I need more distance...?

Question

First off, please do not patronize me by saying that I need to focus mainly on my short game and putting. I am very good in both areas (I average 29.5 putts per round and have a 3 handicap, plus im 17), but I NEED DISTANCE. Today, in a tournament, I was at least 30 yards behind my playing companions. I know that if I want to ever compete in the collegiate or professional levels I need to hit the ball further. Believe me, it is easier with a 9 iron than a 5 iron. Anyways, my swing is pretty laid off at the top and well, I have a video. Please take a look and any tips that will translate into power will be graciously accepted.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RFyw3TjjXEM

Answer 1

So.....like......what is your ball flight?  There are a dozen questions like that that need to be answered.  Best advice.....Find a teaching pro and take a few lessons....that will have you long and straight in no time.   Any other tips are merely conjecture on our part and may have no relevance to your problem.

Answer 2

LISTEN TO ME AND ME ONLY!!!

The rest of these people wouldn't have a clue what a good swing was if it bit them in the ***.

The good: your back swing is amazing. Don't let anybody tell you anything different. You have incredible separation between the top of your swing and you shoulders. Freeze your swing and Sergio's, they look exactly the same.

The bad: you are losing power b/c you are all slide through impact rather that "posting up".

THE FIX - Find one of those bag stands that you see at some driving ranges (usually black that people set their bags on). Set that right up next to your left leg so that it is practically touching your left leg but that it is out of the way to make a swing. Now swing. With the swing you have now you are going to slide right into it, you might even knock it over. A proper swing with a good "post up" will leave the leg in the same position through out the swing and WILL NOT touch the bag stand. Do this drill thousands of times until you no longer touch the bag stand.

Find a good picture of a baseball player at impact. Notice how he is "hanging back"? A slide in baseball is a big no-no.  It is also a big no-no in golf.  

Good luck and try to post some more videos of yourself straight on.

Answer 3

Your swing looks very slow and you come WAY up on your right foot when coming into the ball.  Try to keep your foot planted.   A front view of your swing would be more helpful in seeing what all you need to do.  If you are a 3 handicap I wouldnt worry about it though.

Answer 4

It appears to me that you're taking somewhat of a 3/4 swing here, because the club is not reaching parallel in your backswing and another point is distance is not everything. Take a look at old man Paul Goydos who came in second at the Players Chanpionship this past weekend. His average drives go 261 yards. Thats almost 20 yards less than the AVERAGE player on the PGA tour. But he still managed to come in second in a field including the worlds best and longest golfers.

Answer 5

Shorten your swing a little bit. Also, try to keep your right foot planted while you hit the ball, and then you can release the foot. Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm not a golf guru or anything,..but it would appear as if you have a very short backswing.  Your club does not come close to parallell.  Getting completely to parallel isn't a necessity if you have good resistance between your upper and lower body (coil,..or X factor),..but I think a more looser, longer swing might produce a little more clubhead speed.

Answer 7

Better get yourself a custom fitting session.   I don't think you need a stiff shaft yet judging from your swing.

BTW those Proforce shafts feel boardy.... I tried one of those.