For some, hitting a driver hard and long is one of the greatest mysteries in the game of golf. A good drive can set you up for an easier second shot, keep you out of trouble and, with a solid short game, bring your score down dramatically.
But hitting solid, long drives is a process that requires proper timing more than a gargantuan swing. Having the right hip turn, ball placement and clubface position on impact are all important factors to hitting the ball hard and hitting it far.
Address and position the ball so that it aligns off the inside of your lead foot.
With the driver, you want your feet to be a couple of inches past shoulder width apart. This gives you a more solid base.
Point your forward foot slightly off of a 90-degree alignment from the hole, so that your foot point is moving closer to a 40-degree angle toward the hole. This will allow for better hip rotation through the swing.
Position your hand firmly on the grip. Your left thumb, which should be down the middle of the grip for most shots, should be repositioned to the right side of the shaft. This may feel unnatural at first. The key is, is to have a solid grip on the club at impact.
Focus on moving your forward shoulder under your chin as you start the backswing. This will keep your swing position tight.
Bring your club head through, allowing your wrist to break late. This will keep the club head square at impact, lessening the chances of a slice.