Golf tips: hit the ball further , watch out Dustin Johnson

Hitting longer golf shots is a something we all want to do. There is nothing like hitting a solidly struck, long tee shot out on the golf course. All the guys out on tour hit the ball long. Even the shorter hitters are pumping it out to 275 yard averages. Today my interest is in one of the most powerful and explosive players on tour.

Dustin Johnson hits the ball looooooooooooong. He bombs it, and also manages to keep the ball in play as his wins and major contentions showed in 2010. Dustin averaged over 307 yards off the tee in 2010 which helped him claim two tour titles and claim 7 top ten finishes.

So the question is, why does he hit it so far? and what do i need from my swing to get the ball out there?

Well lets take a look........

Coil up for power & maximise your speed............

The backswing comes down to two key components, coil and extension. These to factors allow us to maximise tension in the body that wants to be released, thus supplying power and also maximising the momentum in the clubhead. 

The picture right shows Dustin Johnson's takeaway. Notice the width of his take away. By this I mean the extension of the left arm away from the body. This means the swing arc is already being maximised therefore Dustin's golf club is going to travel a great distance around his body and build up lots of momentum, this creates speed.
At this point also notice the amount of shoulder turn. By half way back Dustin has already created around 60 - 70 degrees of shoulder turn. This is the coil I mentioned which created tension. His body is rotating creating a tight, spring like effect which will want to be released from the top of the backswing.



At the top of the backswing you can really see the extent of the rotation that Dustin has achieved. Notice how his shoulders have turned beyond 90 degrees from his set - up position. This is impressive, however the fact his hips have only rotated not even half of this distance is even more impressive. The facet he has created this separation means he is now coiled like a spring ready to be released back towards the ball. This will create power in the downswing.
Notice also the extension of the left arm at this stage!!


Work it from the hips..................


The downswing sees the release of all the accumulators built up on the backswing. You will notice in the picture on the right how Dustin's hips are driving well ahead of his shoulders. His belt buckle is almost pointing at the target however his shoulders are more square on over the ball.
This shows how the legs and hips should drive the downswing. Driving from the lower half transfers energy to the upper body, which then transfers the energy to the arms and finally the club. By the time the clubhead is ready to reach impact it is like a loaded whip ready to crack at the ball.

Extend out into the follow through...........

Carry on through the ball. Hit through it and hit it hard. Notice how Dustin has both arms extended after impact in front of his body. This is through maximum momentum and speed through the ball. Quitting on shots and not being committed to the strike will not allow you to create this position.
See it and hit that is what you want.
Again notice how open Dustin is with his hips. Again they are clearing a long way ahead of his shoulders.


Now it's your go...........

Ok so we aren't all going to be able to get into the same positions as Dustin Johnson. However we can practice the same sequence of movements that leads to a more powerful swing. You may want to start off without a club and just practice with a hands across the shoulders to practice the backswing coil and downswing sequence.

Good luck, and lets hope you find a few extra yards as well. Watch out Dustin!!

Daniel Gale PGA Professional

Dan is a fully qualified member of the PGA & TPI certified Instructor.

Check out his website at www.dangalegolf.com