We’ve all had that moment—a drive that feels perfect the second it leaves the clubface. It soars straight, long, and lands just where you’d hoped. Unfortunately, those moments can feel too few and far between, especially when frustration creeps in after a slice or a topped shot. Hitting longer drives isn’t reserved for pros. In fact, many weekend golfers have found success by applying a clear, repeatable formula that focuses on refinement rather than force. If you’re trying to increase your distance at the tee, these steps—regularly reinforced by coaches at every golf driving range in Singapore—can help you get there.
1. Build From a Balanced Stance
A longer drive begins with a steady base. Many golfers rush their setup, standing too wide or narrow, or leaning into the shot without realising it. A balanced stance—feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed—sets you up for better swing mechanics. One instructor shared how slight posture adjustments helped an amateur gain 15 extra yards without touching the swing itself.
2. Turn Your Shoulders, Not Just Your Arms
It’s easy to confuse arm movement with a full swing, especially when you’re trying to “muscle through” the ball. But it’s the rotation of your upper body that creates real power. Visualise turning your back to the target in your backswing, allowing your arms to follow naturally. Practising this at a golf driving range in Singapore gives you space to feel the motion without worrying about scorecards.
3. Soften Your Grip, Gain Control
If your hands feel tense before the takeaway, your swing will reflect it. A tight grip leads to a jerky motion and reduced flexibility. One seasoned player described this as the “white knuckle mistake.” Ease the grip slightly—firm but not stiff—and you’ll gain a smoother release and more control through impact.
4. Trust Your Tempo
Many players chase distance by swinging harder. Ironically, this does the opposite. Faster doesn’t mean farther. What truly works is a smooth tempo: a controlled backswing followed by an accelerating downswing. It’s something you’ll hear repeatedly while training, because it works. A golfer who once struggled with over-swinging told me his breakthrough came after learning to count silently through his swing to keep it steady.
5. Lead With Your Hips
The hips are your engine. When they initiate the downswing, your upper body and arms follow in a natural chain. It’s the opposite of trying to “hit” the ball with your hands. Practice drills where your hips drive the motion. You’ll feel the whip of energy build from the ground up—and that’s where the extra distance lies.
6. Tee It Up Right
Tee height matters more than people realise. Too low, and you risk hitting down on the ball. Too high, and you may sky it. Ideally, your ball should sit level with the top edge of the driver when it’s resting. Many instructors at local ranges recommend spending a few minutes adjusting tee height during every session—it’s a small detail with a big effect.
7. Stretch Regularly, Train Smart
You don’t need a gym membership to improve your golf fitness. Simple stretches and mobility work for your shoulders, spine, and hips improve rotation and reduce fatigue. One casual golfer shared how five minutes of mobility drills each morning helped him feel looser on the course—and it showed in his ball flight.
8. Review Your Swing on Video
Seeing your swing helps you understand it. A video reveals habits that are hard to feel in real-time, like swaying or an early release. Record a few swings at the range and review them. You’ll start noticing patterns—good and bad—that you can adjust with more awareness.
9. Relax Before You Swing
Anxiety at the tee box can kill your distance. Tension in your shoulders or grip tightness slows everything down. Build a routine before every shot: take a breath, visualise the shot, and commit to your swing. Most coaches will tell you: confidence adds distance, hesitation takes it away.
10. Practise With Purpose
Instead of hitting through a bucket of balls just to get swings in, set clear goals each session. Focus on one element—tempo, grip, or hip turn—and evaluate your progress. Consistent improvement comes not from random repetition, but mindful practice. The most seasoned players you’ll see at a driving range didn’t get better just by showing up—they trained with a plan.
Distance Comes From Discipline, Not Strength
There’s no secret weapon for longer drives—just a series of simple, focused habits that build results. Whether you’re chasing your first 200-yard drive or refining your consistency, this formula offers something you can apply every time you pick up your driver.
Refine your swing in the right environment—contact National Service Resort & Country Club and start driving farther today.
