In the world of golf, increasing your driving distance can make a huge difference in your game. Tony Finau, a six-time PGA Tour winner, is known for his powerful drives, averaging 308.4 yards per poke last season. In this article, we will delve into Finau’s five power secrets that can help you gain 25 yards off the tee. These tips were first published in a 2016 issue of GOLF Magazine and are still relevant today. By following Finau’s advice, you can improve your swing and maximize your potential on the golf course.
The first power secret from Tony Finau is to start with a balanced setup. This involves focusing on your balance as you address the ball and ensuring that you are in a position to swing freely without your body getting in the way. By taking a balanced stance, aligning the clubhead with your target line, and maintaining a 50-50 weight distribution, you can set yourself up for a powerful swing. Finau emphasizes the importance of checking your back, shoulders, and arm positioning to achieve a free swing feeling at address.
The second power secret involves making a lag-free backswing. Finau recommends moving your arms, hands, and club in unison while turning your body away from the ball. By starting your takeaway with your core and delaying the hinge of your wrists, you can store power for the downswing. Avoiding the common mistake of breaking your wrists too early can help you maintain the energy needed for impact. Finau stresses the importance of maintaining a one-piece takeaway and not worrying about achieving a parallel position at the top of your backswing.
Finau’s third power secret is to “squash it” from the top. He advises keeping your hands passive at the start of the downswing and focusing on initiating the movement with your left hip and knee. By pushing down into the ground and flexing your knees, you can generate power and transfer weight towards the target. Finau suggests imagining squashing an imaginary bug under the toes of your left foot to keep you connected to the ground and enhance your speed through impact. Flaring your left foot at address can also help increase hip speed.
The fourth power secret involves not fighting or forcing your release. Finau cautions against overusing the muscles in your arms and hands at impact, as this can disrupt the club’s momentum and lead to weaker drives. By releasing the clubhead naturally and effortlessly, you can maintain the speed generated throughout your swing. Finau emphasizes the importance of equal grip pressure in both hands and allowing the clubhead to release on its own. Holding your grip constant until the club hinges up in the follow-through can help prevent hooks or slices.
In the final power secret, Finau encourages golfers to stand tall in the finish. While not everyone may have the flexibility to achieve a full, tall finish like his, maximizing your rotation through impact can lead to longer drives. Finau emphasizes the benefits of a full finish, with the right shoulder closer to the target than the left and the left leg fully extended. By flaring your left foot at address and rotating all the way through, you can achieve a balanced, tall finish that adds yards to your drive. Remember to turn, not slide, toward the target through impact for optimal results.
In conclusion, Tony Finau’s power secrets offer valuable insights into improving your driving distance on the golf course. By focusing on balance, lag-free backswing, initiating the downswing with your left hip, natural release at impact, and standing tall in the finish, you can enhance your swing and gain valuable yards off the tee. These timeless tips from Finau are applicable to golfers of all levels and can help you unlock your full potential on the course. Implementing these strategies into your practice routine can lead to noticeable improvements in your game and help you achieve greater success on the golf course.
