Hitting your driver with accuracy is a crucial skill in golf that can greatly improve your game. In a new series called Timeless Tips, we revisit some of the best advice given by teachers and players in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today, we look back at Hal Sutton’s 10 tips for hitting more fairways from the April 2001 issue. Sutton, a 1983 PGA Championship winner, shares his insights on how to become a more accurate driver off the tee. With players on the PGA Tour hitting nearly 60 percent of fairways, mastering this skill can help lower your scores and improve your overall game.
When it comes to driving accuracy, Hal Sutton is a name that stands out. With five victories in the past three seasons and consistently high rankings in Fairways Hit and Total Driving, Sutton’s swing is a model of consistency. The key to his success lies in his simple and repeatable motion that he executes flawlessly day after day. Many amateurs have the physical capability to mimic Sutton’s swing, and by following his tips, they can also become more accurate drivers off the tee.
Sutton’s 10 tips for driving accuracy begin with the concept of no manipulation. Great drivers like Sutton do not try to steer the clubface along the target line. Instead, they trust their swing to happen naturally. By positioning the ball correctly and maintaining a stable foundation at address, golfers can set themselves up for a successful swing. Gradual acceleration and proper body turn are also essential elements in achieving maximum clubhead speed while maintaining control and accuracy.
Maintaining consistency in the swing is crucial, and Sutton emphasizes the importance of keeping the hands between the elbows and the shaft pointing inside the target line. By creating the best angle for hitting the fairway and choosing an intermediate target, golfers can improve their driving accuracy. Consistency and accuracy should be built into the pre-swing strategy and routine, with a focus on choosing one shot shape and a target that can be hit consistently.
Sutton also advises using the same tee height for every drive to ensure square and solid impact. By incorporating these pre-swing keys before every drive, golfers can increase their chances of hitting more fairways. Choosing an intermediate target directly on the ball’s flight line and within three feet of the tee is another important aspect of driving accuracy. By staying focused on this target throughout the swing, golfers can maintain alignment and improve their chances of hitting the fairway.
In conclusion, mastering the skill of driving accuracy is essential for improving your golf game. By following Hal Sutton’s 10 tips for hitting more fairways, golfers can enhance their driving performance and ultimately lower their scores on the course. Consistency, proper technique, and mental focus are key elements in achieving success off the tee. By incorporating these tips into your practice routine and pre-swing strategy, you can become a more accurate and reliable driver of the golf ball.
