How To Hit A Golf Ball Essay, Research Paper

Although golfers end the day on the 18th green, their day begins on a tee box. A drive, the first hit off a tee toward the objective hole, may seem very routine and insignificant, but, in fact, it is the most important shot taken on each hole. If golfers hit a long drive into the nicely cut fairway, they have only to hit the ball off the nicely cut grass on usually a clear path to the hole. But if they hit a drive into the woods, then they have to make sure the ball does not hit any trees, branches, or other obstacles when exiting the woods. That s why hitting a good drive is a must. With practice, even you can hit a fundamental drive.

First, before you can drive a ball, you need the right equipment. You will need a number one wood, or driver, a golf tee, and, preferably golf shoes for extra traction to prevent your feet from sliding. Now that you have the proper equipment, you can begin the drive.

First, take the golf tee and insert it into the ground with the needle-like bottom down. Then, place the golf ball on the platform of the tee. The tee should be set at a height of comfort for the golfer. The size of the driver head, or part that comes into contact with the ball during a swing, should be taken into consideration because the middle of the ball should be struck with the sweet spot, or middle of the clubface.

Next, approach the ball and establish a stance. The stance of your legs should be shoulder width apart and square with the shoulders. More advance golfers may use open or closed stances, but a square stance is best for beginners. After establishing a stance that is comfortable then take the golf club, holding the shaft on the tape with the left hand placing the thumb on top of the shaft pointing to the ground while the other four fingers are wrapped around the handle holding it. After doing this extend the left elbow to a locking position and place the right hand on the shaft in the same fashion, but put the palm of the right hand on top of the left hand thumb. The grip should seem very comfortable. This is called the baseball grip, a widely used grip by beginning golfers. Some golfers prefer the overlapping grip or the interlock, both for more experienced golfers.

Now address the ball, which means you should place the club head behind the ball. Make sure your knees are slightly bent and the back is straight. Now, by twisting your hips clockwise and keeping your left elbow straight, slowly bring back the left arm while still looking at the ball. When approaching the back of the swing, bend both wrists to a 90 degree angle to the left arm that still has a straighten elbow while still looking at the ball. After accomplishing this, it is now time to change direction of the back swing and now swing at the ball. When swinging at the ball keep your eyes on the ball, keep your left elbow straight and right before hitting the ball straighten your wrist and make contact with the ball and follow through and the swing. After making contact with the ball follow the ball through the air or on the ground, whichever it may be, with your eyes never looking away or the ball may be lost.

After much practice using these instructions the process will become more familiar and the technique will be mastered.