LONG DRIVE SECRETS: Top 55 Reasons You’re Not Getting the DDrriivvee DDiissttaannccee You Desire By Susan Hill Professional Golf Fitness Trainer and Performance Nutritionist 1 | BodyforGolf.net © 2013 www.bodyforgolf.net All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including fax, photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system by anyone but the purchaser for their own personal use. This manual may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine or newspaper and has written approval prior to publishing. For information contact: Body for Golf E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bodyforgolf.net 2 | BodyforGolf.net Introduction I have had the opportunity and privilege of traveling on tour and seeing how various golfers' prepare their bodies and enhance their playing abilities to perform better on the course. I've also played an important role in training golfers who are already at the top of their game, but need a little something extra to gain a competitive edge. Without a doubt, the physical preparation component can play a major role in a golfer's ability to maximize their potential. Regardless of the level of play or the precise handicap index, all golfers have one thing in common – their desire to increase drive distance. With the exception of the top 5 to 10% of professional players who already hit it long off the tee, every other player, whether on tour or not, has this desire. There are a handful of qualities that have a direct correlation to how far a golfer can hit the ball. This report discusses those factors then goes on to provide a specific golf fitness plan that you can use to improve your drive distance and your playing performance. When we isolate just the physical components, it is interesting that all players are different. Some players already have great strength while others need it desperately. Some players have incredible balance and stability while others are constantly moving throughout their golf swing. When it comes to flexibility, lots of golfers struggle in this area. It is these restrictions or physical weaknesses that sabotage their bodies and their games creating endless frustrations and a vicious cycle with repetitive injuries. Not only does this affect their playing performance and enjoyment of the game, but their ability to hit it long and consistent off the tee. My professional goal using my experience and education in golf fitness is to help golfers play to their true potential. If you are a golfer who wants to play better golf by focusing on increasing your drive distance, I can help. Enjoy this free report. Yours in health, fitness and great golf, SUSAN HILL 3 | BodyforGolf.net Let’s start by investigating the top 5 reasons you’re not getting the drive distance you desire… Reason #1 Quality of Swing Movements… Increasing drive distance and creating more power throughout the entire golf swing are among the most elusive qualities many golfers are looking for. Golfers are looking to make really good quality contact with the ball and to do it repeatedly, over a period of time. By studying biomechanics, we have learned that power comes from a kinetic chain of well built and conditioned joints and muscles. This starts from the ground up which means that power begins with your feet and ankles providing a solid base of support for your body and then following the sequence up-stability of the knee, hip strength, core strength, shoulder mobility and into the hands and wrists. Tight restricted muscles interrupt the ability of the body to make good quality movements. Ultimately, these interrupted movement patterns turn directly into swing faults like a slice, a hook, a push, a pull, a sway…and on and on. Reason #2 Not enough LAG… All big hitters will tell you about the importance of timing with the body throughout the golf swing. The term ‘sequencing’ is often used in golf swing instruction to show where energy is being stored and released throughout phases of the swing. Lag is one of the most commonly referenced terms to explain when the backswing position transitions into the downswing. Lag occurs when the clubhead ‘lags’or trails the movement of the hands and wrists. 4 | BodyforGolf.net This sequencing allows the hands and wrists to follow the sequencing of the lower body, specifically the rotation of the hips in the downswing. Reason #3 Athletic Ability… Athleticism is a wonderful genetic gift for those that have received it from their parents. For those golfers or other sports enthusiasts who must work for it, the great news is that it can be learned. Athletic ability is best taught in the same way the golf swing is taught – through understanding the proper sequence of movements. There are two basic ways to go about training for athleticism. The first way is to perform single limb movements that develop independent strength. An example would be to try performing one legged squats. The end result is that you develop ankle, knee, hip and leg strength while also developing the ‘ground up’ power base of support you need for good balance and stability. The second way is to perform full body movements engaging a chain of muscles that work in the same way as the golf swing. This could include rotational movements with a weighted cable, medicine ball or fitness band. 5 | BodyforGolf.net Reason #4 Poor strength, flexibility and power… Strength and flexibility can vary vastly from one player to the next. So, the secret here is to understand what YOUR physical limitations are and how they might be affecting your golf swing. The types of discrepancies we typically see in golf are unequal strength levels throughout the body. For example, strong upper body, weak lower body. Strong lower body, weak core. The same is true for flexibility. We typically see a flexible trunk with an inflexible lower body or flexible shoulders with a tight mid back restricting the turning motion or full pivot in the backswing. Reason #5 Not using proper equipment … Golf equipment technology can play a pivotal role in your golf performance overall. An experienced club fitter can help you determine the correct length, flex and weight of your shaft. Factors that can have an influence on your clubhead speed include clubhead weight and size, shafts variations and grip texture and size. Then, golfers need to understand the implications of the combination of these factors on choosing the correct golf clubs or combination of equipment for each person. Grips should be the right size to allow your hands to sit correctly on the club. The correct lies and lofts will assist you with the type of shot pattern you are trying to create. 6 | BodyforGolf.net There are many ways to take advantage of technology changes to bring out the best skill level of every golfer. For those golfers looking to learn more about how to evaluate, test and purchase appropriate equipment, I recommend this book, In Search for the Perfect Golf Club, by Tom Wishon with Tom Grundner. This is the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject of proper golf club fitting. Now, let’s find out how your drive distance compares to other golfers worldwide. 7 | BodyforGolf.net Long Drive Stats You’ll Love Want to know what it takes to become one of the world’s best golfers in drive distance? You’ll enjoy these statistics. Men's PGA Tour Ladies LPGA Tour Clubhead Speed: 120 mph Clubhead Speed: 100 mph Approx. yard: 300+ Approx. yard: 250 Typical Male Typical Female Clubhead Speed: 90 mph Clubhead Speed: 70 mph Approx. yard: 225 Approx. yard: 175 World Long Drive Champion Clubhead Speed: 150 mph Approx. yard: 375+ Re/Max World Long Drive Championships Past Champions OPEN DIVISION 2012 – Ryan Winther, 393 yds 2011 – Carl Wolter, 409 yds 2010 – Joe Miller, 414 yds 2009 - Jamie Sadlowski, 384 yds 2008 – Jamie Sadlowski, 418 yds 2007 - Michael Dobbyn, 385 yds, 6” 2006 - Jason Zuback, 368 yds, 29” 2005 - Sean Fister, 377 yds, 3.5 “ 2004 - David Mobley, 377 yds, 5” 2003 - Clayton Burger, 402 yds, 5" 2002 - Carl Wolter, 384 yds, 15" 2001 - Sean Fister, 376 yds, 2" 2000 - Viktor Johansson, 315 yds, 28.5" 1999 - Jason Zuback, 376 yds, 33.5" 1998 - Jason Zuback, 361 yds 1997 - Jason Zuback, 412 yds, 27" 1996 - Jason Zuback, 351 yds, 1" 1995 - Sean Fister, 362 yds, 1" 1994 - Darryl Anderson, 345 yds 1993 - Brian Pavlet, 336 yds, 3" 1992 - Monte Scheinblum, 329 yds, 13" 1991 - Art Sellinger, 326 yds, 5" 1990 - Frank Miller, 328 yds, 14" 1989 - Scott DeCandia, 327 yds, 15" 1988 - Jim Maynard, 334 yds, 14" 8 | BodyforGolf.net 1987 - Mike Gorton, 318 yds, 1" 1986 - Art Sellinger, 311 yds, 14" 1985 - Dennis Paulson, 323 yds, 2" 1984 - Wedgy Winchester, 319 yds, 14" 1983 - Terry Forcum, 307 yds 1982 - Andy Franks, 346 yds, 17.5" 1981 - Lon Hinkle, 338 yds, 6" 1980 - Scott DeCandia, 295 yds, 18" 1979 - Andy Franks, 314 yds 1978 - John McComish, 330 yds 1977 - Evan Williams, 353 yds 1976 - Evan Williams, 319 yds 1975 - Geoff Long, 321 yds SENIOR DIVISION (AGES 45-52) 2012 – Eric Lastowka, 355 yds, 2011 – David Mobley, 459 yds 2010 – George Slupski, 389 yds 2009 – Bobby Wilson, 374 yds, 2008 – Dan Boever, 366 yds, 25.5” 2007 - Frank Miller, 394 yds, 20” 2006 - Gerry James, 378 yds, 3” 2005 - Gerry James, 366 yds, 31” 2004 - Bobby Wilson, 360 yds, 3.5” 2003 - Eric Jones, 381 yds, 33" 2002 - Pat Dempsey, 342 yds, 8" 2001 - Ted