Stop Popping Up Your Driver

Are you constantly 'skying' your driver, leaving scuff marks on the top of the clubhead? You've probably been told your tee is too high, but that's often wrong! Kellie Stenzel shows why teeing it too low could be the real culprit and how a proper setup helps you hit up on the ball for maximum distance.

Your Action Plan

What: Your goal is to eliminate the “pop-up” shot by adjusting your tee height and optimizing your setup for an upward angle of attack.

Why: Teeing the ball too low forces you to hit down on the ball to make contact, which causes the ball to deflect up off the clubface (the pop-up). Hitting slightly up on the ball is necessary for optimal driver distance.

How:

Tee It Higher: Contrary to common advice, tee the ball slightly higher. The standard is to barely push the tee into the ground, leaving most of the ball above the clubface’s crown.
Move Ball Position Forward: Ensure your ball position is forward in your stance (inside your lead heel).
Tilt Your Shoulders: Tilt your shoulders back (lead shoulder higher than trail shoulder) to put your shoulders on an incline. This setup encourages an upward strike, preventing the club from hitting the top of the ball.

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Your Instructor

Kellie Stenzel

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