So, I got thinking about the longest drives on the LPGA tour the other day. You see those numbers, sometimes pushing 300 yards, maybe even more with the right conditions, and it just boggles the mind. Made me look at my own game, you know?
I head out to the range pretty regularly, or at least I try to. And seeing those pro women bomb it made me think, “Okay, maybe I can squeeze a few more yards out myself.” Wasn’t looking to hit it 300, obviously, just wanted a bit more ‘oomph’.
My Big Plan
Right, so the plan was simple. Hit the range more often and really focus on the driver. I figured, okay, maybe it’s about swinging faster? Or maybe hitting it squarer? I grabbed my driver, bought a big bucket of balls, and just started whaling away.
- First session: Lots of wild slices. Balls going everywhere but straight. Felt like I was trying too hard.
- Second session: Tried to slow down the backswing, like I saw someone mention once. Maybe helped a tiny bit with control, but the distance wasn’t there.
- Third session: Just pure frustration. Topped a few, shanked one near the guy in the next bay (embarrassing).
Let me tell you, it’s humbling. You stand there, sweating, feeling your back starting to ache a little, and the ball just… doesn’t cooperate. It’s not like on TV where it just sails perfectly.
The Reality Check at the Range
There’s this older fella who’s always at the range when I go. Always. Seems retired, just hits balls all day, smooth as butter. Doesn’t hit it miles, but it’s always straight, always pure. He never says much.
One afternoon, after I nearly pretzelled myself trying to mimic some pro swing I saw online, he just kinda chuckled as I picked up my bucket. Didn’t offer advice, didn’t critique, just a little knowing chuckle. It kinda said everything, you know? Like, “Son, it ain’t that simple.”
That experience reminded me a bit of when I tried fixing my own washing machine last year. Watched a bunch of videos, thought I had it all figured out. Ended up flooding the laundry room. Had to call a pro anyway, cost me double probably. Some things just take real skill, real practice, consistency. It’s not just about wanting it or trying hard for a few afternoons.
So, What Happened?
Did I end up hitting it like an LPGA pro? Of course not. Did I gain 30 yards? Nope. Maybe five yards, on a good day, if I catch it just right. Mostly, I just got better at hitting it consistently crooked for a while.
I stopped trying to kill the ball. Went back to just trying to make a smooth, balanced swing. It’s less stressful, and honestly, my scores probably benefit more from hitting the fairway than an extra 10 yards into the trees.
Watching those LPGA players now, I have even more respect. That power, combined with that accuracy… it’s not just brute force. It’s technique, timing, rhythm, years of dedication. It’s something else. Me? I’ll stick to enjoying my walks on the course and being happy if I hit it straight-ish.
