Beginner Golfer's 'Powerful Long Drive'... "Is It Possible Without Swing Correction?"

European 4-Time Champion Apibarnrat Shares Know-How
Prioritize Solid Hit Training Over Increasing Clubhead Speed
Increase Sweet Spot Accuracy to Secure Satisfying Distance

Beginner golfers often desire more distance. They want to hit powerful long shots like professional players.

To hit a strong driver shot, you need to increase your clubhead speed. The faster the clubhead speed, the higher the chance of hitting a long shot. To drive 300 yards, a clubhead speed of 109 mph (about 175.42 km/h) is required. The average amateur golfer’s clubhead speed is 93.4 mph (about 150.31 km/h). It is not easy for amateur golfers to increase their clubhead speed in a short period. Changing the swing or combining strength training is necessary to see results. It is a long-term project.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat advised that beginner golfers who want to increase their driving distance should focus on making solid contact.
[Photo by DP World Tour]

Is there a way to gain more distance without changing the swing? Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the leading star of Thai men's golf, has presented his own solution. Aphibarnrat turned professional in 2008 and has won a total of 12 professional titles, including 4 DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) wins and 3 Asian Tour wins. He is ranked 144th in the world. In 2014, he was named Asian Tour Player of the Year. He is a ‘big man’ standing 172 cm tall and weighing 104 kg. This year, his average driving distance is 291.53 yards.

Aphibarnrat said, "I have received many questions about how to hit long drives with a driver." He pointed out, "Amateur golfers try to hit harder. But that may not be the right method for beginners." He advised focusing on solid contact rather than increasing clubhead speed. Aphibarnrat emphasized, "It is necessary to swing smoothly, have a good tempo, and hit the ball as close to the sweet spot as possible. If you can hit the ball in the center of the clubface, the smash factor increases. You can send the ball farther without making any changes to your swing."

Aphibarnrat stressed the importance of solid contact. He explained, "If you can use the driver’s sweet spot, you can create good spin on the ball. That is my small secret to hitting long shots. Beginners can also improve their golf by continuing to practice." He added, "Not only swing strength but also sure contact is important. If you can consistently target the sweet spot, long drives will naturally follow."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.