How to Hit a Golf Ball

Date Published: 08/02/2024

Golf is a sport filled with learning and skill refinement, and this includes knowing how to hit a golf ball, mastering how to hit a golf ball, especially with a driver, takes patience and practice.

Whether it’s driving the ball, hitting it further, or ensuring your shots are straight, each aspect requires attention to detail. The iGolf team are here to help you understand the fundamental techniques of how to hit a golf ball, specifically concentrating on driving the ball, hitting it further, and ensuring that your shots are straight. 

Whether you are new to the game or an experienced golfer looking to polish your skills, this guide offers valuable insights.

The Basics of Hitting a Golf Ball

Stance and posture

Good posture is the foundation of a good golf swing. Begin with a solid stance, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your body parallel to the target line.

Get to grips with the club

Hold the club with a relaxed yet firm grip. Whether it’s an interlocking, overlapping, or baseball grip, ensure it’s comfortable and provides control. Find out how to grip a golf club. 

Align your body

Your body, including feet, hips, and shoulders, should be aligned parallel-left (for right-handers) to the target line, like train tracks.

Think about the swing

Focus on a smooth takeaway, keeping your arms straight. As you reach the top of the swing, your body should coil, and then uncoil as you move into the downswing, transferring weight from back to front foot.

Learn more on how to swing a golf club

Impact and follow-through

The club should make contact with the ball at a slight downward angle. Follow-through is vital – continue the motion even after the ball is hit.

 

How to drive a golf ball

Driving a golf ball is about power and accuracy. Here’s how you can improve:

  • Use the right driver: The driver is the longest club in the bag and requires a slightly different stance and swing. The ball should be teed up higher, and your stance should be wider.
  • Get the ball position right: Position the ball inside your front heel. This helps in hitting the ball on the upswing, maximising distance.
  • Utilise your body: The power in a drive comes from your body, not just your arms. Rotate your hips and shoulders fully.

 

How to hit a golf ball straight

Now you know the basics of hitting and driving a golf ball, it’s time to get a straight shot. 

  • Check clubface alignment: Ensure your clubface is square to the target.
  • Improve your swing path: Work on a swing path that follows your body alignment. Avoid too much inside-out or outside-in movements.
  • Get your balance right: Maintaining good balance throughout the swing helps in hitting straight shots.

 

How to hit a golf ball further

You’ve got the technique down, but you’re struggling to get those long-distance shots. Here’s how to make your golf ball go that little bit further. 

  • Increase clubhead speed: Work on increasing your clubhead speed for longer shots. This doesn’t mean swinging harder, but rather swinging more efficiently. Here are 10 tips on increasing your swing speed
  • Use your core muscles: Stronger core muscles can help you get a more powerful swing. Consider incorporating golf-specific fitness into your routine.
  • Improve your flexibility: You don’t need to be a gymnast, but improved flexibility allows for a fuller range of motion, contributing to longer shots.

 

Make the perfect hit with iGolf 

Improve your golf hit when you sign up with iGolf. Perfect for non-members, you can still obtain an Handicap Index® under the World Handicap System™.

iGolf benefits include:

  • A complete digital history of your Handicap Index® and scores over time
  • Keep track of your progression 
  • Easy sign-up process
  • £46 for a 12-month subscription