Visualise a long drive...

.....It's harmless and it works.

In the past few years I have discovered things that have changed my game out of sight and as I've already said on this web site, it has nothing to do with swing mechanics.

I now hit the ball an average of 250yds and on good days over 270yds. As our course is quite heavy these distances are more or less carry. I think I know many of you well enough and correct me if I am wrong but you believe it does not matter how much you try you are never going to get consistently longer. You have had those strange days where without trying the ball soared out there but somehow they are few and far between.

As a matter of fact your 'long drive' is often too embarrassing for words. The plain truth is those days, when you achieve distances that make you feel good about yourself, are in your artillary and if you can do it once you can do it again.

I'm sure you have already noticed that a long drive happens best when you are not trying to muscle it out there. Power is created when you realise that it is best achieved using energy and not strength.

I personally busy myself, prior to executing my drive, building up my energy by imagining that I have put up a dam/barrier to stop its flow. As soon as I feel that there is a sufficient build up, I then concentrate on building my energy streamers.

This is easier than it sounds. For example if I have a shot that must carry over trees, I will let my eyes focus over the tree line and basically let my body and its store of energy feel what has to be achieved.

It always amazes me how often I manage to clear them by mere inches and sometimes flick a few leaves at the top. When I put up my energy dam and prepare the streamers, my ball will almost always carry them.

The last point to mention is when to let the dam release the built up energy. I have this visual of water sitting quite still against the dam although there is quite a build up of pressure from the ever ensuing flow.

I visualise the initial energy flow falling through the dam in slow motion and then suddenly roaring and surging to incredible power levels which are basically unstoppable.

It is important for me to initiate the opening of the dam just before I start my take-away.