For years we’ve all enjoyed watching the pros like Rory McIlroy launching his high bombs with the driver. This has been inspiration for golfers worldwide but it’s not always the best shot for the conditions.
You might not need to hit a lower tee shot every time. But, it’s certainly a handy shot to have in the bag.
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In this article, we unpack how and why Rory has been hitting low drivers. There is also a step by step guide on how to give it a go for yourself from our resident PGA Professional Jack Backhouse.
Rory McIlroy: Hitting Driver Low
Rory himself has come to note this and in recent times, he has added a little low cut into his armoury.
As he explained in a post-round interview it should play a big part in his plans for 2019 and beyond.
“I realised last year that I’ve got enough distance. I need to get the ball more in play. So, I want my driving accuracy to get up into the 60 per cent number. So that’s when I started to try to hit these shots that I know are going to hit the fairway and are going to get in play. Having a driver with a little more spin where you can launch it lower and it holds its line in that trajectory is something that I wanted a little bit more and that’s what the guys built me.”
He seems to be hitting a little cut which is an easier shape to hit for this type of shot as it helps you stay on top of the ball through impact more and retain your spine angle.
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Rory has always hit a standard draw and that swing is quite in to out. He also hits up on it quite a lot. With this shot he has the ball a tiny bit back in the stance. He is more open then usual but he then covers the ball. Staying on top of the ball throughout the shot and that makes it easier to deliver less loft.
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He also tends to grip dow maybe an inch compared to usual.
What is also interesting is that his ball flight for this shot is 181mph. This is the highest of the four so it obviously helps him find the middle of the clubface and his smash factor is great.
How to Hit a Driver Low
Ball Position
The ball position with a driver is usually much further forward than other clubs in your bag. The further forwards in your stance, the more upwards motion you’re going to create. So, pushing the ball slightly further back will reduce this.
Tee the Ball Lower
A higher tee helps golfers launch the ball up into the air, encouraging an upwards motion through the ball. Lowering the tee height means that there is less of a tendency to hit up. So, the ball should launch and fly lower.
Equipment
A lot of golfers might be unaware of what equipment they are actually using. Shafts can be designed to promote higher launch angles. Driver heads also have different lofts. Before making any other changes it might be worth checking these settings first.
Why Might You Want to Hit a Driver Low?
Wind
If you’re faced with windy conditions, hitting drivers lower is a great option. Doing this reduces the spin and therefore how much the ball will be affected by the wind. This isn’t just for the into wind shots. Hitting driver lower helps with ball control when the wind is blowing from any direction.
Control
If you’re faced with a tight tree lined hole, a low fairway finder will be your best friend. It’s a great shot when mastered for keeping the ball in play.
Conclusion
Hitting a driver lower can be a great tool for golfer’s to have. It might not be your go to, tee shot but it can certainly come in handy. Whether you’re after a fairway finder or to battle the wind, it’s worth giving a go.
Hitting it a driver low also doesn’t mean you can’t shape it. Don’t be afraid to add in a draw or fade for even greater control.
For more driving tips, check out our other pages and YouTube channel Your Golf NCG.
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