How to Hit Driver Longer: 7 Secrets for More Distance

Did you know the average male amateur golfer only hits the ball 220–240 yards off the tee, while scratch golfers average 260–275 yards or more? That extra distance makes a big difference in your quest for lower scores.

If you want to lower your handicap, one of the most effective strategies is learning how to hit your driver longer. Longer drives mean shorter approach shots, which lead to more greens in regulation—a key stat directly tied to lower scores. 

As Golf.com found, “Five handicaps average eight greens in regulation per round, while 10 handicaps average six GIR per round and 15 handicaps average four or five a round.” 

After more than two decades of playing golf and now averaging 290+ yards off the tee, I want to share seven proven strategies to help you gain distance and play your best golf.

How to Hit Driver Longer: 7 Simple Strategies

The correlation between golf distance and scoring is undeniable: hitting it further makes the game easier and more enjoyable. Plus, let’s be honest—it feels great to outdrive your buddies and watch their reactions. That confidence can ripple through the rest of your game. 

If you’re short on time, the easiest way to start hitting it farther is by speed training with Rypstick. This system makes it simple to add yardage in just 20 minutes, three times a week—and they even back it up with an incredible guarantee. (Check out point #4 for more details, or visit the Rypstick website and use the code WICKEDSMART for 10% off.)

Now, let’s dive into the strategies that can help you hit your driver farther than ever before without technical swing changes.

1. Optimize Your Equipment

The easiest way to hit your driver longer might not involve changing your swing at all. Sometimes, it’s as simple as using the right club to help you off the tee. Here’s how: 

• Add More Loft: Most amateur golfers use drivers with too little loft, which can make it harder to launch the ball high enough for optimal carry. Don’t be afraid to go with more loft—it can actually help you hit it farther and straighter. 
• Adjust Your Current Driver: Many drivers today are adjustable, so make the most of this feature. Increase loft, close the clubface slightly to promote a draw, or adjust the weight to help reduce spin. These small tweaks can make a big difference in maximizing your distance.
• Straighten Out Your Shots: Even a minor slice can rob you of valuable yardage. A straighter ball flight not only improves distance but also helps you avoid penalty shots. Ensure your driver is set up to minimize curvature and optimize your ball flight. You can also check out these training aids for a slice too. 

Don’t leave distance on the table because your equipment isn’t dialed in. Get a proper fitting or adjust your current driver to unlock its full potential.

2. Check Your Setup 

Your setup is the foundation for every swing you make. A few small adjustments can give you a more powerful and consistent launch with the driver.

Here’s what you need to consider: 

• Neutral Grip to Reduce the Slice: If your hands are too weak on the club (rotated too far left for a right-handed golfer), it’s easier to leave the face open at impact, which leads to a slice. A neutral grip helps square the face and promotes a straighter ball flight.
• Wider-Than-Shoulder Stance: Stability is critical for generating power. A wider stance gives you a solid base to turn against and allows you to create more energy in your swing without losing balance (too narrow of a stance was a huge mistake I made for years and want you to avoid). 
• Ball Position Off Your Left Heel: Placing the ball forward in your stance allows you to hit it on the upswing, which is key for maximizing launch and carry.
• Shoulder Tilt for Optimal Launch: Tilt your lead shoulder higher and your trail shoulder lower at setup. This slight adjustment helps you launch the ball higher with less spin, which is the perfect recipe for more distance.

Review these fundamentals in every practice session to set up for success. I highly recommend using the WhyGolf Alignment Mirror to check your setup (with driver or any club). You can read my full review of this awesome training aid here. 

3. Download the Tour Tempo App

If you want to hit your driver longer, you need to swing with the right tempo. Most amateur golfers have a tempo that’s either too slow or too inconsistent, costing them both power and accuracy. This was another huge mistake I made for years (thinking low and slow was the best option). 

Here is what you need to know about tempo: 

•  3:1 Tempo is the Gold Standard: Research shows that the best players in the world swing the club in a consistent 3:1 ratio. This means their backswing is three times longer than their downswing, creating a powerful and efficient motion.
• Swing in Less Than a Second: The majority of professionals complete their swings in under a second, which leads to more distance fast. While amateurs take 1.5 to 3.0 seconds, which makes it impossible to increase swing speed.
• Start with the Tour Tempo App: The Tour Tempo app is one of the best tools available to help you find and practice a consistent tempo. With audio cues designed to match a professional swing tempo, this app helps you feel the rhythm and timing necessary for more explosive drives. Plus, it helps with short game tempo too. 

I bet if you download the Tour Tempo app today, you’ll gain 5-7 yards (or more) in your first week using it. Listen to my full interview with the app creator, John Novosel Jr., below to learn more about the importance of proper tempo. 

4. Speed Train with Rypstick 

To hit it longer, you need to swing faster—plain and simple. But increasing your swing speed isn’t about swinging recklessly. It’s about training your body and mind to generate speed efficiently and effectively.

Rypstick is the best speed trainer in golf and I’ve tested them all. Unlike other systems, like SuperSpeed or The Stack, Rypstick combines multiple weight settings into one easy-to-use device, saving you time and hassle. It's the best training aid if you're serious about adding distance. 

Here’s why I love it and recommend it to all my mental golf coaching students and podcast listeners: 

• Train Year-Round: Whether it’s the offseason or peak golf season, Rypstick offers flexibility. Its compact design allows you to train anywhere, keeping your speed gains consistent year-round. 
• Proven Results: Golfers of all skill levels have added significant swing speed—and distance—by incorporating the Rypstick into their routine. Plus, it comes with a guided training program to ensure you get the most out of it.
• Different Designs: Whether you’re a junior, senior, man, or woman, there is a Rypstick perfect for you.  

After seeing the results myself and with my students (it only takes 20 minutes 3x/week), I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments you can make in your game. Use code WICKEDSMART at checkout for 10% off and start gaining speed today.

5. Speed Sessions on the Range or SIM

Even if you don’t get a speed trainer, you can add distance:

• Use a Launch Monitor: After a good warm up, swing as hard as you can on 10–15 shots - Bryson said he worked his way up to doing this for 100-200 per day (please don’t try this). 
• 10-2 Drill: At the end of your driving range session, swing hard for 10 drives, then end on two smooth ones. 

 Focus on adding speed, not accuracy, as you train your mind and body. In Wicked Smart Golf II, I dive deeper into speed training methods you can implement on the range to see real gains. 

6. Start Working Out

If you’re serious about adding distance to your drives, working on your body is just as important as working on your swing. Building strength, flexibility, and stability will allow you to generate more power and swing faster without risking injury. 

• Focus on Full-Body Workouts: Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses are fantastic for building strength and stability. Aim for 2–4 sessions per week, starting with lighter weights and focusing on proper form. Then work your way up (I do this every week and seen a huge improvement). 
• Start Slow: If you’re new to working out, there’s no rush. Begin with bodyweight exercises or light resistance and gradually increase intensity over time. The goal is consistency, not instant results.
• Use Golf Forever: I highly recommend Golf Forever, a program specifically designed to help golfers build strength, flexibility, and stability. It’s easy to follow, and you can do it from home or the gym. Use the code WICKEDSMART at checkout for a discount and start building a stronger body today.

Your body is the engine of your swing. Investing in strength and flexibility training will not only help you hit it longer but also play pain-free golf for years to come.

7. Swing Without Fear

All the tips and training in the world won’t matter if you don’t trust yourself when it’s time to swing the club. Fear and tension are the ultimate distance killers, but swinging with confidence and trust will allow you to unlock your full potential.

As Raymond Floyd said in The Element of Scoring, “Good drivers swing with trust. Once your basic swing has proved that it can produce relatively straight shots, the way to give it its best chance to do so is to have faith in the centrifugal force of a freely swung clubhead.” 

Here’s how to swing without fear: 

• Pick Your Target: Always commit to a clear target and your club choice. Don’t second-guess yourself. A confident, committed swing is almost always better than a tentative one. Learn how to pick targets the wicked smart way by learning the principles of DECADE Golf. 
• Swing Hard, But Not Recklessly: You don’t need to swing like Bryson DeChambeau, but don’t guide the club either. Swing with power and trust in your ability.
• Perspective is Key: At the end of the day, it’s just a golf shot. Accept the result, good or bad, and move on to the next one.

Confidence on the course is just as important as technique. Trusting your swing and committing to your shots will help you swing freely and hit better drives more consistently.

Closing Thoughts 

Now that you know how to hit a driver longer, it’s time to get to work. That might mean getting a custom fitting, speed training on the driving range, or investing in a product like Rypstick.

I think every golfer - young or old, beginner to skilled, can benefit from speed training. When you use a tool like Rypstick, you can track year round to add more speed. 

Don’t forget, every 1mph is 2-3 more yards off the tee and will make golf much easier to score well. Watch this video below to learn from Scott Fawcett of DECADE Golf on how to hit your driver more consistently.