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Drive Longer, Score Lower: The Key to Better GolfTips for  Senior Golfers

  • Writer: 55pluswellness
    55pluswellness
  • Mar 24
  • 4 min read

MITCHELL BYNERT

 

You’re reading a preview of the March/April 2025 issue of 55+ Wellness Magazine. For the full version, packed with even more insights, inspiration, and exclusive content, visit MA25

As the game of golf evolves, the importance of driver distance has become more evident than ever. While accuracy and finesse around the greens remain critical, the ability to hit the ball farther off the tee provides a significant advantage for golfers of all skill levels! Here’s why increasing your driver distance can help you shoot lower scores and how you can achieve it effectively:

 

1. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DRIVER DISTANCE AND LOWER SCORES

Longer drives reduce the distance to the green, allowing for shorter and more accurate approach shots. This not only increases the likelihood of hitting greens in regulation but also minimizes the pressure to execute difficult recovery shots. For example, being 50 yards closer to the pin after a drive often means hitting a higher-lofted club, leading to better ball control and improved scoring opportunities.

 

Moreover, longer drives can enhance your confidence on the course. Starting a hole with a solid, lengthy drive sets the tone for the rest of the round, creating momentum and a positive mindset. For senior golfers, maximizing driver distance translates to playing more competitive and enjoyable rounds, maintaining an edge against peers, and experiencing the thrill of consistent birdie opportunities.

 

2. STRATEGIES TO INCREASE DRIVER DISTANCE FOR SENIOR GOLFERS

Increasing driver distance doesn’t require the strength of a tour pro. It’s about leveraging technique, fitness, and technology. Here are some key strategies:

 

A. OPTIMIZE YOUR EQUIPMENT:

Modern golf clubs are engineered to maximize distance. Consult with a professional fitter to ensure your driver’s loft, shaft flex, and clubhead design match your swing speed and style. Even small adjustments can yield significant gains.

 

B. CREATE A SOLID SETUP POSITION:

Efficient swing mechanics are the foundation of increased distance, and this all starts from a good setup position. Focus on:

 

- HAVING A WIDER STANCE AT SETUP: By positioning your feet wider in the starting position will allow you to create a solid and more stable base to swing faster from but also while maintaining great balance.

 

- ⁠PLACING THE BALL ON A HIGHER TEE: Teeing the ball up higher will encourage you to hit the ball on an upwards attack angle, which will not only assist you to generate a higher launch angle and ball flight but also less spin on the golf ball; allowing the ball to roll out further once it lands on the fairway leading to an increase in distance.

 

- ⁠LOWER YOUR TRIAL SHOULDER AT SETUP: Lowering the trail shoulder ties into the bullet point above and will help you to stay behind the golf ball in the downswing allowing for that essential upwards attack angle we discussed earlier.

C. IMPROVE SWING MECHANICS: 

Now that we have a good starting position and stable base to swing from, we can now begin to discuss how we can unlock speed from the swing itself:

 

- GREATER SHOULDER TURN: “what goes up, must come down”. As you begin to take the club up in your backswing, try to keep your swing arc wide and away from your body achieving a larger shoulder turn at the top. PGA Tour player, Rory Mcilroy, has discussed the importance of a wide backswing throughout his career and is considered to be the longest driver of the ball on the professional circuit. As a comparison, try to think about a slingshot - the more you pull it back, the more speed and power the object being slung will have.


 

- ⁠IMPORTANCE OF THE LOWER BODY: 

In the downswing, to help generate higher speed, it is pivotal that we have the correct kinematic sequence, which is the order in which the body moves throughout the swing. In the downswing, you want to initiate the movement with the lower body first, in particular your lead hip. Try to imagine someone pulling on the pocket on your trousers of your lead hip, which helps us to clear the hips faster and whip the club down towards the ball. Try to eliminate that pulling down motion with the arms from the backswing.

 

- FAST HANDS = FAST SWING: 

Now we enter the final lever to unlocking speed in the golf swing, which is the movement of the hands. Our hands are what connects our body to the golf club and therefore are a pivotal part to a fast golf swing. Once you have rotated your lead hip out of the way, don’t be afraid to then let your upper body follow and your hands to release the club through impact. Many people I see as I stroll up and down the range on a daily basis are trying to ‘guide’ and ‘steer’ the ball with their driver in an attempt to keep it straight - this will only lead to poorer strikes and a big lack in distance. Instead, use your hands like a whip and really get that club swinging fast as you make contact with the ball.

 

In conclusion, Driver distance isn’t just for the young or the pros; it’s a powerful tool for golfers of all ages. By focusing on the right techniques, equipment, and fitness routines, you can add yards to your drives and strokes off your scorecard. Whatever our age or level, the game of golf offers endless opportunities to refine skills, embrace challenges, and savor the satisfaction of a well-played round. Start driving longer today, and watch your scores drop along with your handicap!

 


 

MITCHELL BYNERT GOLF

 


Feel free to check out my website www.mitchellbynertgolf.com and Youtube Channel @MitchellByrnetGolf and take a look at how I can help you transform your golf game.












You’re reading a preview of the March/April 2025 issue of 55+ Wellness Magazine. For the full version, packed with even more insights, inspiration, and exclusive content, visit MA25



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