How to hit a golf ball further

If you’ve ever watched professional golfers on TV and wondered how they hit the ball so far, you’re not alone. It's a common question, and the truth is that distance off the tee and fairway is a skill that many golfers aspire to improve.

Whether you're playing in a casual round or trying to shave a few strokes off your game, learning how to hit a golf ball further can make a huge difference to your overall performance.

In this guide, we’ll give you practical tips to help you hit the ball further using different clubs and look at why varying the distance of your shots is so beneficial. Let’s get started. 

The basics of hitting a golf ball further

Before we get into the specifics of different clubs, let’s talk about the general principles that will help you increase your shot distance:

• Swing speed and power: The faster your swing, the further your ball will travel. Simple, right? Not quite. It’s not just about swinging harder; it’s about improving your swing technique to use speed and power more efficiently. To achieve this, you’ll need a good combination of technique, flexibility, and strength.
• The angle of attack: Your angle of attack, or how your clubhead approaches the ball, plays a big role in determining how far the ball travels. A more upward angle (with a driver) can result in longer drives, while a steeper angle (with an iron) will give you more control.
• Club fitting: Playing with the right clubs for your swing can make a big difference to your ability to hit the ball further. Properly fitted clubs help improve your launch angle and spin rate, both of which affect distance. Our golf driving tips guide has more advice on improving this aspect of your game.
• Ball position: The position of the golf ball in your stance is crucial. Placing the ball either too far forward or too far back can affect the distance you can hit it. Generally, with a driver, the ball should be positioned just inside your lead foot, while with irons, the ball will usually be closer to the centre of your stance.

How to hit a golf ball further with a driver

When it comes to hitting the ball as far as possible, the driver is the king of the clubs. If you’ve ever wondered how to drive a golf ball further, here are some key tips:

1. Focus on the launch angle

A common misconception is that hitting the ball lower or harder will result in more distance. In fact, a higher launch angle combined with a lower spin usually increases distance. Make sure your driver’s loft is suited to your swing speed. If it’s too low, you might struggle to achieve the best launch combination. 

2. Use your body rotation

Your core and lower body play a huge role in creating power in your driver’s swing. Instead of relying only on your arms, focus on a full rotation of your hips and torso during the backswing. The more rotation you have, the more power you can transfer to the ball.

3. Find the sweet spot

Hitting the sweet spot on the driver is crucial. Off-centre hits won’t only result in less distance but will also be less accurate. Keep your swing speed smooth, and watch your form to ensure you’re hitting the sweet spot every time.

How to hit a golf ball further with irons

While drivers are designed for maximum distance, irons are where your control and precision come more into play. But that doesn’t mean you can’t maximise the distance with these clubs as well.

1. Clean contact is key

One of the most effective ways to increase your distance with irons is to focus on solid, clean contact with the ball. Avoid too much contact with the grass before striking the ball. The cleaner your strike, the better your energy transfer to the ball, which leads to greater distance.

2. Use the right loft

Irons come in different lofts, and choosing the right one for your shot will give you a better chance of hitting the ball further. Lower-lofted irons, like a 3-iron or 4-iron, will generally give you more distance, but they’re harder to control. With higher-lofted irons, like the 7-iron or 9-iron, the distance may be reduced, but control and accuracy may improve. A balanced set of irons is key for maximising both distance and control. 

3. Adjust your swing path

For added distance, use a slight inside-to-out swing path with your irons. This can help increase ball speed and improve launch angle, meaning a better trajectory and, ultimately, more yardage.

How to get more distance with other golf clubs

While drivers and irons get much of the attention when it comes to distance, fairway woods, hybrids, and wedges also play an important role. Here’s how you can boost their use to get more distance in golf, too:

1. Fairway woods

Fairway woods (3-wood, 5-wood, etc.) can be extremely useful for hitting long shots from the fairway or rough. To hit them further, focus on a smooth, sweeping swing. The aim is to strike the ball cleanly with a slight upward angle.

2. Hybrids

Hybrids are handy clubs designed to offer the best of both worlds between irons and woods. To increase distance with hybrids, ensure you’re making solid contact by avoiding hitting the ground before the ball. A shallow angle of attack will also help get the most distance with these clubs.

3. Wedges

While wedges aren't usually associated with long-distance, being able to hit them further can still be useful in certain situations. For distance, focus on a clean strike with a slight follow-through. Even a higher-lofted wedge can still achieve a good distance if the technique is correct.

Why is varying your shot distance beneficial?

You’ll have a significant advantage in your golf game if you can consistently hit the ball further with every club. But being able to vary your shot distance is equally important.

Why? Because golf is a game of strategy, not just power. Knowing when and how to adjust your shot distances allows you to tackle different situations on the course, whether it’s choosing to hit a controlled shot with a short iron or making the most of your driver to carry a bunker. It’s about flexibility and adaptability. In fact, being able to shape your shots is a game-changer, too.

Other considerations

Do heavy golf clubs hit the ball further?

Not necessarily, as heavier clubs can sometimes make it harder to generate the swing speed necessary for maximum distance. What’s more important is finding the right weight and flex for your swing, as a club that’s too heavy or too light will affect your ability to hit the ball consistently and with power.

Can lifting weights help you hit a golf ball further?

Strength training can definitely help improve your swing speed and power. Stronger muscles, particularly in the core, legs, and arms, allow you to create more force in your swing, leading to longer shots. But it’s important to balance strength training with flexibility exercises, as mobility is crucial to a smooth, powerful swing.

How can I improve my launch angle with a driver?

Improving your launch angle involves a combination of proper ball positioning, swing techniques, and club fitting. Make sure your driver has the right loft for your swing speed and focus on striking the ball with an upward angle of attack.

Should I focus on distance or accuracy?

Ideally, you should focus on both. While distance is important, accuracy ensures you land your ball in the right position to make the next shot easier. A good balance between both is ideal, adjusting your shot choices based on the course and conditions.

Improving your shot distance isn’t about just one big change; it’s about mastering the fundamentals, adjusting your technique for each club, and being consistent with your practice.

By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to hitting the ball further and, more importantly, playing smarter golf. Whether you’re using a driver, irons, or hybrids, there’s always room for improvement. Keep practising, and you'll soon notice the difference in your distance and overall game.

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