Keep it in play off the tee

A good long drive is fun but doesn't always help if it's way out of bounds. (Photo by Paul Nasri/Copley News Service)

Tina Mickelson
Copley News Service
6/27/2008 7:57:25 AM

Keeping the ball in play off the tee is more important than how far you hit it.

A 300-yard drive does you no good if your ball is out of bounds. To increase your odds of hitting your drive straight, swing at only 80 percent of your potential power. You will hit the ball on the sweet spot more often with a controlled swing.

By using 80 percent of your potential power, your tempo and timing improve as well. It may surprise you that your ball goes just as far, if not farther, with your 80 percent swing.

Hitting the ball on the sweet spot not only results in straighter drives, but more distance as well.