My Game: Tiger Woods | Episode 2: My Driving | Golf Digest

Summary

In this unique golf lesson, Tiger Woods shares insights into the evolution of the game and his personal approach to maximizing distance and accuracy. He reflects on the increasing power of modern players and the techniques that helped him dominate early in his career. Woods emphasizes the importance of balance and striking the ball with precision, discussing how to adapt stance and tee height for different shots. He offers practical tips on controlling ball flight, including how to hit draws, cuts, and stingers, while also considering environmental factors that affect play. This lesson combines personal anecdotes with fundamental golf strategies.

Takeaways

• 🏌️‍♂️ Power has become a crucial aspect of golf, with today's players hitting the ball significantly farther than in the past.
• 📏 Hitting the ball in the middle of the clubface is essential for maximizing distance and accuracy.
• 📈 Balance is critical when swinging hard; maintain it to ensure effective shots.
• 🌐 The game has evolved, favoring players who can drive the ball long distances rather than those who focus solely on precision.
• 🎯 Adjusting tee height and stance can influence shot shape; higher tees help with draws, while lower tees aid in cuts.
• 🔄 It's important to adapt your swing based on course conditions, such as wind and ground texture.
• 🧘‍♂️ As players age, adapting techniques to maintain mobility while hitting the ball effectively is essential.
• 💪 Using your body weight and standing firm on the right leg helps in hitting the ball higher and with more power.
• 📊 Woods discusses the significance of strategy in shot selection, particularly concerning course layout and wind direction.
• 🏆 Consistently hitting lower shots reduces the chance of erratic ball flight, making it a practical approach to improving accuracy.

Q & A

What does Tiger Woods believe is a significant advantage in golf?

Tiger Woods believes that hitting the ball further is a significant advantage in golf, as it allows players to reach greens in fewer strokes.

How did Tiger Woods's average driving distance compare to that of his peers when he started on tour?

When Tiger Woods started on tour, he averaged around 296 yards, while John Daly was the first player to break the 300-yard average barrier.

What are the two conditions Woods emphasizes for swinging hard?

Woods emphasizes maintaining balance and ensuring that the ball is hit in the middle of the clubface as essential conditions for swinging hard.

What adjustments does Woods make to his stance for hitting a draw?

For hitting a draw, Woods drops his right foot back slightly and aims to the right while closing his shoulders a bit.

What is the purpose of tee height according to Woods?

Tee height is important for shaping shots; a higher tee is used for draws to help lift the ball, while a lower tee is used for cuts to promote a downward swing.

What technique does Woods use for his 'Stinger' shot?

The 'Stinger' shot involves hitting the ball down while stopping the follow-through before shoulder height, helping to keep the ball low.

How does Woods adapt his play based on environmental conditions?

Woods makes fluid adjustments based on factors like wind and terrain, which he believes is crucial for successful shot-making.

What does Woods mean by 'keeping the ball low'?

Woods refers to 'keeping the ball low' as a way to minimize the time the ball is in the air, thus reducing the chance of it going crooked.

What does Woods suggest about the current state of golf compared to his early career?

Woods suggests that the game of golf has evolved to prioritize power, with modern players focusing more on distance rather than just precision.

Why is hitting the ball in the middle of the face important according to Woods?

Hitting the ball in the middle of the face is crucial because it maximizes distance and control, leading to better overall performance.