Loner Drives

'Drive for show, putt for dough' is the old adage coined by Sam Snead, and to some extent its true. Being ten yards longer than your opponent is pointless if you're in the rough and they are right in the middle of the fairway.

But its a natural state of affairs to want to hit the ball further. These days the Pro's are hitting the ball distances which even 10 years ago seemed unattainable.

In 1991 the tour driving distance winner, John Daly, averaged 287 yards. He is still leading that stat after 10 straight years, and is now averaging 314!

The new breed of golf balls, and Titanium woods and high tech shafts are all partly responsible.

But without the gifts of technique and superior timing, there are swing adjustments you can make, regardless of your equipment, which will give you a few extra yards. And without sacrificing control.

Four steps to hitting it further without sacrificing control.

1. Widen your stance: widening your stance means better balance and encourages a wider takeaway. Tiger Woods uses this move a lot.

2. Play the ball forward: makes for a shallower launch angle with the driver, decreasing ball spin and giving a flatter trajectory and more run.

3. Swing slower. sounds like the opposite of what you want to happen, but by trying to swing slower, you'll increase your rhythm, which produces better timing, and a more solid ball strike. All of which combine to generate more power. Just look at the pace on Ernie Els' swing.

4. Grip the club lightly. This gives you a more relaxed address position, takes the tension out of the arms, and allows for a faster release through impact.

Summary: Distance without control is never going to lower your scores. But minor adjustments to your setup can give you a few extra yards when you really need them without risking wild results.