Ben Crenshaw, a renowned golfer, struggled with hitting fairways when he first joined the Tour in the early 70s. In a 1981 article for GOLF Magazine, he shared the changes he made to improve his tee shots, which ultimately helped him become a better driver of the ball. Crenshaw emphasized the importance of hitting the ball on a lower trajectory compared to the high trajectory that he used to hit, which led to accuracy and distance issues. He also highlighted the significance of using the right equipment, such as a driver with the correct shaft specifications, to improve driving performance.
Crenshaw’s driving tips included adjusting his setup by playing the ball off his left heel and setting up over the ball, which helped reduce the height of his shots and minimize lateral sway. He also emphasized the importance of trusting the release of the club and avoiding technical advice while on the course. Simple concepts, clubhead feel, and tempo were key factors in helping golfers improve their driving performance. Grip pressure and equipment specifications played a crucial role in achieving accurate and consistent drives off the tee.
Technical tricks mentioned by Crenshaw included adjusting the tee height based on the desired ball flight and utilizing the terrain on the teeing ground to shape shots around obstacles. He also highlighted the importance of targeting and visualization when selecting a target area for the drive. Understanding one’s own tendencies, such as slicing or fading, and compensating for them when picking a target was crucial for success off the tee. Crenshaw also provided tips for lining up and identifying focal points to improve targeting and consistency during the drive.
When faced with challenging tee shots on tight holes, Crenshaw suggested using a three-wood or focusing on swinging freely rather than steering the ball. He advised against swinging too hard on wide holes and recommended picking a spot and swinging smoothly instead. By employing these timeless driving tips from Ben Crenshaw, golfers can improve their accuracy, distance, and consistency off the tee. Crenshaw’s insights from his own driving struggles and adjustments serve as a valuable guide for golfers looking to enhance their driving performance on the course.
