5 Common Driver Faults That Limit Your Distance and How to Fix Them

5 common faults in your golf driver swing can limit your distance and consistency, but most are easy to fix with some focused adjustments.

Maximizing your driving distance is a goal for many golfers, yet subtle technical errors often hold players back. Here are five frequent faults that could be harming your driving performance, along with explanations on how they affect your swing and how to correct them.

1. Ball Position Too Far Back

Placing the ball too far back in your stance tends to create a more downward strike on the ball. This reduces launch angle and can limit carry distance. To maximize distance, position the ball more forward, typically aligned with the inside of your lead heel, encouraging a sweeping strike that launches the ball higher and farther.

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2. Hands Positioned Too Far Forward at Setup

When your hands are too far ahead of the ball at address, it influences the clubface loft and face angle. This can lead to inconsistent contact and less control over trajectory. Ensuring your hands are in a neutral position helps maintain the correct loft and face angle, improving shot quality.

3. Shoulders Aligned Left

Many golfers unknowingly set their shoulders slightly left of the target line when using the driver. This alignment can influence both swing path and body rotation, often causing pulls or slices. Proper shoulder alignment parallel to the target line promotes a more consistent swing shape and better ball flight.

4. Spine Angle Tilted Towards the Target

A spine angle that tilts too much towards the target can restrict your ability to pivot effectively during the swing. This limits power generation and can cause inconsistent contact. Maintaining a balanced spine angle that allows a full shoulder turn is key to a powerful and repeatable driver swing.

5. Standing Too Close to the Ball

Getting too close to the ball at setup reduces your ability to generate clubhead speed. It restricts your swing arc and can lead to tension in your arms and shoulders. Creating enough space between your body and the ball allows for a fuller, faster swing, which translates into more distance.

By addressing these five common faults, golfers can improve their driving distance and accuracy with relatively simple adjustments. Consistent practice and awareness of these setup and swing fundamentals are essential for better performance off the tee.