Driver Setup Basics

When a golfer is struggling off the tee, it's usually because they're failing to do the driver basics well. The way you set up your body as your teeing up the golf ball is essential to becoming a good driver of the ball. Here's how to do it. — Joe Plecker, Director of Instruction, Landings Club, Savannah, Ga., Golf Digest Best in State Teacher

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Find a level lie
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  • Finding a level lie on the tee is a simple consistency key you can control.
  • A ball above your feet tends to overdraw; below your feet, and it will fade.
  • Take a few seconds to feel with your feet for the most level lie on the tee box.
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Pick a side
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  • The side of the tee box you pick should match your shot shape.
  • Use the side of the teebox to give yourself more margin for error.
  • The left side is better for a player who moves the ball from right-to-left.
  • The right side is for a player who moves the ball from left-to-right.
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Half Ball Over Crown
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  • The bottom of your driver shouldn’t contact with the ground while you swing.
  • You need to hit the ball on an ascending blow. Tee height is essential.
  • Peg the ball so about half the ball is above the crown of the driver.
  • Swing Thought: Hit the top of the tee with the bottom of the club.
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Add side bend
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  • Adding side bend at setup makes it easier to hit the ball on an ascending blow.
  • Notice how when I add that side bend, the clubface isn’t moving around.
  • I’m not changing my grip structure or manipulating the club in any way.
  • The goal is simple: Tilt the center of your upper body away from the target.
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Ball on lead shoulder
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  • Ball position is another key checkpoint to creating that ascending blow.
  • The center of your lead shoulder should align with the golf ball.
  • This will allow me room to extend my arms and create maximum speed.
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