Oh, my god that cleared up so much. Thanks for the video. You can struggle and struggle but it only takes a 5 minute video to help my swing. I'm going to watch more of your videos, great job. I like how you start simple and work up.
Thumbs up! Your swinging tips worked perfectly for my irons. Think this vid will solve my driver fading/slicing problem as well. I always position my driver head right behind the ball before the takeaway. Can't wait to try this out at the range.
Shawn I have been slicing my drives ever since I have played golf(>4yrs).
I was addressing the driver head right behind the ball, thereby slicing on the downswing. After seeing your vid I went to the range and would you believe I am cured of this deadly affliction. This IS the best golf driver tip ever,Thanx much.
Shawn - great video! Can't wait to go to the range tomorrow and try this. I used to be consistent off the tee ... but lately I'm all over the place and I think this could be a big reason why. But my question is this ... when you demonstrated with the driver, there was so much space between the club face and ball at address. I understand your reasoning now, but it doesn't seem to me like the pros have the same setup. Do they? Thx!
@terps2703 Thanks! Moe Norman was the best driver ever and placed his even farther back than mine; if you look at many other tour players like Fred Couples and Tom Kite and many others on the regular tour, what they do is have the hands well behind the ball at address which leans the shaft backwards away from the target;
@clemshaw Shawn, I went to the range twice last week and couldn't believe how much this helped me. The ball flight was amazing using your approach. Previously, I was definitely "facing the ball" as you mentioned, so my shoulders were open. I have been playing golf for 30 years and this is the best tip I've ever had. As you said ... "it feels so solid." :) I just need to "standardize" how high to tee it up.
Shawn's videos are better than anything else for me. It fixed my driver and iron. Specially, this set up position for driver was a magic. I don't slice anymore. I want to thank you very much. BTW, do you have any video for pitching or chipping.
@bstrt You bet! The very best short game instruction around; really really; see "short game chipping; shawn clement", "how to feel the chip and pitch; shawn clement", "downhill chips and chip yips; shawn clement" and more! Thank you for the kind words and comment BTW! Shawn
Hi shawn , on the last ball you hit on this video how would you explain keeping everything sqaure to the target at impact as there must be a point when the club head starts to turn in and come round the body...Is this done by a lateral sway towards the target ....im asking by the way because i hit my irons very well from a centre position but as soon as the driver comes out ,its meltdown time .... great video,s by the way ..thanks
I'm not sure if you answered this or not, but is this a drill or do you setup this way on the course? If it's a drill how do you eventually get to the point where you're setting the driver directly behind the ball? I did try this at the range the other day and it really seemed to work. I got much better contact and ball flight. Thank you for your excellent videos.
I am a lefty with a huge problem with my driving. I slice the ball about 80 percent of the time. I really do not have a clue why i do this only with my driver. I am pretty good with my irons i just have no clue why i slice the ball so much with my driver. Any tips?
@pruman3d2 The best video to address this is my "ridiculously easy; shawn clement" part 1 and 2 video; you need to be focused through the ball to a target and the action of the swing needs to release towards that target!
I can hit all clubs in my bag except my Driver. I can hit my 3w 250yds. I can use my 3w every time but would like to use my driver on long courses. I thought about going to a High Loft driver but not sure if that would help. Wondering if I just have driverphobia??
the last ball you hit of the tee, the higher one, you wouldn't recommend to set the driver face behind the ball before you take the swing? would it matter on the loft of the driver I was using. or my club head speed? thanks for your great and fantastic contribution towards Golf by the way, it's great.
1. I use my square formed driver. I feel that the clubface and the shaft is not right in the downswing. Is it because I make a bad swing (= that's what I think)? Or is the square formed driver a bad design?
2. What shall I do to get those extra yards with my driver swing? Exercise (= I'm not an athlet)? Or perhaps swing 'harder' in the follow throw? Or?
@whung7 You will see the perfect video for this one in "#1 most popular teacher on YT; driver" which is my latest video on the driver; see also my "#1 most popular teacher on YT; hammer" video to get the complete picture! :)
@veryspecialsteve Sure!! Johnny Miller, the greatest iron player of all time and the best player of the mid 70's professed about starting his backswing by planting the right heel; and everybody in that era of the 20's to the 80's would start the swing with a forward press or nudge; your local pro needs to do his homework and compare this move to starting the tennis serve, the baseball pitch, the joining of the orchestra by a band member during a piece etc...ESSENTIAL!!
@clemshaw I have been playing golf for about two months now and am making pretty good progress (mostly hitting irons and driver, not much work on the short game as of yet). Straight to the point, Im fashioning my swing off of Tiger's/Hogan's (I am sure you have heard that before) and notice him playing the ball backward of center when hitting some irons and wedges as oppose to playing the ball always slightly forward of center like you do in most of your demo's. What say you?
@princedarosa Couple of videos for you; have a look at my "#1 most popular teacher on YT; working the ball" videos as well as "#1 most popular teacher on YT; driver" and "#1 most popular teacher on YT; speed power"
@princedarosa Most of my improvement is due to your vids(and my work)...so i have already seen those....Nothing specific about playing the ball back of center other than on a draw or way forward of center on a driver...(I have success hitting both fades and draws...better with fades so far). Is it incorrect to play the ball back of center with an 9 iron? Is it a problem if I do not accentuate the bracing to the left (and therefore hands in front of ball) as much as you do? Thank you so much!
No issues with short irons back of center as it will just promote a lower more controlled flight; the spin you get with those clubs gives you ample stopping power and control; I can't speak for question #2 but I can tell you this: the left or forward leg is the one that must be used to load the twirling or catapulting effect of the arm-club unit towards the target; see the "#1 most popular teacher on YT; ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2 for this; Shawn
This is one of my favorite golf tip in youtube. For who wants to give me a litle hepl to improve my swing, please see my video at: youtube.com/watch?v=1vfnSL1YT2A
@Daavyydd The best is to join our forum at my website listed up top in the video description; I would also suggest you get my new 5 disc dvd series to really develop your game further; you need a better grip, posture, body turn, focus and feel of swing's release to target etc; best money you will ever spend on golf plus you have our forum as a resource for things you are having trouble with. You will improve hugely! Shawn
@scubart Only one of the most important aspects of the swing; tennis players, pro musicians, baseball pitchers, hammer throwers...you name it! It is all about the creation of momentum! See "golf pro lesson takeaway and stating the swing" as well as "golf pro lesson takeaway part 2 and 3" Shawn
u must read this. once u have started there is no turning back. a little 10 year old girl was raped and murderded in 1945. her body was not found until 1947. then a boy last week read this and did not copy and paste this message. the dead girl appeared in his room haunting him and killed him. if you do not copy and paste this onto 10 vidoes in 30 minutes the dead girl will apear in your room tonight and haunt you and kill you. well you better start to copy and paste to be savedr
The reason you don't see any tour players address the ball like this is even though you are using a driver you should always hit down through the ball, this is how the pros get a penetrating ball flight that will drop into the fairway where they want. Hitting up through the ball leaves a huge margin for error resulting in hooks and other inconsistencies that others have reported. I'm not saying the ball should not be positioned on your left big toe for your driver, but you should be hitting thr
@toporder52 The best ball striker ever with a 91% fairways hit "Lifetime Average" was Moe Norman and this is how he used to set up with the driver; You can play the ball more inside the left instep as long as you are centred behind the ball! And, by the way, it is the tip of the tee in the way of the club head returning naturally upward at that point; so the margin for error you speak of is unfounded...Shawn
@toporder52 are you serious? or are you just joking? how does one hit down and thru with their driver w/out taking a divot? if you put the ball forward how do you catch it at bottom of arc. and i have heard of touring professionals addressing the ball like in this video (as a drill) to promote a wider takeaway.
One additional point, i think this video offers great advice to the rest of us mere golfing mortals--those of us who do not possess world class vision, balance, hand/eye contact!
Hmmm. Aligning the club 8 inches behind the ball doesn't intuitively feel right and I've never seen a tour player play that way. Can't you just move your arms and club forward without rotating your body. That's how you are going to be at impact anyhow. Just a thought
I was really inconsistent with my driver. I took this tip to the range and was amazed at how much of a difference it made in my ball striking. Before viewing this tip, I always tried to bottom out at the point of contact. Now I realize the concept of the swing bottoming out just behind the ball and making contact on the upswing. What a difference. I hit middle of the fairway on 15 of 18 greens today!! Normally I would hit about 4 or 5 per 18 holes. Shot a personal best. Thanks a million!!!
Congratulations, I saw you bit to be the next instructor on Golf Channel. I hope you get it, you got that way of explaining it that really sinks in! You have great impact on my game for sure. You are by far & away the best thing on youtube....other than the Russian "lala la" singer. That sh*ts funny as hell!
I used to have the ball in the middle of my stance when I drove and it worked just fine, but then i saw this video and so i tried it this way and I always either grounded it or I had a huge hook.... cant seem to figure this out
@cp3hornets1 Just means that you are playing the ball too far forward and it is not allowing you to swing THROUGH THE BALL; play it back where you had it if this was going well for you; see also my "golf pro lesson modern driver" part 1 and 2 and "golf pro lesson working the ball with Driver" videos; Shawn
are you saying that there is space between, for example, a 5 iron or 4 hybrid and the ball when it's on the ground? Do you then keep the club above the ground at address? I don't get it...
@molsondrive1970 It does not matter where you start the club really; what matters most is where the club will be twirling through on it's way to the target; you want to hit it high? play it more forward and the club will look farther away from it from it's center position; want to hit it lower? Play the ball more inside the front foot and the club will look closer to the ball from it's center position; see "golf pro lesson tilted twirl" video for more!
@thelumberjackjohn, I'm no pro and am not a great driver but after watching many, many, (did I say many) Golf videos and reading countless instruction articles/books, I have a few guesses. 1) Some pro's probably play the ball closer further back (not so forward) and it appears that they line up close to the ball. 2) When pros tilt away from their target the club moves forward towards the ball. Doing that, they can set up right behind the ball. Just my two cents for what its worth.
@ipod225 I tried this method and it is absolutely the best video i have ever seen. I can not believe my driver now. I used to hit 6 or 7 window busters a round and can't wait to see how it lowers my score. Keep em coming shawn.
Shawn - is there any other tip for using a driver - I have a horrible slice and no matter waht I do it seems to continue - I am hitting the ball really well with the other clubs now but I just dont seem to have time and space to swing the driver properly in the rythm you have showed us - I still keep cutting across is and it turns horribly right as it goes?? _ any suggestions - Grant Baker
With ball forward, isn't the swing arc starting to come back to the inside causing a little bit of a pull to the left? It was for me at least. What I did to adjust, was mimic an impact position with the club face square to target and then brought the club head back to the middle of my stance. What this did was open the club head just a tad and brought it just a tad to the inside of the ball. Does this make sense? I guess another option is to aim a little to the right and play for a pull.
hey shawn when you place the club face in the middle of the stance which is set a small distance away from the ball, and you set your head to look at the clubhead to do look at the ground in front of where your club was or do you still look at the ball during the swing
I had always placed my driver and ball in the center of my stance and had always hit good straight drives until I started to become more "orthodox "by placing the club and ball more to the front.After that, I had problems with consistency.
You've clear a lot of things for me from watching your videos....thanks!
I get your concept on the driver swing, but I need you to clear one thing...As you move the ball fwd in the stance for the driver, are you changing your swing arc to compensate this? If not, wouldn't you slice it? In your other video, move ball back creates a draw, more fwd to fade. Thanks!
Haha, I'm going out tomorrow morning and am gonna try this, this makes a lot of sense. Wow, I used to tee the ball up just inside my left foot and line up the driver right behind it, and by used to I mean 5 minutes and 12 seconds ago. That explains the major slices and hooks, I've been trying to work around a setup flaw. That would also explain why my driver is by far my worst club. I'm friggin excited right now, THANK YOU SHAWN!
after watching this video my driving accuracy has increased majorily. I am a very good ball stiker when it comes to my irons but have always struggled with the driver. this video has put me from a 5 to 2 or 3 handicap. Thanks Shawn!
this was one of the best driver tips i've ever seen. been hacking for about 3 years now and could never manage to hit driver long and straight. Started of slicing... moved into hooking. but after watching this video and NOT placing the clubhead right behind the ball, the ball flight was instantly straight unless I manipulated my hands or spine angle to put spin on the ball. Again thanks Shawn.
Light Bulb! I can't wait to try this out. I am self taught and am working on my inconsistencies. Every now and then I pull off a miraculous drive but it's a coin toss. I know the fundamentals of the golf swing, the geometry, etc etc but this video gave me something practical to execute. Brilliant. I'm about to hit the search bar and I hope you have more vids.
Hey Shawn! I know that's not one of your most recent videos but I've got a question. I see that (as many pro on the tour) your hands are in a high position at the top of your backswing ("above your head" on the camera). Personnally, at the top of my backswing my hands are more behind my body. The thing is that my driver is pretty cool and often with a nice draw but I wonder if I can I keep my hands behind or should I put them higher so my swing would be more vertical?
im having problems with my driver. no matter how low i place my tee my ball still goes up way too high, causing me to lose distance and drive only around 230 yards. can you think of a reason why that is?
Watched this video and had instant results! Felt my drive was inconsistent and tended to slice quite a bit, went on the range applied what was shown here and i'm now hitting straight everytime. Also added yardage which is always a bonus!! This video has helped me with driver, 3 wood and 5 wood drives, Many thanks Shawn!!
I used to always struggle with the driver and had the same fundamental mistake that you mentioned, i.e. focus on the ball and change my alignment. I have since, after watching your video, started doing what you suggested and the results have been brilliant. I still now and again, on the downswing, tend to look at the ball and try and hit it but overall i'm definitely improving. Thanks a ton.
I had an extreme slice with my driver and this has completely fixed it. First time at range I thought it was a fluke. I kept hitting ball after ball. Straight and far. I can't thank you enough. This also gave me a much better understanding of swing mechanics. Thank you much!!!!!!!!
I tried this driver lesson with my #3 fairway wood (driver and I aren't on speaking terms right now) but man what a difference. Ball trajectory was high of course, but flight was 85% straight, carry and roll was 220 yards. What I enjoyed the most was the shrinkage of dispersion, aiming at my target the ball was landing 5 yards on both sides. This is great, still chili dipping but not as bad, still can improve at age 58 but act more like 28, THANKS!!
i play regular golf. i tee of pretty low for a driver as i seem to get the ball way high in the air. how do i stop the backspin. teeing off high for me results me skying
I am a self taught 16 handicap golfer. Pretty good iron player, but have greatly struggled with my driver year after year. Your lesson just straightened out my drives and added 25+ yards easily. Thank you very much for taken the time to do this video. -Mike
but on the course I usually have a few o.b. hooks to the left and power slices to the right. Couldnt understand the reason why until I saw your video. Now I know if I setup with shoulders square and swing through square, the driver head will swing through on the upswing, but if I focus and point my shoulders at the forward ball, I'm basically changing everything. Thanks Shawn!
I just got your response for the tip I requested but have not used it as of yet. I really just wanted to "Thank You" for responding so quickly, never had this experience. This means a lot to me and it says a lot about you as as instructor. Once again "Thank You" for caring and sharing.
You demonstrate convincingly ("How to clear the hips drill") how to hit the ball with an iron - through the ball and then into the ground taking a divot. With a wood or driver one shall just brush the ground. Is this difference taken care of by the sentral nervous system or does one have to consciously swing in another way?
Same swing; 14 clubs in the bag just like Jack Nicklaus said; you can't deny that the feel is going to be different though; head design and size as well as the differences in shafts and the way skip across the ground...Shawn
Hey Shawn, loving the videos, some great tips. Tried this with the driver for the first time at the range tonight. I definitely noticed an improvement in my consistency , however I was pulling a lot left, any tips for helping hit through the ball from the inside? also would this be better or worse if I moved away from my offsett driver?
See my "golf pro lesson modern driver" part 2 towards the end where I show how to groove the plane of the driver by doing swings with the ball higher than my feet; also see my "golf pro lesson hooks and slices" and "golf pro lesson be a solid ball striker" videos and see if you can hit some nice push draws! Shawn
Shawn, Im having trouble hitting my driver lower. I have an 8.5 loft driver but my trajectory is more like 9.5 or 10 degree driver. Do you have any tips for that?
Hi Shawn. I have a question about alignment. It seems like if the clubhead makes contact later in the arc, the direction (left/right) will be affected as well as the height. Should my alignment close slightly as the ball is moved forward in the stance for longer clubs? Thanks. Cliff.
Remember that the driver tracks a much wider arc than the shorter clubs so the club doesn't come back around as quickly. Just make sure that you are braced against your forward side and maintain a steady axis.
So, when you address the ball with a driver. It is ok to keep the distance from the ball, especially for high tee? Will this decrease the accuracy, and miss the sweet spot more often?
What you want to do is feel that if you swing the club around a steady axis towards the target, that the ball IS IN THE WAY OF THIS; have a look at my "golf pro lesson tilted twirl" and "golf pro lesson distance to ball part 2" videos and you will understand; Thanks for the question! Shawn
Thanks for your prompt answer. I've been using the setup in the video for several practice in the range. I DO hit the sweet spot more often, and the ball flight is higher now. :-)
i cant seem to figure out how my mate drives the ball longer than me. im a fairly big lad compared to him and much stronger, however he usually out drives me. i only play casually maybe once/twice a week and he plays far more often and has lessons so his technique is far more sound which I presume has a massive influence. How much power comes from a good technique as opposed to brute force? and how do i maximise my strength?
Technique means that you will be able to deliver your mass and force at the right time and not waste it before it is time; you need to feel what "through the ball" is; while you are waiting for my dvd, see the following vids: "Golf pro lesson through ball", "golf pro lesson grip 2 wrist hinge", "golf pro lesson taut swing philosophy"...the dvd series will get you the right info at the right time to build into your power the proper way; Thanks for the comment! Shawn
Hi Sean - Why did I not come across your teaching sooner??? The DVD is on my Christmas list. One question: Do I have to left my left heel? I mashed the ball with the driver at the range, but when I tried the left heel lift, it was not nearly as good. Thank you so much! You are a true teacher. From, Dave O'C
Have a look at the following vids while you wait for the videos: "Golf pro lesson tilted spiral" part 1, 2 and 3 and for the heel lift see "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift" and "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review" part 1 and 2;
hi clem, i like the analogies that you make esp the one about the child on a swing! i have a question about ball position with driver .. if i were to move the ball forward to catch it on the upswing, would'nt the club be travelling left of the target line as it moves upwards as well?In fact when i started putting the ball forward i also started hitting it off the toe of the club quite a bit. what adjustments should i make to hit the driver properly then?
Very good comment! Yes, of course, when you put the ball too far forward, you will catch the ball as it (The Club head) is returning to the inside; so get closer and aim a bit more to the right center of the fairway; it will feel like you are pulling the ball down the middle...the pull is the most powerful shot! :) See "golf pro lesson modern driver part 1 and 2" for a good follow up! Shawn
actually the bottom of the swing is underneath the leading shoulder (Because that is the center of the swing). that's a myth that the bottom of your swing is the center of your chest. The only reason our ball position is in the center of our stance for short irons is because we have spine tilt(bringing the bottom towards the ball) , and we want the bottom of our swing in front of the ball.
You are only partially right; if you were a tennis player playing to your backhand and it is a one arm backhand, you would be correct; in golf, when you take your grip, you are connecting both arms to the club to form an "ARM CLUB" unit; and the center of this unit is the "Sternum Notch"; you must deal with the complete unit to get the whole picture;
Shawn I've stole your little hitch to get your swing going. My question is with your driver although obviously different than your irons do you still "toss" your driver up like you do your irons after your hitch to get started? Thx for all of your help.
You want to toss it wide and away; it will track it's own arc and get elevation on it's own as well; The best is to practice in a "Ball slightly above the feet' scenario and perform the perpetual motion drill with it; see "Golf pro lesson perpetual motion drill" and "Golf pro lesson swing plane" and you will get what I mean; Thanks for the comment!
Great video, i do have on question though. my driver shot goes out no more than 50 yards and then imediatiatly hooks down and left. I have tried many things to fix this problem, but i can't seem to hit the ball straight. What would you suggest i try to fix this problem.
2 Things: First see the "Golf pro lesson Grip 2 wrist hinge" to check the grip; next you want to make sure the focus is through the ball towards the target; see "Golf pro lesson through ball" and as an added measure to this, see "Golf pro lesson hooks and slices" as well as "Golf pro lesson Hunter Mahan Power fade" and learn how to properly power fade the ball to balance the whole system out;
I just find your video one week ago,and it gives me the anwers for most of my problems over the last ten years.Thank you very much ! I really want to fly to Canada to have your coach face to face !
I want to let you know that you're instructions have really changed my golf game. I was a terrible golfer at the start of this year and using your methods I have been finding greens!
I did want to ask you about my driver though, I have shorter legs than most and a longer torso (I'm funny looking). Someone told me I should either get a shorter driver or I should choke up on the on I have. Is this sound advice?
Yes; I would have to concur with this; see my "Golf Pro lesson don't keep the head down" part 1 and 2 which focuses on the posture and the chest staying forward throughout the swing for great ground leverage; if the shaft gets too long, this effect will be reduced to a point where the length of the club will no longer be an advantage; thanks for the comment!
Hey guys, I have a buddy (retired golf pro) who has been selling a golf training program and doing real well with it. He'll get you under 80 in no time.
This is a really good tip and part of a very informative collection of videos. It's easy to open your shoulders (at address) without realising when playing the ball forward. Thus imparting slice spin, even when you swing on a good plane (in relation to your shoulders). However, square shoulders at impact and a lack of torso rotation require the hands to flip to close the clubface and chase it down-the-line. Most tour pros have slightly open shoulders at impact.
This is a question of feel as well though and this video was formulated in it's wording especially on feel; you can see by the comments that it is very effective...:) Thanks for the comment! Shawn
Thanks Eddie! Many pros on tour use and have used a certain form of this method; the best driver of the ball who ever lived used it even more exaggerated than what you see here!
Moe Norman was his name and if you ask anyone who played the tour in the 50's, 60's and 70's will tel you he was the best; they are all unanimous on this one!
couple questions clemshaw...why dont we see alot of people on tour with this driver stance? And for that roatary guy...hitting the ground 1st, isnt that just your head isnt back enough and your hips and center arent foward enough. Becuase the only reason you hit the ground w your irons is cause u dont make that prest at address you make w driver....
Guys this works! Before I tried this I sliced my ball with my driver. I hit the driving range this evening using this technique and I either hit it straight or with a slight draw. By far the best practice session for me ever.
I have seen Freddy couples start with his driver back behind the ball like this. I have tried it and it seemed to work for me also. My question is, do you place the club head and face DIRECTLY behind the ball (e.g. parallel to the target line) with the face square/perpendicular to the target line, or do you place it along the arc of the swing path (e.g. somewhat inside the target line) with the face perpendicular to the arc?
Keeping the ball just inside the forward instep you can keep the club head on the target line which would also be the point where the arc line would intersect with it (point of tangency);
Face square to both; see also "golf pro lesson modern driver" part 1 and 2 as well as the driver section in my DVD;
wow. I always line my feet up, front foot inline with the ball. I never thought of making the club be in the middle of your stance like an iron shot! I can not wait to try that out at the range tommorow morning. This is supposed to make it go straight, correct? lol, because that is my problem. oh and you are way much better than expert village! All of there videos are cheezy, and this is hopefully going to bring me down to the 84 area, thanks a lot!!
Great video. Never thought of setting up the way you mentioned and as a result you should see some of my slices! I'm looking forward to giving this a shot at the range. Thanks - can't wait to go through more videos this evening.
I've been watching all your videos and I must say you're a very very good instructor. I followed all your tips and naturally I made great improvements in my game. You actually helped me understand the real concept of golf. I'm here in faraway Philippines and I feel just lucky to have access of your vids thru the internet . Thank you very much. God Bless.
You are welcome! One of my senior instructors, Allen Panuncio, is of Philippine origin and may be coming your way to give some clinics in January or February, so if you would like to participate and have others that would like to as well, you can email me through my website and we can advise you as to the where and when! :) Shawn
Me and my friends are looking forward to it. We hope Allen can visit us here in Cebu (the beach resort capital of the Philippines}, this January. Again, thank you very much Shawn. More Power!
I went to the range and hit a big bucket . I would say I hit about 15 out of 35 straight as an arrow (way improved). staying focused was difficult at the end of the bucket on the last three I attempted I sliced again even though I was still seemingly attempting to use this technique . any ideas ?
See the "golf pro lesson braced tilt part 2" as a great complement to this video; also see "golf pro lesson weak grip or strong grip?" video to make sure your grip is up to snuff!
I couldn't figure out why I was being so inconsistant then it dawned on me. the braced tilt from the iron vid . completely helped me.
I went through the mechs with bending my knees . lining up center then I tilted ever so slightly to the right before I entered the swing. wow made all the difference.
Tried this out yesterday with my driver. Cured my slice 9/10 shots. I happen to live close to the Richmond Hill Golf Club and when I was at the range I saw Shawn there, and I thanked him for this tip.
Thanks agai for the many great videos, Shawn - by far the best collection I have seen on the internet. I have what I think is a simple question, but I'll ask anyways. When using a high tee with your driver, and you have the ball at the front of your stance, when you get ready for your swing, and the clubhead is center, should it actually be the heel of the club that's lined up with the ball? Or should it remain centered?
Hello Shawn... I seem to struggle with holding the driver; distance from the body, and angle of the shaft in relation to my body. For some reason, I can't find the comfort spot that would allow me to swing the driver, stay in balance, and maintain a full arc. Some say the posture and hand position should be the same for all clubs. Do you agree with this? Thanks, Tom
secondly im sort of new to golf and i can only drive about 160. to be honest i think i try to hiit the ball with to much power and the ball just spears off to the left or right. i also have a problem of hitting the driver to high or just next to the ball but on my side if you know what i mean.. so do i just need to relax and power, more acuracy and longer drives will come naturaly over time?
Shawn, let me start by saying thank you for this video. Couldn't get off the tee before ,slice, banana, chicken wing I got them all. Was hitting ball 200 yrs with wind behind me. This vedio has not only staighten my drive but I'm hitting it 230 easy. I played yesterday hit one drive 260. Also hit 90% of fairways. Always play in the mid 90's . I played 88 with a few missed putts. Your chicken wing vedio helped also. Cheers... Life IsGood
Oh, my god that cleared up so much. Thanks for the video. You can struggle and struggle but it only takes a 5 minute video to help my swing. I'm going to watch more of your videos, great job. I like how you start simple and work up.
machinemachine70 3 months ago
Thumbs up! Your swinging tips worked perfectly for my irons. Think this vid will solve my driver fading/slicing problem as well. I always position my driver head right behind the ball before the takeaway. Can't wait to try this out at the range.
kef529 3 months ago
Shawn I have been slicing my drives ever since I have played golf(>4yrs).
I was addressing the driver head right behind the ball, thereby slicing on the downswing. After seeing your vid I went to the range and would you believe I am cured of this deadly affliction. This IS the best golf driver tip ever,Thanx much.
abajaj1 4 months ago
Shawn - great video! Can't wait to go to the range tomorrow and try this. I used to be consistent off the tee ... but lately I'm all over the place and I think this could be a big reason why. But my question is this ... when you demonstrated with the driver, there was so much space between the club face and ball at address. I understand your reasoning now, but it doesn't seem to me like the pros have the same setup. Do they? Thx!
terps2703 4 months ago
@terps2703 Thanks! Moe Norman was the best driver ever and placed his even farther back than mine; if you look at many other tour players like Fred Couples and Tom Kite and many others on the regular tour, what they do is have the hands well behind the ball at address which leans the shaft backwards away from the target;
Shawn
clemshaw 4 months ago
@clemshaw Shawn, I went to the range twice last week and couldn't believe how much this helped me. The ball flight was amazing using your approach. Previously, I was definitely "facing the ball" as you mentioned, so my shoulders were open. I have been playing golf for 30 years and this is the best tip I've ever had. As you said ... "it feels so solid." :) I just need to "standardize" how high to tee it up.
terps2703 4 months ago
Shawn's videos are better than anything else for me. It fixed my driver and iron. Specially, this set up position for driver was a magic. I don't slice anymore. I want to thank you very much. BTW, do you have any video for pitching or chipping.
bstrt 4 months ago
@bstrt You bet! The very best short game instruction around; really really; see "short game chipping; shawn clement", "how to feel the chip and pitch; shawn clement", "downhill chips and chip yips; shawn clement" and more! Thank you for the kind words and comment BTW! Shawn
clemshaw 4 months ago
Hi shawn , on the last ball you hit on this video how would you explain keeping everything sqaure to the target at impact as there must be a point when the club head starts to turn in and come round the body...Is this done by a lateral sway towards the target ....im asking by the way because i hit my irons very well from a centre position but as soon as the driver comes out ,its meltdown time .... great video,s by the way ..thanks
gram9018 5 months ago
Shawn,
You do a great job and you have helped my swing tremendously. Not only have you helped me but so has this new Golf Book
wilcros1 5 months ago
Shawn,
I'm not sure if you answered this or not, but is this a drill or do you setup this way on the course? If it's a drill how do you eventually get to the point where you're setting the driver directly behind the ball? I did try this at the range the other day and it really seemed to work. I got much better contact and ball flight. Thank you for your excellent videos.
manndrew 5 months ago
Good video!
hsh24892 5 months ago
Hi Shawn,
I am a lefty with a huge problem with my driving. I slice the ball about 80 percent of the time. I really do not have a clue why i do this only with my driver. I am pretty good with my irons i just have no clue why i slice the ball so much with my driver. Any tips?
MrEdmond06 6 months ago
What does it mean if I continually bottom out the driver prior to hitting the ball?
pruman3d2 7 months ago
@pruman3d2 The best video to address this is my "ridiculously easy; shawn clement" part 1 and 2 video; you need to be focused through the ball to a target and the action of the swing needs to release towards that target!
Shawn
clemshaw 6 months ago
I can hit all clubs in my bag except my Driver. I can hit my 3w 250yds. I can use my 3w every time but would like to use my driver on long courses. I thought about going to a High Loft driver but not sure if that would help. Wondering if I just have driverphobia??
henry309 8 months ago
Hi Shawn,
the last ball you hit of the tee, the higher one, you wouldn't recommend to set the driver face behind the ball before you take the swing? would it matter on the loft of the driver I was using. or my club head speed? thanks for your great and fantastic contribution towards Golf by the way, it's great.
gojipoj 8 months ago
awesome i was slicing and didn't know why tried this and instantly gone
wgalvitron 8 months ago
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If i place all clubs in the middle of my stance, where do i place the ball for my irons???
henry309 8 months ago
If i place all clubs in the middle of my stance, where do i place the ball for my irons???
henry309 8 months ago
@henry309 That depends on the kind of shot you want to hit; fade or draw? See my "working the ball; shawn clement" part 1, 2 and 3 videos;
clemshaw 8 months ago
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namalkotage 8 months ago
Great tips!
75seifert 9 months ago
Great Tips i alway top the golf ball because i am facing at the ball causing me to bottom out on top of the ball.
Thanks
apw1994 9 months ago
1. I use my square formed driver. I feel that the clubface and the shaft is not right in the downswing. Is it because I make a bad swing (= that's what I think)? Or is the square formed driver a bad design?
2. What shall I do to get those extra yards with my driver swing? Exercise (= I'm not an athlet)? Or perhaps swing 'harder' in the follow throw? Or?
petereuropa 1 year ago
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Hi Clemshaw,
How can you setup with a square clubface and keep it square on impact if the ball is on your left foot?
whung7 1 year ago
Hi Clemshaw,
How can you setup with a square clubface and keep it square on impact if the ball is on your left foot?
whung7 1 year ago
@whung7 You will see the perfect video for this one in "#1 most popular teacher on YT; driver" which is my latest video on the driver; see also my "#1 most popular teacher on YT; hammer" video to get the complete picture! :)
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
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Hi Clemshaw,
How can you setup with a square clubface and keep it square on impact if the ball is on your left foot?
whung7 1 year ago
shawn, the raising of the right heel to start the golf swing..
my local professional tried to talk me out of it, he doesn't like it.
do you have any examples of players to refer to in my defence!!
veryspecialsteve 1 year ago
@veryspecialsteve Sure!! Johnny Miller, the greatest iron player of all time and the best player of the mid 70's professed about starting his backswing by planting the right heel; and everybody in that era of the 20's to the 80's would start the swing with a forward press or nudge; your local pro needs to do his homework and compare this move to starting the tennis serve, the baseball pitch, the joining of the orchestra by a band member during a piece etc...ESSENTIAL!!
clemshaw 1 year ago
@clemshaw I have been playing golf for about two months now and am making pretty good progress (mostly hitting irons and driver, not much work on the short game as of yet). Straight to the point, Im fashioning my swing off of Tiger's/Hogan's (I am sure you have heard that before) and notice him playing the ball backward of center when hitting some irons and wedges as oppose to playing the ball always slightly forward of center like you do in most of your demo's. What say you?
princedarosa 1 year ago
@princedarosa Couple of videos for you; have a look at my "#1 most popular teacher on YT; working the ball" videos as well as "#1 most popular teacher on YT; driver" and "#1 most popular teacher on YT; speed power"
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@princedarosa Most of my improvement is due to your vids(and my work)...so i have already seen those....Nothing specific about playing the ball back of center other than on a draw or way forward of center on a driver...(I have success hitting both fades and draws...better with fades so far). Is it incorrect to play the ball back of center with an 9 iron? Is it a problem if I do not accentuate the bracing to the left (and therefore hands in front of ball) as much as you do? Thank you so much!
princedarosa 1 year ago
@princedarosa Thank you for the post!
No issues with short irons back of center as it will just promote a lower more controlled flight; the spin you get with those clubs gives you ample stopping power and control; I can't speak for question #2 but I can tell you this: the left or forward leg is the one that must be used to load the twirling or catapulting effect of the arm-club unit towards the target; see the "#1 most popular teacher on YT; ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2 for this; Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@clemshaw Thanks so much for the quick reply...really appreciate all that you do. Staying tuned....
princedarosa 1 year ago
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healthnut4life48 1 year ago
This is one of my favorite golf tip in youtube. For who wants to give me a litle hepl to improve my swing, please see my video at: youtube.com/watch?v=1vfnSL1YT2A
Daavyydd 1 year ago
@Daavyydd The best is to join our forum at my website listed up top in the video description; I would also suggest you get my new 5 disc dvd series to really develop your game further; you need a better grip, posture, body turn, focus and feel of swing's release to target etc; best money you will ever spend on golf plus you have our forum as a resource for things you are having trouble with. You will improve hugely! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
What's with the action of the right knee?
scubart 1 year ago
@scubart Only one of the most important aspects of the swing; tennis players, pro musicians, baseball pitchers, hammer throwers...you name it! It is all about the creation of momentum! See "golf pro lesson takeaway and stating the swing" as well as "golf pro lesson takeaway part 2 and 3" Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
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stevenwkd1 1 year ago
The reason you don't see any tour players address the ball like this is even though you are using a driver you should always hit down through the ball, this is how the pros get a penetrating ball flight that will drop into the fairway where they want. Hitting up through the ball leaves a huge margin for error resulting in hooks and other inconsistencies that others have reported. I'm not saying the ball should not be positioned on your left big toe for your driver, but you should be hitting thr
toporder52 1 year ago
@toporder52 The best ball striker ever with a 91% fairways hit "Lifetime Average" was Moe Norman and this is how he used to set up with the driver; You can play the ball more inside the left instep as long as you are centred behind the ball! And, by the way, it is the tip of the tee in the way of the club head returning naturally upward at that point; so the margin for error you speak of is unfounded...Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@toporder52 are you serious? or are you just joking? how does one hit down and thru with their driver w/out taking a divot? if you put the ball forward how do you catch it at bottom of arc. and i have heard of touring professionals addressing the ball like in this video (as a drill) to promote a wider takeaway.
One additional point, i think this video offers great advice to the rest of us mere golfing mortals--those of us who do not possess world class vision, balance, hand/eye contact!
steckleinjr 1 year ago
Hmmm. Aligning the club 8 inches behind the ball doesn't intuitively feel right and I've never seen a tour player play that way. Can't you just move your arms and club forward without rotating your body. That's how you are going to be at impact anyhow. Just a thought
MrPigg11 1 year ago
I was really inconsistent with my driver. I took this tip to the range and was amazed at how much of a difference it made in my ball striking. Before viewing this tip, I always tried to bottom out at the point of contact. Now I realize the concept of the swing bottoming out just behind the ball and making contact on the upswing. What a difference. I hit middle of the fairway on 15 of 18 greens today!! Normally I would hit about 4 or 5 per 18 holes. Shot a personal best. Thanks a million!!!
vonchill 1 year ago
Congratulations, I saw you bit to be the next instructor on Golf Channel. I hope you get it, you got that way of explaining it that really sinks in! You have great impact on my game for sure. You are by far & away the best thing on youtube....other than the Russian "lala la" singer. That sh*ts funny as hell!
jacobreily 1 year ago
Thank you, i have never hit better drives after I test this, THANK YOU, Kent Sweden
kent6608 1 year ago
What an awesome instructor ! Thank you very much for sharing.
luvdeals2k 1 year ago
I used to have the ball in the middle of my stance when I drove and it worked just fine, but then i saw this video and so i tried it this way and I always either grounded it or I had a huge hook.... cant seem to figure this out
cp3hornets1 1 year ago
@cp3hornets1 Just means that you are playing the ball too far forward and it is not allowing you to swing THROUGH THE BALL; play it back where you had it if this was going well for you; see also my "golf pro lesson modern driver" part 1 and 2 and "golf pro lesson working the ball with Driver" videos; Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
are you saying that there is space between, for example, a 5 iron or 4 hybrid and the ball when it's on the ground? Do you then keep the club above the ground at address? I don't get it...
molsondrive1970 1 year ago
@molsondrive1970 It does not matter where you start the club really; what matters most is where the club will be twirling through on it's way to the target; you want to hit it high? play it more forward and the club will look farther away from it from it's center position; want to hit it lower? Play the ball more inside the front foot and the club will look closer to the ball from it's center position; see "golf pro lesson tilted twirl" video for more!
clemshaw 1 year ago
iv tried this before and it works ok but feel akward.. but how come when you look at the pro's none of them are that far behind the golf ball
thelumberjackjohn 1 year ago
@thelumberjackjohn, I'm no pro and am not a great driver but after watching many, many, (did I say many) Golf videos and reading countless instruction articles/books, I have a few guesses. 1) Some pro's probably play the ball closer further back (not so forward) and it appears that they line up close to the ball. 2) When pros tilt away from their target the club moves forward towards the ball. Doing that, they can set up right behind the ball. Just my two cents for what its worth.
Bourge17 1 year ago
@Bourge17 Have a look at the response I gave molsondrive1970 on this one; All the best! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
@thelumberjackjohn Have a look at the response I gave molsondrive1970 on this one; All the best! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
i absolutely LOVE this video!!
it was soo much helpp!
im going to go to the driving range tomorow and try this out :)
ipod225 1 year ago
@ipod225 I tried this method and it is absolutely the best video i have ever seen. I can not believe my driver now. I used to hit 6 or 7 window busters a round and can't wait to see how it lowers my score. Keep em coming shawn.
kc82cc81 1 year ago
Shawn - is there any other tip for using a driver - I have a horrible slice and no matter waht I do it seems to continue - I am hitting the ball really well with the other clubs now but I just dont seem to have time and space to swing the driver properly in the rythm you have showed us - I still keep cutting across is and it turns horribly right as it goes?? _ any suggestions - Grant Baker
GrantBBaker 1 year ago
Hi best video i have seen will try it at the range........
Thanks
Mike
lucky1960x 1 year ago
With ball forward, isn't the swing arc starting to come back to the inside causing a little bit of a pull to the left? It was for me at least. What I did to adjust, was mimic an impact position with the club face square to target and then brought the club head back to the middle of my stance. What this did was open the club head just a tad and brought it just a tad to the inside of the ball. Does this make sense? I guess another option is to aim a little to the right and play for a pull.
hooptime 1 year ago
hey shawn when you place the club face in the middle of the stance which is set a small distance away from the ball, and you set your head to look at the clubhead to do look at the ground in front of where your club was or do you still look at the ball during the swing
joshb2292 1 year ago
This video is really an eye opener.Fantastic video, and it did really change my game.I tuned to this video over and over again.Thanks Shawn.
apaitom 1 year ago
Brilliantly put.
I had always placed my driver and ball in the center of my stance and had always hit good straight drives until I started to become more "orthodox "by placing the club and ball more to the front.After that, I had problems with consistency.
francislsp 1 year ago
You've clear a lot of things for me from watching your videos....thanks!
I get your concept on the driver swing, but I need you to clear one thing...As you move the ball fwd in the stance for the driver, are you changing your swing arc to compensate this? If not, wouldn't you slice it? In your other video, move ball back creates a draw, more fwd to fade. Thanks!
RAMSEYgsd 1 year ago
Haha, I'm going out tomorrow morning and am gonna try this, this makes a lot of sense. Wow, I used to tee the ball up just inside my left foot and line up the driver right behind it, and by used to I mean 5 minutes and 12 seconds ago. That explains the major slices and hooks, I've been trying to work around a setup flaw. That would also explain why my driver is by far my worst club. I'm friggin excited right now, THANK YOU SHAWN!
Nate2203 1 year ago
Hi Shawn
2 questions
1. Where should the eyes be in case of the driver specially when the ball is teed up in front of the left toe.
2. Where should the hands be at address. I see them slightly in front of the ball.
Thanks
mjs0039 1 year ago
after watching this video my driving accuracy has increased majorily. I am a very good ball stiker when it comes to my irons but have always struggled with the driver. this video has put me from a 5 to 2 or 3 handicap. Thanks Shawn!
Footballgolfer 1 year ago
this was one of the best driver tips i've ever seen. been hacking for about 3 years now and could never manage to hit driver long and straight. Started of slicing... moved into hooking. but after watching this video and NOT placing the clubhead right behind the ball, the ball flight was instantly straight unless I manipulated my hands or spine angle to put spin on the ball. Again thanks Shawn.
taz19741974 1 year ago
the straightest driver of the golf ball was Moe Norman .his hands and club was always way behind the ball . i understand you're a big Norman fan
sifurick123 1 year ago
wow, one of the best explained and easiest to understand tutorials i've seen. GREAT video..
nuck81 1 year ago
great tip I think...this might be 3 years old video but i keep coming back looking at it !!!
ElmarPosch 1 year ago
Light Bulb! I can't wait to try this out. I am self taught and am working on my inconsistencies. Every now and then I pull off a miraculous drive but it's a coin toss. I know the fundamentals of the golf swing, the geometry, etc etc but this video gave me something practical to execute. Brilliant. I'm about to hit the search bar and I hope you have more vids.
HIGMANIAC 1 year ago
Thumps up, you are by far the best instructor I've heard. Keep it up.
fkwellfare 1 year ago
Hey Shawn! I know that's not one of your most recent videos but I've got a question. I see that (as many pro on the tour) your hands are in a high position at the top of your backswing ("above your head" on the camera). Personnally, at the top of my backswing my hands are more behind my body. The thing is that my driver is pretty cool and often with a nice draw but I wonder if I can I keep my hands behind or should I put them higher so my swing would be more vertical?
Merci pour tout Shawn!
nanbyo 1 year ago
hey shawn,
im having problems with my driver. no matter how low i place my tee my ball still goes up way too high, causing me to lose distance and drive only around 230 yards. can you think of a reason why that is?
thanks
sourpatch22 1 year ago
@sourpatch22 probably the shaft...needs to be stiffer or heavier. to lower the spin.
taz19741974 1 year ago
This proved most helpful. :)
ForeverLethal 1 year ago
ok im doing just like you are saying my ball is now going farther then it use to but now i am still slicing it and i dont know why? any suggestions?
MrJonahlers 1 year ago
Watched this video and had instant results! Felt my drive was inconsistent and tended to slice quite a bit, went on the range applied what was shown here and i'm now hitting straight everytime. Also added yardage which is always a bonus!! This video has helped me with driver, 3 wood and 5 wood drives, Many thanks Shawn!!
jon1neumann 1 year ago
Hey shawn great vids are your eyes on ball or straight down toward club head when ball is forward. thxs Mike
msc32511 1 year ago
Hey Shawn
I used to always struggle with the driver and had the same fundamental mistake that you mentioned, i.e. focus on the ball and change my alignment. I have since, after watching your video, started doing what you suggested and the results have been brilliant. I still now and again, on the downswing, tend to look at the ball and try and hit it but overall i'm definitely improving. Thanks a ton.
Vijay
vijaybobanand 1 year ago
I had an extreme slice with my driver and this has completely fixed it. First time at range I thought it was a fluke. I kept hitting ball after ball. Straight and far. I can't thank you enough. This also gave me a much better understanding of swing mechanics. Thank you much!!!!!!!!
lmrhodes100 1 year ago
Hey Shawn,
I tried this driver lesson with my #3 fairway wood (driver and I aren't on speaking terms right now) but man what a difference. Ball trajectory was high of course, but flight was 85% straight, carry and roll was 220 yards. What I enjoyed the most was the shrinkage of dispersion, aiming at my target the ball was landing 5 yards on both sides. This is great, still chili dipping but not as bad, still can improve at age 58 but act more like 28, THANKS!!
915JOECOOL 1 year ago
i play regular golf. i tee of pretty low for a driver as i seem to get the ball way high in the air. how do i stop the backspin. teeing off high for me results me skying
Nazz123ran 1 year ago
I am a self taught 16 handicap golfer. Pretty good iron player, but have greatly struggled with my driver year after year. Your lesson just straightened out my drives and added 25+ yards easily. Thank you very much for taken the time to do this video. -Mike
mikfeds 1 year ago
Thanks for the comment Mike! And you are welcome!
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
This video cleared up something great.
I usually play my driver tee really far forward,
especially when I swing harder,
but on the course I usually have a few o.b. hooks to the left and power slices to the right. Couldnt understand the reason why until I saw your video. Now I know if I setup with shoulders square and swing through square, the driver head will swing through on the upswing, but if I focus and point my shoulders at the forward ball, I'm basically changing everything. Thanks Shawn!
MrEmptyHand 1 year ago 9
Thank you for the great comment!
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
I just got your response for the tip I requested but have not used it as of yet. I really just wanted to "Thank You" for responding so quickly, never had this experience. This means a lot to me and it says a lot about you as as instructor. Once again "Thank You" for caring and sharing.
915JOECOOL 1 year ago 4
Thank you Joe!
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Hi there,
You demonstrate convincingly ("How to clear the hips drill") how to hit the ball with an iron - through the ball and then into the ground taking a divot. With a wood or driver one shall just brush the ground. Is this difference taken care of by the sentral nervous system or does one have to consciously swing in another way?
Hans
KF1268 1 year ago
Hi Hans;
Same swing; 14 clubs in the bag just like Jack Nicklaus said; you can't deny that the feel is going to be different though; head design and size as well as the differences in shafts and the way skip across the ground...Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Hey Shawn, loving the videos, some great tips. Tried this with the driver for the first time at the range tonight. I definitely noticed an improvement in my consistency , however I was pulling a lot left, any tips for helping hit through the ball from the inside? also would this be better or worse if I moved away from my offsett driver?
thanks in advance, keep up the great work
connery73 1 year ago
Hey connery73; thanks!
See my "golf pro lesson modern driver" part 2 towards the end where I show how to groove the plane of the driver by doing swings with the ball higher than my feet; also see my "golf pro lesson hooks and slices" and "golf pro lesson be a solid ball striker" videos and see if you can hit some nice push draws! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Shawn, Im having trouble hitting my driver lower. I have an 8.5 loft driver but my trajectory is more like 9.5 or 10 degree driver. Do you have any tips for that?
Hyun
redralph 1 year ago
Hello Hyun;
See my "golf pro lesson compress through the ball" video and try a few with the driver like that; they should go about 10 feet in the air! Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
thanks, this is a great help. I really liked how clearly you broke everything down.
camo190280 1 year ago
What's your handicap???
KnockOut22 1 year ago
Plus 2 right handed and 0 Left handed...:)
Shawn
clemshaw 1 year ago
Not bad.. Why do you play both ways? Just for the hell of it? Do you take a specific set for a day?
I wish i could play both left and right handed lol-first i need to concentrate on breaking 90 lmao.
Good vids by the way. instruction is keen.
KnockOut22 1 year ago
Hi Shawn. I have a question about alignment. It seems like if the clubhead makes contact later in the arc, the direction (left/right) will be affected as well as the height. Should my alignment close slightly as the ball is moved forward in the stance for longer clubs? Thanks. Cliff.
looselefty 2 years ago
@looselefty,
Remember that the driver tracks a much wider arc than the shorter clubs so the club doesn't come back around as quickly. Just make sure that you are braced against your forward side and maintain a steady axis.
-Matt Blois
RH Golf Learning Centre Assistant Professional
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hey Cliff;
yes, you are right on with that; and Matt has a very important point to keep in mind with what you are saying too;
Thanks for the great question and comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
So, when you address the ball with a driver. It is ok to keep the distance from the ball, especially for high tee? Will this decrease the accuracy, and miss the sweet spot more often?
shunwu 2 years ago
What you want to do is feel that if you swing the club around a steady axis towards the target, that the ball IS IN THE WAY OF THIS; have a look at my "golf pro lesson tilted twirl" and "golf pro lesson distance to ball part 2" videos and you will understand; Thanks for the question! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Thanks for your prompt answer. I've been using the setup in the video for several practice in the range. I DO hit the sweet spot more often, and the ball flight is higher now. :-)
shunwu 2 years ago
my kid wants to drive in the house
ladyxeona 2 years ago
hey shawn,
i cant seem to figure out how my mate drives the ball longer than me. im a fairly big lad compared to him and much stronger, however he usually out drives me. i only play casually maybe once/twice a week and he plays far more often and has lessons so his technique is far more sound which I presume has a massive influence. How much power comes from a good technique as opposed to brute force? and how do i maximise my strength?
thanks mate, Jamie
jmac153 2 years ago
Technique means that you will be able to deliver your mass and force at the right time and not waste it before it is time; you need to feel what "through the ball" is; while you are waiting for my dvd, see the following vids: "Golf pro lesson through ball", "golf pro lesson grip 2 wrist hinge", "golf pro lesson taut swing philosophy"...the dvd series will get you the right info at the right time to build into your power the proper way; Thanks for the comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
I LOVE CANADA!
kogamja 2 years ago
Hi Sean - Why did I not come across your teaching sooner??? The DVD is on my Christmas list. One question: Do I have to left my left heel? I mashed the ball with the driver at the range, but when I tried the left heel lift, it was not nearly as good. Thank you so much! You are a true teacher. From, Dave O'C
ocdave99 2 years ago
Hi Dave!
Thanks for the comment!
Have a look at the following vids while you wait for the videos: "Golf pro lesson tilted spiral" part 1, 2 and 3 and for the heel lift see "golf pro lesson downswing weightshift" and "golf pro lesson 2008 golf swing review" part 1 and 2;
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Ok I am still having issues with losing my tilt on the plant fall part of my swing.
I simply kill the ball with my hybrids.
Would a quick band aid be to get an offset/draw driver and tee up in the middle of my stance?
Just curious...
bluejfk 2 years ago
Either that or the option we just talked about with shyamvijay123 below; Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
hi clem, i like the analogies that you make esp the one about the child on a swing! i have a question about ball position with driver .. if i were to move the ball forward to catch it on the upswing, would'nt the club be travelling left of the target line as it moves upwards as well?In fact when i started putting the ball forward i also started hitting it off the toe of the club quite a bit. what adjustments should i make to hit the driver properly then?
shyamvijay123 2 years ago
Very good comment! Yes, of course, when you put the ball too far forward, you will catch the ball as it (The Club head) is returning to the inside; so get closer and aim a bit more to the right center of the fairway; it will feel like you are pulling the ball down the middle...the pull is the most powerful shot! :) See "golf pro lesson modern driver part 1 and 2" for a good follow up! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
actually the bottom of the swing is underneath the leading shoulder (Because that is the center of the swing). that's a myth that the bottom of your swing is the center of your chest. The only reason our ball position is in the center of our stance for short irons is because we have spine tilt(bringing the bottom towards the ball) , and we want the bottom of our swing in front of the ball.
tomeg818 2 years ago
You are only partially right; if you were a tennis player playing to your backhand and it is a one arm backhand, you would be correct; in golf, when you take your grip, you are connecting both arms to the club to form an "ARM CLUB" unit; and the center of this unit is the "Sternum Notch"; you must deal with the complete unit to get the whole picture;
Thanks for the comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Shawn I've stole your little hitch to get your swing going. My question is with your driver although obviously different than your irons do you still "toss" your driver up like you do your irons after your hitch to get started? Thx for all of your help.
msc32511 2 years ago
Great question!
You want to toss it wide and away; it will track it's own arc and get elevation on it's own as well; The best is to practice in a "Ball slightly above the feet' scenario and perform the perpetual motion drill with it; see "Golf pro lesson perpetual motion drill" and "Golf pro lesson swing plane" and you will get what I mean; Thanks for the comment!
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hi Clem,
Great video, i do have on question though. my driver shot goes out no more than 50 yards and then imediatiatly hooks down and left. I have tried many things to fix this problem, but i can't seem to hit the ball straight. What would you suggest i try to fix this problem.
Thanks a lot,
Tyler
tysalem94 2 years ago
Hey Tyler;
2 Things: First see the "Golf pro lesson Grip 2 wrist hinge" to check the grip; next you want to make sure the focus is through the ball towards the target; see "Golf pro lesson through ball" and as an added measure to this, see "Golf pro lesson hooks and slices" as well as "Golf pro lesson Hunter Mahan Power fade" and learn how to properly power fade the ball to balance the whole system out;
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
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4golfonline 2 years ago
Dear clem,
I just find your video one week ago,and it gives me the anwers for most of my problems over the last ten years.Thank you very much ! I really want to fly to Canada to have your coach face to face !
ycpandy 2 years ago
You are welcome anytime!
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
hey clem!
I want to let you know that you're instructions have really changed my golf game. I was a terrible golfer at the start of this year and using your methods I have been finding greens!
I did want to ask you about my driver though, I have shorter legs than most and a longer torso (I'm funny looking). Someone told me I should either get a shorter driver or I should choke up on the on I have. Is this sound advice?
jarrodbrittain 2 years ago
Yes; I would have to concur with this; see my "Golf Pro lesson don't keep the head down" part 1 and 2 which focuses on the posture and the chest staying forward throughout the swing for great ground leverage; if the shaft gets too long, this effect will be reduced to a point where the length of the club will no longer be an advantage; thanks for the comment!
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Thanks Shawn! I'm going to have to find some time to get to the driving range and try this out!
jarrodbrittain 2 years ago
GOLF GENIUS! I love how you teach, your information is helping me take my game to the next level. keep making videos. Thanks, Austin
SLGR913 2 years ago
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MrGolfpro65 2 years ago
This is a really good tip and part of a very informative collection of videos. It's easy to open your shoulders (at address) without realising when playing the ball forward. Thus imparting slice spin, even when you swing on a good plane (in relation to your shoulders). However, square shoulders at impact and a lack of torso rotation require the hands to flip to close the clubface and chase it down-the-line. Most tour pros have slightly open shoulders at impact.
sharkwilboy 2 years ago
Yes, of course!
This is a question of feel as well though and this video was formulated in it's wording especially on feel; you can see by the comments that it is very effective...:) Thanks for the comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Hi Clem
this video tip has transformed my driving, thank you.
I would like to know is why is this technique not used/taught more widely?
My pro/assistant was not seem to be impressed by the idea (I realise all pro's have different ways of teaching).
Several friends of mine are now using the same technique. Thanks again.
Eddie ROTGC Nottingham
eddie6921 2 years ago
Thanks Eddie! Many pros on tour use and have used a certain form of this method; the best driver of the ball who ever lived used it even more exaggerated than what you see here!
Moe Norman was his name and if you ask anyone who played the tour in the 50's, 60's and 70's will tel you he was the best; they are all unanimous on this one!
clemshaw 2 years ago
Moe setup differently though with a one plane swing Shawn. Do you have a video that discusses one plane vs. two plane?
PokerXFactor 2 years ago
This is the BEST golf advice that i have ever had it really does work.
Played sat came 2nd
played sun came 1st
Thank you
t23V 2 years ago
this really fixed my irons, im hitting them better now but my driver is still slicing do you have any tips.
golfguy1995 2 years ago
wow, that was very helpful, my whole game relies on my weakness which is my nasty drive and i think you just fixed it, thanks so much
patriot52326 2 years ago
well im kinda new at golf so i kinda know what you are talking about :) thanks
snakar7 2 years ago
i tried this on the course, it works, but, i tend to hit the ground before the ball. how do i stop this from happening??
rotary02 2 years ago
The key is to keep the focus out to the target; see "golf pro lesson through the ball" and "golf pro lesson how to repeat your practice swing"
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
couple questions clemshaw...why dont we see alot of people on tour with this driver stance? And for that roatary guy...hitting the ground 1st, isnt that just your head isnt back enough and your hips and center arent foward enough. Becuase the only reason you hit the ground w your irons is cause u dont make that prest at address you make w driver....
kingalexing 2 years ago
Guys this works! Before I tried this I sliced my ball with my driver. I hit the driving range this evening using this technique and I either hit it straight or with a slight draw. By far the best practice session for me ever.
Shawn thank you thank you thank you
cliffhregis 2 years ago
Shawn,
I have seen Freddy couples start with his driver back behind the ball like this. I have tried it and it seemed to work for me also. My question is, do you place the club head and face DIRECTLY behind the ball (e.g. parallel to the target line) with the face square/perpendicular to the target line, or do you place it along the arc of the swing path (e.g. somewhat inside the target line) with the face perpendicular to the arc?
IIWIIIS 2 years ago
Keeping the ball just inside the forward instep you can keep the club head on the target line which would also be the point where the arc line would intersect with it (point of tangency);
Face square to both; see also "golf pro lesson modern driver" part 1 and 2 as well as the driver section in my DVD;
Thanks for the comment! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Shawn, when your are using the driver in the video, are you staring at the point in front of you and not the golf ball?
robtom987 2 years ago
wow. I always line my feet up, front foot inline with the ball. I never thought of making the club be in the middle of your stance like an iron shot! I can not wait to try that out at the range tommorow morning. This is supposed to make it go straight, correct? lol, because that is my problem. oh and you are way much better than expert village! All of there videos are cheezy, and this is hopefully going to bring me down to the 84 area, thanks a lot!!
---Chadd
chacro10 2 years ago
Thanks very much Chadd! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
do you have any videos on how to pitch up onto a green from 10-40 yards away?! thats where my scores goes down!!! Thanks a lot.
chacro10 2 years ago
Great video. Never thought of setting up the way you mentioned and as a result you should see some of my slices! I'm looking forward to giving this a shot at the range. Thanks - can't wait to go through more videos this evening.
IslaSailfish 2 years ago
He aint lyin...best advice vid I've seen so far. Thanks Shawn!
SammyPrairiechicken 2 years ago
I've been watching all your videos and I must say you're a very very good instructor. I followed all your tips and naturally I made great improvements in my game. You actually helped me understand the real concept of golf. I'm here in faraway Philippines and I feel just lucky to have access of your vids thru the internet . Thank you very much. God Bless.
jetvelz888 2 years ago
You are welcome! One of my senior instructors, Allen Panuncio, is of Philippine origin and may be coming your way to give some clinics in January or February, so if you would like to participate and have others that would like to as well, you can email me through my website and we can advise you as to the where and when! :) Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
Me and my friends are looking forward to it. We hope Allen can visit us here in Cebu (the beach resort capital of the Philippines}, this January. Again, thank you very much Shawn. More Power!
jetvelz888 2 years ago
Sounds great! Talk to you guys soon! Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
really good tips, thanks so much shawn!!!!!!!!!
emlynpaul 2 years ago
Man, i've watched expert village the whole day, an i learnt more from these 5 minutes with you. Unbeliveable.
Sjuskebabb 2 years ago
thanks for this lesson you just stopped me slicing my driver thanks shaun your a great teacher.
Wii4LifeKid 2 years ago
Great Thanks for the tip
Clayton0072002 2 years ago
I went to the range and hit a big bucket . I would say I hit about 15 out of 35 straight as an arrow (way improved). staying focused was difficult at the end of the bucket on the last three I attempted I sliced again even though I was still seemingly attempting to use this technique . any ideas ?
buhbuhray13 2 years ago
See the "golf pro lesson braced tilt part 2" as a great complement to this video; also see "golf pro lesson weak grip or strong grip?" video to make sure your grip is up to snuff!
Shawn
clemshaw 2 years ago
I couldn't figure out why I was being so inconsistant then it dawned on me. the braced tilt from the iron vid . completely helped me.
I went through the mechs with bending my knees . lining up center then I tilted ever so slightly to the right before I entered the swing. wow made all the difference.
thanks
buhbuhray13 2 years ago
I didn't practice this tech , but I hit 3 great drives straight and far. Thanks and I will update you upon my next game
buhbuhray13 2 years ago
I've been putting lines on the top of my club for years.
I hope this helps me tonight during league play.
buhbuhray13 2 years ago
Tried this out yesterday with my driver. Cured my slice 9/10 shots. I happen to live close to the Richmond Hill Golf Club and when I was at the range I saw Shawn there, and I thanked him for this tip.
f0liot 2 years ago 2
you're so lucky... if i were you i will ask him to teach me so I dont have to struggle anymore to break 80
budimard 2 years ago
Thanks agai for the many great videos, Shawn - by far the best collection I have seen on the internet. I have what I think is a simple question, but I'll ask anyways. When using a high tee with your driver, and you have the ball at the front of your stance, when you get ready for your swing, and the clubhead is center, should it actually be the heel of the club that's lined up with the ball? Or should it remain centered?
coolhand591 2 years ago
Hello Shawn... I seem to struggle with holding the driver; distance from the body, and angle of the shaft in relation to my body. For some reason, I can't find the comfort spot that would allow me to swing the driver, stay in balance, and maintain a full arc. Some say the posture and hand position should be the same for all clubs. Do you agree with this? Thanks, Tom
Mrimposibl 2 years ago
Great tip, just figured out why when i square up to the ball in front of left foot and pull it left!!!!
ashbylad69 2 years ago
hi shawn. firstly nice vid and i subscribed :)
secondly im sort of new to golf and i can only drive about 160. to be honest i think i try to hiit the ball with to much power and the ball just spears off to the left or right. i also have a problem of hitting the driver to high or just next to the ball but on my side if you know what i mean.. so do i just need to relax and power, more acuracy and longer drives will come naturaly over time?
thanks, jonny.
Jonny69erWithYourMum 2 years ago
Shawn, let me start by saying thank you for this video. Couldn't get off the tee before ,slice, banana, chicken wing I got them all. Was hitting ball 200 yrs with wind behind me. This vedio has not only staighten my drive but I'm hitting it 230 easy. I played yesterday hit one drive 260. Also hit 90% of fairways. Always play in the mid 90's . I played 88 with a few missed putts. Your chicken wing vedio helped also. Cheers... Life IsGood
mobototo 2 years ago