight balanced, slightly more on the right foot than left. Your weight should be balanced of the balls of your feet, just slightly ahead of the middle of your foot. Good balance throughout the golf swing will improve your ability to hit the center of the clubface and improve your ball striking.

For more information on Driver Fitting or assistance with your golf game, contact Mark Oswald at moswald@orovalleycountryclub.com or visit Acceleratedgolfacademy.com.