How to Hit an Offset Driver

More golfers are carrying offset drivers or woods in their bags, and guess what – some of those golfers have very low handicaps but choose an offset driver when the slice monster hits hard and they are having trouble shaking it. Slices come about when your natural golf swing causes the club face to hit the ball from the side. Side spin on a golf ball is like “English” on a ping-pong ball and the results can look about the same!

An offset driver moves the club head back, away from the shaft which accomplishes two important results. First, the club head hits the ball a bit later, when it is more closed in your natural progression through the swing. A more square strike occurs lessening or eliminating side spin. Secondly, the center of gravity is lower on impact creating better flight trajectory and increasing the amount of good rotation on the ball.

Knowing what an offset driver does will help you hit it more effectively. What you will want to do is to practice solid swing mechanics as often as possible. Good mechanics are still the key to a well-struck ball, even when using an offset driver. Take a few lessons if possible or pick up instructional DVD’s that will highlight the proper swing. Then take what you’ve learned to the range.

On the practice range, or even in the yard with plastic practice balls, develop a routine like Tour players use. Think through the mechanics of what you’re about to do. Execute the swing with your offset driver and briefly evaluate the results. Tee up the next ball. Think through the mechanics again, making any needed adjustments. Execute the swing…and repeat again and again. When you start hitting it straight keep hitting balls to develop the muscle memory required to do it consistently on the golf course.

Proper mechanics are the key to every good golf shot. However, having a little help from your equipment never hurts. If poorly struck drives are a problem for you an offset driver will surely help straighten them out.