Play Better Golf - Technique Before Power
I love the first tee. I know a lot of people hate that part of the game, but I always look forward to it because it gives me a chance to see golfers at their best (or worst). Within the space of 5 minutes (or however long the line-up is), you get to see golfers of all abilities in action.
One thing I can tell you is that you can't judge a book by its cover. I've seen the fittest, most confident people burn the golf ball through the grass, hook, slice, top the ball, or simply miss altogether (ouch). I've also witnessed the most unassuming players connect so solidly that the echo is heard around the course as the ball explodes down the fairway, straight and true.
This tells me that there is hope for us all. It also says that technique is infinitely more important than brute force.
I think one of the mistakes most beginners make is to assume that you have to annihilate the ball to get any distance - That's simply not true. Of course, as you get better, you might want to open up a little and use some of that power, but it's not necessary to get respectable distances as a beginner. Actually, in your attempts to kill the ball, your body is most likely tensing up, and the natural rhythm of your swing is being impeded.
The angle of approach and the centeredness of contact are much more important than the speed of the club. Once you start hitting the ball properly, you should start seeing very respectable distances in your drives.
Remember: Concentrate on your technique (your grip, your stance, and the mechanics of your swing). You must master this first - there are no shortcuts.
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