Tee-off is more than just a routine; it’s the foundation of a successful hole.
A powerful first swing can elevate your game, while a missed shot can cause self-doubt. With the right approach, you can consistently make the most of your tee shots, hitting longer and straighter drives.
I’ve picked up a few tips that have made my drives more consistent, and I’m sharing them here in the hope they can do the same for you.
Stance Matters: Find Your Power Base
A good tee shot starts with a solid stance. Here’s what works for me—and what might work for you too.
Feet, Meet Foundation
Your feet are like the foundation of a house. Start with them shoulder-width apart. Want more power? Widen your stance slightly.
Looking for control? Bring them closer together. I adjust my stance depending on the club I’m using and the type of shot I want to hit, and whether I’m planning for a splash shot or a different approach.
Weight on Point
Balance is everything. I like to keep my weight evenly distributed, leaning just a hair toward my back foot as I prepare to swing.
As the club comes through, I shift that weight forward—it’s like a smooth dance step that powers my shot.
A Bend in the Knees
Here’s a quick check: Are your knees locked? If they are, unlock them! A slight bend keeps your stance athletic and ready to pivot through your swing. Think of it as staying in “ready-to-launch” mode.
Picking the Right Tool for the Job
Golf is part science, part art—and picking the right club is where the science kicks in. Your choice here can make or break the shot.
Drivers: Distance Demons
The driver is my best friend when I need to crush it off the tee. I tee the ball up nice and high—about half of it sitting above the top of the clubface—and aim to catch it on the upswing.
This setup helps me maximize distance with just the right amount of spin to keep the shot stable.
Fairway Woods & Hybrids: Control Is King
I reach for a fairway wood or hybrid if accuracy prioritizes distance (think narrow fairways or tricky setups).
The ball goes lower on the tee, and I place it slightly forward in my stance. This gives me a more controlled shot that still covers decent ground.
Ball Positioning
Getting the ball in the right spot in your stance can feel like finding the sweet spot on a seesaw—it has to be just right.
Forward and Ready
When hitting the driver, I position the ball just inside my front foot. This lets me strike it on the upswing, perfect for maximizing height and carry.
Centered Precision
With irons, the ball returns to the middle of my stance—or even slightly behind it for shorter irons. This setup helps me hit down on the ball, creating that crisp, satisfying contact we all love, and avoiding overclubbing/underclubbing for more accurate shots.
Tee Height: Small Tweaks, Big Results
If you’ve ever wondered why some shots soar and others dribble off the tee, the height of your ball might be the culprit.
Go High with Drivers
For the big stick (driver), I set the ball high—about half the ball showing above the top of the clubface. This gives me the best chance to catch it cleanly on the upswing.
Keep It Low for Irons
For irons, I tee almost at ground level. This low setup ensures a downward strike, compressing the ball for better accuracy and spin.
Pre-Shot Routine:
I’ll admit it: I used to rush to the tee, take a quick practice swing, and hope for the best. These days, I’ve developed a routine that keeps me calm and focused. Here’s how I approach it.
- Practice Swings with Purpose:
My practice swings aren’t just for show. I slow them down, feeling the tempo and rhythm I want for my actual shot.
- Picture Perfect Shots:
Before I step up, I take a second to picture where I want the ball to go. It’s like a mental rehearsal, and it helps me stay focused when it’s game time.
Swing Tips for Straight, Powerful Shots
A good swing feels like a butte; it is smooth, effortless, and consistent. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping it all together.
Backswing Basics
I keep my left arm straight while my shoulders rotate in my backswing. There is no rushing or wobbling, just a controlled motion.
The Secret in the Hips
Here’s a trick: Start your downswing with your hips, not your arms. It keeps everything in sync and prevents me from over-swinging.
Finish Strong
The follow-through is where the magic happens. I consider extending my arms and keeping my weight on my front foot, along with performing essential pre-round golf stretches to loosen up. It’s the difference between a meh and a “wow” shot.
What to Avoid at All Costs
Even the best golfers mess up sometimes, but these are mistakes I actively try to dodge:
Lifting My Head Early
I used to peek at the ball’s flight too soon, which always ended in disaster. Keeping my eyes down through impact has helped me be consistent.
Swinging Too Hard
Power comes from technique, not brute force. When I try to crush the ball, it usually backfires. Instead, using a bump and run or swinging within myself gives me better results.
The Mental Game: Confidence Is Key
Golf is as much about what’s happening between your ears as your swing. When I’m standing on the tee box, I remind myself of these simple truths:
Stay Present
Worrying about the water hazard ahead or the tough approach shot does me no good. I focus solely on the swing I’m about to take.
Trust the Process
It’s easy to second-guess yourself, but I’ve learned to trust my practice and commit to my swing. If it doesn’t work out, there’s always the next shot.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Tee-Off Confidence
Teeing off isn’t just about brute strength but control, consistency, and confidence.
Keep practicing, stay patient, and the results will come. And hey, even when it’s not perfect, remember you’re out on the course, playing the game we all love.
Enjoy the ride!