Driving · Drill
Alternate Wedge and Driver to Calm Your Tempo
Part of our driving programs for slice, hook, not enough distance. Build a program with it
Here's a simple way to stop overswinging your driver. Hit one full sand wedge. Then hit one driver with the exact same effort. Keep switching. Never hit more than three drivers in a row. The driver is longer and lighter, so it already goes faster. You don't need to add effort. It may not give you your longest drive. But you'll find more fairways. Golf needs both distance and direction.
The drill
- Hit a smooth, full sand wedge.
- Hit a driver at the same effort.
- Keep alternating.
- No more than three drivers in a row.
- Use the wedge feel on the course.
Why it works
A driver is longer and lighter than a sand wedge, so the clubhead already moves faster at the same effort. When you add effort, your transition gets rushed and the club often arrives with the face closed to the path. That is where the hook comes from. Matching the wedge effort keeps your sequence in order and the face more stable through impact.
Common mistakes
- You swing the wedge softly and then swing the driver hard.Make the wedge a full, smooth swing so it gives you a real effort level to copy.
- You speed up your backswing with the driver because the club feels light.Take the club back at the same pace you used with the wedge and let the length of the club do the work.
- You hit several drivers in a row and the old effort creeps back.Go back to the wedge after one driver, and never hit more than three drivers in a row.
How you'll know it's working
- Your driver shots start closer to your target line and finish with less left curve for a right-hander.
- You strike the ball nearer the center of the face, even if the ball goes a little shorter.
- The driver swing feels as smooth as the wedge swing, and you finish balanced and holding your finish.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start with one wedge and one driver at about three-quarter effort until the matching feel is clear, then build to full.
Harder: Hit the pair to a specific fairway target and count only the drivers that finish in the fairway, while keeping the wedge effort the same.
Common questions
Why do I hook my driver when I swing harder?
Swinging harder often rushes your transition and closes the face relative to your swing path. Smoother effort lets the club release in order and keeps the face steadier.
Will swinging my driver smoother cost me distance?
You may lose a little distance on your longest hits. You usually gain it back through better contact and more shots in play.
