Tips For a Better Tee Shot

Many golfers set up incorrectly when setting up for a tee shot.  An incorrect setup I might see is one with the hands forward, the ball too far back, and the stance is narrow. This is a set up you need for an iron shot.  For a tee shot, the correct setup is one that promotes a swing that catches the ball on the upswing. The hands can be set even with or a little bit behind the ball.  The grip end of the club will be pointed around your zipper.  You can go ahead and tee the ball high.  If the wind is in your face and you would like to keep the ball down, you can try teeing the ball a little lower.  The recommended ball position for a tee shot is to play the ball so it lines up with your left heel (for a right handed golfer).  Your weight will be distributed around 60 percent on the right side, and 40 percent on the left side.  The upper body will be tilted slightly with the left shoulder a little higher than the right.  This setup will also help create a better turn on your backswing.

Drill for hitting the ball on the upswing:  Find a spot on your range or directly behind a tee box out on the golf course where there is an upslope.  The slope you want to find is one where your left foot will be higher than your right, and the slope will help you feel a little more weight on your right side.  Go ahead and make some practice swings from this slope.  Now try hitting some balls with the same feeling of hitting the ball on the upswing.

Rob Charland
Head Golf Professional