Hitting Driver Shots for Left-Handed Golfers Golflink.com

Phil Mickelson driver swing follow through

Few things get a golfer as pumped up as hitting a driver off the tee. It is also a task that is loaded with opportunities for the golfer to make mistakes. This is especially true of left-handed golfers, who have to process instructions and teachings that are designed for right-handed golfers and then turn them around.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Tee the ball up high. One of the big problems most golfers face is getting shots hit with the driver up in the air. Use an extra long tee--over 2 inches--when you are preparing to hit your left-handed driver. Teeing a driver low is an invitation to hook the ball into the trees and get your round off to a frustrating start.
Line up with your right shoulder facing the target. Look down, and you should see your right foot directly underneath your right shoulder. This will square your body to the green or the spot in the fairway that you are aiming at.
Play the ball about two ball lengths closer to your front foot than your back foot. With most shots, you want to play the ball squarely in the middle of your stance. With the driver and its heavy, flat head, you want to give yourself a chance to get the ball in the air. Play the ball closer to your right leg to get it to fly high.
Slow down your swing. With a driver, all golfers have the hope of ripping that 300-yard drive right down the middle. As a result, they tend to swing as hard as they can. That's a mistake and leads to errant shots. Let the driver do the work. A smooth, slow swing will work better than a hard swing.
Go to the driving range and work on your driver--not necessarily for distance but for accuracy. You will be much happier, and you will score better if you can hit the driver accurately and get your hole off to a good start. Practicing with the driver at the range will help train your muscles to swing the right way when you are on the tee.

Tips & Warnings

Left-handers need to be aware of the course layout. Most course have more holes that bend left to right than holes that go the opposite way. A left-to-right hole means a left-handed golfer may have to play a slight hook (called a draw) to keep the ball in the fairway. Relax your body when you are on the tee. Gripping the club tightly and tensing your body will almost certainly assure that you hit a shot that goes off target. Keep your eye on the ball until you are in the finishing phase of your follow-through. A good golfer will make an effort to watch his club hit the back of the ball.
Left-handers need to be aware of the course layout. Most course have more holes that bend left to right than holes that go the opposite way. A left-to-right hole means a left-handed golfer may have to play a slight hook (called a draw) to keep the ball in the fairway.
Relax your body when you are on the tee. Gripping the club tightly and tensing your body will almost certainly assure that you hit a shot that goes off target.
Keep your eye on the ball until you are in the finishing phase of your follow-through. A good golfer will make an effort to watch his club hit the back of the ball.