How To Hit The Ball Dead Straight

Golf Monthly created this content as part of a paid partnership with TaylorMade. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Golf Monthly.

Hitting the golf ball straighter, and preferably longer, off the tee is a crucial component to producing lower scores. Golfers tend to sacrifice one for the other, but what if I told you that you could have the best of both worlds?

In this article and video, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Dan Grieve shares his top tips for how to hit the ball dead straight...

Dan Grieve

Dan Grieve is a Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach and PGA Professional based at Woburn Golf Club. Over his career so far, Dan has helped to develop stars of the game including Charley Hull and Major Champion, Georgia Hall. He has also supported countless amateur golfers with improving their driver swing, and has a great track record of helping players produce longer, straighter tee shots. 

How do you hit a drive straight?

Hitting straighter drives doesn't have to be a challenge, and many club golfers would improve in this area if they developed their understanding of the fundamentals. While you might find it challenging to consistently swing the driver like a tour pro, it is possible to control the basics like perfecting the driver address position.

One of the most common faults that I see is the ball position being too far forward – so it’s outside the front foot. As a result, the chest starts to face the ball and the shoulders get into an open position.

For me, as a right-hander, that means my shoulders point too far left. From here, I’m more likely to pick the club up and back across – which will lead to a slice. For a driver, I recommend lining the ball up on your left heel (for a right-handed golfer).

It’s crucial to line your shaft up parallel, so it’s in line with the back of the ball. We don’t want the hands too far forward and we don’t want them too far back. You want to feel like your right elbow is tucked in and your right shoulder comes back.

How do you practice hitting golf balls straight?

On the range, or out on the course when you’re practising, get into the habit of laying an alignment stick or shaft across your shoulders. If it’s pointing parallel to your target, you’re in alignment.

Note how my right shoulder – as a result of getting the ball position correct, and by adopting a nice wide stance – is lower than the left, which is going to help me to hit up on the ball and sweep it away. It should all lead to a nice balanced finish with your chest facing your target.

Finally, remember to relax. Lots of high handicap golfers grip the golf club too tightly and get very rigid over the ball. Check that your hands and arms hang relaxed, as this will create a better flow and release. These tips will also help anyone struggling with how to avoid creating too much spin with your driver.

Dan Grieve's straighter driving checklist

1) Nail the fundamentals, such as ball and address position

2) Practice using alignment sticks to provide visual feedback

3) Ensure you have a low right shoulder (for right-handed golfers) and a nice wide stance

4) Relax! Let your arms and hands hang loose to control the spin