How to Achieve a Great Golf Swing and Hit the Green

A great golf swing isn’t just about your arms, the strength in your shoulders or the quality of your club - it’s about form, the turn of your back, the swivel of your feet and the full motion of the golf swing. Every golfer wants to hit the green on his first shot off a tee, but it’s not so easy. Here are 4 simple ways to hit the green more often on every drive and add power to your drives.

1. Create some leverage

Don't pick up the club in your backswing without bracing and grounding your right leg. During your crucial backswing, brace your right leg so you can transfer your weight to your right hip and leg and push down on the grip of your club with your right palm as a way to leverage the club up.

2. Stretch out your lead arm

Try not to bend your left elbow to lift your club. This destroys your coil, your swing width and, subsequently, your swing strength. When you get your arms up for the swing, get your left arm stretched out.

Stretch your left shoulder so it’s behind your ball and extend that left arm as far as you can. This positioning gets you a great swing width and not only increases your power, but also the speed of your drive.

3. Shift your body forward

Refrain from pulling your body backwards like you’re letting your club pull you away from the ball. You don’t want to lead with your back foot and have the club steal your momentum. Remember, you’re in charge of the club, not the other way around.

Instead, begin your downswing by moving weight on to your left hip. Shift your weight through your left leg and feel it all the way through to your left heel. This motion gets your club down and your power centered.

4. Follow through

Follow every shot through, right to the finish and let your shoulders and your arms guide the direction of the ball as you bring your swing to completion. Remember, a powerful swing doesn’t stop once you make contact with the ball, it follows the momentum through.

When following through, keep your form with a good grip and bring your leading arm back.

Other swing techniques include investing in stiffer clubs, distance balls or even swing analysis, but probably the best investment you can make in your swing is practice. Focus on your form first, then back it up with speed and power.