1. Tee It High
2. Set-Up With Spine Tilt
3. Hit The Ball On the Upswing
4. Hit The Ball In The Center of the Clubface

1. Tee It High

Tee the ball high enough so the equator of the ball is higher than the top of the club. I know you might be thinking this will just put another battle scar on the top of your driver.  With the sizes of driver clubheads lately, teeing the ball this high is the only way to hit the ball on the upswing and in the center of the clubface, as explained in steps 3 & 4.

2. Set-Up With Spine Tilt


Notice the spine tilt, left shoulder higher, at address.  I’ve also positioned the ball off the inside my left heel with a wide stance.  These three set-up keys help hit the ball on the upswing.  Let me further explain, by placing the ball forward and tilting my spine, the arc of my club’s path can’t help but be on the upswing as the club hits the ball.

3. Hit The Ball On the Upswing


 Keep in mind: The only time we can hit the ball on the upswing is when the ball is in the air (on a tee). Contacting the ball on the upswing is the best angle for distance, because there is less backspin. By the way, there is no such thing as a well hit ball with topspin, no matter what the infomercials might say.  If the ball has top spin, it will spin down towards the ground.  And remember, when the ball lies on the ground, you can not effectively hit the ball on the upswing.  With the irons,  the low point is after the ball has been struck.  This is to ensure the ball is struck with solid contact regardless of the lie.

4. Hit The Ball In The Center of the Clubface


What a great idea! Did you know that the best way to increase you fun meter is to hit the ball in the center of the clubface?  Most, if not all, golf clubs are designed to be hit in the center of the clubface. It’s the point of contact that maximizes distance. So if your ball is not getting off the ground you are lacking solid contact. Try placing impact tape on the face of the club for feedback.

About the Author


Perry Andrisen is a PGA Teaching Professional at The Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon, Calif. He has previously worked at Indian Wells and Hazeltine National. Perry has coached players from the PGA Tour, Nationwide, Hooters, Teardrop, Spanos, Pepsi, Dakotas, and Golden State golf tours. Among his PGA Tour clients is his former college teammate Aaron Barber.

For more information, visit Perry’s Web site at www.perryandrisen.com.