How to Get More Distance with the Driver

If you've ever watched Dustin Johnson effortlessly launch the ball miles down the fairway, you've probably asked yourself how to get more distance with the driver. The good news is this: you don't need to swing harder or rebuild your entire golf swing to add yards.

For most amateur golfers, extra driver distance comes from smarter swing mechanics, better contact and more efficient use of speed. In this guide from ClickGolf.co.uk, we break down proven swing changes for extra yards, helping you hit the driver farther, straighter and with more confidence.

Why Most Amateur Golfers Are Losing Distance

Many golfers assume distance is all about strength, but that's rarely the case. Most players lose distance off the tee because of:

• Overswinging and poor tempo
• Negative or inefficient angle of attack
• Lost clubhead speed through poor sequencing
• Inconsistent strike location on the clubface
• Incorrect wrist angles or excessive swing length

Instead of swinging harder, the key is to generate power efficiently, improve launch conditions and maximise ball speed.

1. Increase Swing Speed Without Swinging Harder

Swing Speed vs Clubhead Speed

Swing speed and clubhead speed are related, but they are not the same. Increasing clubhead speed through better sequencing allows you to hit the ball farther without losing control.

Golf swing tips to increase speed:

• Maintain a smooth tempo in your backswing
• Avoid rushing the transition into the downswing
• Let speed build naturally through impact

Speed training drills and range sessions focused on rhythm can unlock distance gains without sacrificing accuracy.

2. Use the Ground to Generate Power

Lower Body Leads, Upper Body Follows

Elite golfers generate power from the ground up. The lower body initiates the downswing, while the upper body and arms react.

Key checkpoints:

• Push into the ground with your back foot
• Load weight into the trail side during the backswing
• Drive power forward through the lead leg

This sequence engages your core, improves timing and allows the club to travel faster without overswinging.

3. Optimise Your Angle of Attack for Driver Distance

One of the biggest differences between amateur golfers and professionals is angle of attack.

Hit Up on the Ball

To maximise distance with the driver, you want to strike the ball on an upward angle.

How to improve attack angle:

• Tee the ball higher
• Position the ball just inside your lead foot
• Maintain a slight spine tilt away from the target

A positive angle of attack increases launch angle, reduces excess spin and sends the ball farther with less effort.

4. Improve Wrist Angle and Swing Length

Create Lag Without Overswinging

Correct wrist angles help store energy during the swing and release it at impact.

Focus points:

• Maintain wrist hinge into the downswing
• Avoid casting the club early
• Use a controlled swing length instead of forcing extra range

Many golfers actually gain distance by shortening their swing slightly while improving timing and contact.

5. Strike the Sweet Spot More Often

Even with more speed, distance is lost if you don't strike the centre of the clubface.

Solid Contact = Free Distance

Centred strikes dramatically increase ball speed and efficiency.

Tips for better contact:

• Maintain balance throughout the swing
• Keep your head stable through impact
• Ensure the clubface is square at contact

Better contact can add more yards than swinging harder ever will.

6. Launch the Ball Higher with Less Spin

Launch Angle and Spin Rate Matter

To hit the driver farther, you need the right combination of launch angle and spin.

• Too much spin causes ballooning shots
• Too little spin makes the ball fall out of the air

Optimised launch and spin help the ball stay in the air longer and roll out more once it lands.

This is where driver setup and golf ball choice play a major role.

7. Make Sure Your Driver Fits Your Swing

Custom Fitting = Instant Distance Gains

A properly fitted driver ensures your equipment matches your swing characteristics.

A custom fitting can optimise:

• Shaft flex, weight and profile
• Clubhead design and forgiveness
• Launch angle and spin rate

Many golfers see immediate gains in driver distance simply by switching to the right setup.

8. Don't Forget the Golf Ball

Not all golf balls perform the same. Choosing a ball that matches your swing speed can add distance without any swing changes.

• Lower compression golf balls suit slower swing speeds
• Higher compression balls suit faster swingers

The right ball can improve launch, reduce spin and help you maximise distance off the tee.

Final Thoughts - Focus on Smarter Distance Gains

If your goal is to hit the driver farther, remember:

• Don't swing harder - swing smarter
• Use the ground and lower body for power
• Improve angle of attack and strike quality
• Optimise your driver and golf ball setup

By applying these swing changes for extra yards, most amateur golfers can gain distance, improve accuracy and enjoy more confidence from the tee.