The Only Driver Lesson You'll Ever Need

[@garydizon1340]

My first ever comment on KZbin. Hey Clay, THANK YOU! The driver was the only club I wanted to learn before hitting the fairway for the first time. This video is the BOMB! It worked for me. Thanks again.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad I could help!

[@simoping]

Why do I love Clay Ballard? ? Because he gets right to the point and makes it easy to understand. Awesome tutorial. Thankyou from the UK.

[@carlollave169]

I like very much how you articulate your lessons. That’s a rare talent. Teaching is about communicating a message. You do that well. Congratulations. Keep up the good work.

[@lynnita321]

Hi Clay, I'm just getting back to playing golf after a 25 year hiatus . Your videos with the slow motion, highlighted red line, and clear explanation of the mechanics with hands, club face etc. are incredibly helpful as I am a visual learner meaning I see it and I get it vs. being told only with words. Thank you so much for these great videos!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to help!

[@TheIslandExpat]

This is the best driver video I've ever seen. Now I know how you're supposed to generate speed with the club. Insanely good video. I can't wait to try this out. Crazy.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great! Glad you enjoyed it. Let me know how your next round goes!

[@alancarlyon3928]

Hi Clay, I have just turned 70 and I am hitting the ball further and straighter than when I first started the game at 25! We old guy's never had tuition video's to keep us right in how to set up etc. But back then we were told that the left hand/arm for right handed golfers was the dominant hand/arm throughout the golf swing - till now - I find out that it does not matter which hand/arm one uses to create the golf swing! The right elbow was the key for me to create a good swing -ie- Keeping the right elbow close to my torso (side) following through with my right hand/arm created more consistency and longer distance hitting! Keeping the right elbow close to your right side would help all of those golfers who come over the top! I love your tuition tips Clay, i am sure you could explain to your followers better than I in how important the right elbow is!

[@thecrazyisreal]

I hope to have your enthusiasm and humility as I get older. Thanks for sharing that.

[@bradlawler4627]

I wanted to thank you for a great lesson the fly rod movement has changed my entire swing and I was an 8 handicap thank you again added 50 yards to my driver

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Fantastic! Glad to help.

[@nflowl2]

this video alone took 15 strokes of my game... bare in mind I started playing less than a month ago, but I went from shooting 120's in my first 5 rounds to a honest 105 because i was able to hit more drives and irons (the lag was elemental!). Thanks man.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

That's awesome! Keep up the hard work and let me know how you're progressing.

[@sfobaygolfer]

Hi Clay. These tips resulted in DRASTIC improvements of my driver swing. Particularly "Snap, don't slap" is the difference maker. I have been hitting 'em long with a baby draw. Well done and thank you so much!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Absolutely! Glad to help!

[@shanelethlean7095]

Perfect tutelage. The best explainer on biomechanics in the golfing world.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Play well!

[@stienwong]

Completely agree. Clay is great!

[@ZeeK33NKS]

Just a shout out to Clay Ballard: Top Speed Golf channel was found when i was asked to play golf for the first time 2 years ago. After a year of playing once a month. Followed by another year playing 2-4 times a month. All while watching a decent amount of these videos with minimal practice. Goes to show that Clay’s analogies, in depth tutorials, and just overall simplifying the golf technique... Make it easy for a weekend Golfer to look like they’ve been playing for multiple years. 2 years later and I have been able to go from a beginner to a consistent mid handicap golfer. Aside from those days where its just not clickin lol Keep up the great work!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Glad you're finding the instruction helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@crvdutch1536]

Best online instruction thus far….his attention to detail is second to none

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks so much for the complement!

[@miketweedlie5768]

This is amazing. No one explains that inside swing path like you. You make it so simple

[@deerer1950]

Call Clay. I started out with 55 on nine holes. I shot 43 Thursday and I just shot a 42. I practitioner your lesson religiously. Practice chipping in my backyard and then go to the club about 4 day a week hitting on the range, and I can I practice on the o ok pen holes on the course. I told Sarah Curry to watch your video you’re amazing

[@luckyjay778]

Thanks Clay Ballard! You helped me add 70yards to my drive. Straighter and further. My swing was not going back high enough. Straight and high backswing added so much distance. From 220 to 300 now. Wow! Hitting the top area of the back of the driving range net. Also widened up my stance as you mentioned. Also noting my swing angle. Not chopping like you mentioned. You are the best!

[@WhiskeyGunner]

As a new golfer and youtubing the crap out of everything golf, this is the best description of the release I have found. It finally clicked and makes sense now

[@jessicalinda6648]

How are you doing today

[@joedixon7958]

Clay….I’ve been watching your videos on and off for the past 5-6 months. I recently experienced an epiphany using your “motorcycle move” (along your lag theory) - miracle!! I’m hitting 80-90% of my fairways with an additional 40-50 yards. I’m 61 years old and have played my entire adult life, but have never been more excited to play more golf. Now, I’ve got to work on my 80-125 yard game to convert these drives to more birdie opportunities - can’t wait.

[@Slide728]

I love this video. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to trying this at the driving range. I will keep you posted on my results.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Looking forward to hearing back! Good luck!!

[@charleneguevara3527]

Love the game focus practice. I will start doing this whole routine on the driving range. Thank you

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You're welcome!

[@geoopa]

This is probably the best tutorial I've ever seen and believe me I've seen MANY! Thanks for your time and effort, to both of you. Well done.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Wow, thanks!

[@SusanJohnsonsusugirl54]

I AGREE - he’s obviously a great teacher!

[@abelcastler]

This video completely fix all my issues with my driver even my slice. Thank you very much!

[@manmeetthathar]

I'm beginner just started golf few months ago . I saw many videos for beginners and was not able to understand the tips. I really appreciate Clay to make this video in excellent way to help and easily understandable for beginners like me . Once again thanks for such a excellent video !!👍👍🙏

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching 👍⛳

[@colinsmee6944]

Great videos clay - only play about once a month but the same group of about 10-12 guys each month for 16 years - after watching your videos for a couple of week and a 100 balls at the range smashed the guys by 8 strokes today - I have been doing so much wrong for so long - never had a lesson but watched plenty of other YOU TUBE VIDEOS - believe me these are the best on the internet by far - love the grip video with the marks on the glove as well - thanks Clay -I don't want to but I will tell the other in our group about your channel.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Thanks for the support and keep up the good work!

[@jeffstonr9792]

best driver lesson on the tube, many thanks from across the pond

[@virtuestreams2616]

I just completed my first year of golfing (I am age 53), and I put your techniques to work today: Comparing today’s performance to my previous three outings, I improved my game 15 strokes. Wow! Thank you for sharing!

[@joelightman9269]

I’m only 1/3 the way through the presentation but without question it’s the best communication I’ve ever seen regarding your side of the driver, Great Instructions, thank you!

[@frankcanzanella6753]

I enjoy that you talked about closing the club head face at address. You said to hit the outside of the ball. Hit the outside while coming from the inside to create the draw. The downswing plane is different from the backswing plane. I have a blister on top of my left big toe knuckle. I tape it so it doesn’t get red and sensitive. I think if I keep my toes off the ground I can roll to the outside of my left foot and get slightly greater club head speed. Friday at Dyker Beach GC in Brooklyn, NYC I hit a 294 yard drive from the white tees. The 7th hole is a par 5 482 yards (491-482). I’m a very flexible 70 year old guy who ran 14 marathons in the 1990’s & 2000’s. After a 28 year break I’m back very much in the game. I’ve written 20,000 words on the golf swing thanks in large measure to the great videos of KZbin. Imagining the golf swing is a meditative art form. I had a chance to reach a green that many golfers don’t get a chance to do. I didn’t hit the green but I feel it will happen. Be Great Be Good and Be Lucky

[@risingphoenix7633]

Never realized my trailing elbow was higher than my front (because of my right hand placement) on setup until I actually paid attention......thanks for all the tips Clay! Great Vid! Subbed and liked!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Good stuff! Glad you liked it!

[@tgray1]

Hi Clay, I love your videos! I've added distance to my drives AND I'm hitting more fairways than ever! Keep it up!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! Keep up the great work!

[@Crommy5]

That’s what she said!

[@copperskills3973]

@@Crommy5 😂😂👍🏻

[@inuvik491]

Probably the best driver centric video Iv ever seen, all bases covered, great work....

[@jessicalinda6648]

How are you doing today

[@kahep314]

Thank you thank you, You are great with your demonstrations and visualizations.

[@tmmotter1]

I shoot around 78-82 and still take a lot from your videos Clay. Appreciate the content brother!!!

[@donschmidt8203]

Probably the best explanation of setting up for power and control I have seen. Love Alex Fortey and Steve Johnston but this is on another level for breaking down what is a complicated motion because the player makes it complicated! He simplifies it to a pre school level. Clay Ballard is a teacher who can instruct anyone from the genius to the dunce. Keep up the great instruction!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Wow, thanks!

[@papaburf7275]

Absolutely love your teaching method. I've watched hundreds of training videos and not a one of these high powered instructors ever tells me "now I'm exaggerating here so you see the point". You have a way of making everything so much clearer and understandable. I see someone else say don't chop and they exaggerate the club path and I'm thinking, I don't do that! You tell me it's an exaggeration and suddenly I understand the nuances of the golf swing. Thanks so much!

[@samandtravis2494]

Great detailed instruction. I've been binge watching your videos all throughout this pandemic and winter to get tips on better driver play. Made it to the range for the first time this season a week ago and implemented the bowed/hinged left wrist at impact (snap not slap) and gripping the club with the right hand after being in the tilt position. I hit the straightest and longest drives since I started playing over 15 years ago. Always struggled with a slice and the couple lessons I took didn't correct it. I even took the draw bias out of my driver head. Thank you very much and look forward to more practice to solidify these into habit.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Keep up the good work.

[@alexgarcia7104]

With lessons at my local course, I learned how to hit the ball and play bogey golf. With your videos im mixing in birdies and hit my first ever eagle. Amazing content brother 🤙🏼

[@Doctoberfest]

These are seriously the best videos I've found so far. Total explanation, simple enough to understand and not get overwhelmed but detailed enough. Seriously trumps 99% of the top guys.

[@johnfaedi7985]

have to say i’ve struggled with a mean slice since forever. i’ve watched quite a few videos, tried several different swings and grips. and this is the one that did it. especially the first section of this video. i’m consistently hitting straight drives for the first time ever. just played a round and lost zero balls. usually lose about 10. and my drives are going much further. the snap vs slap is the main thing that worked. thank you my dude!

[@yama762]

😊😊 hi 😊

[@benjaminvary8515]

Thank you Clay. You fixed my drive, and hence my whole game. You succeeded where all the others failed (or did i :D). Either way, thank you very much. You won a subscriber.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for subscribing!

[@pongsolo]

You don't even know how this video changed my game.you are amazing 😍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@daquanwaters7653]

Oh wow I live down the road from you and new to golf! But your videos are SO helpful!! Hope i can catch you on the course one day to fatigue my shot!

[@realestateusa]

Thank You Clay. I play sometime at Heathrow CC. Learn many thing from you.

[@kishenwhabi4863]

Great tips Clay. The spine tilt tip definitely works! Had tried it on my recent round and kept all but one drive on the fairway!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Nice work! Keep it up.

[@michaelsimpson7340]

Great video excellent instructions I look forward to really improve on my green game

[@jamesnielsen3738]

What a great Coach!! My game has improved emencly

[@colinwalker8807]

Very clear understandable points! Can’t wait to get practicing. Thanks clay

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnkrupey5816]

Great video and advice for people who never played much golf before. It is hard to buy golf clubs. This new set is great for beginners who haven't played much golf. Buying golf clubs can be challenging I agree.

[@jennyp.t.5358]

Had no idea he is a pro in golf too? Grt tips as usual! 👏👏👏

[@rod2418]

Thanks so much Clay for your clear commonsense advice. I struggle with flipping the wrists with the driver and can’t hit consistently straight. My default shot is a hook. Your explanation of the release will help me a lot. Looking forward to putting your tips into practice on the range and then on the course. I am 62 but have not given up hope yet on getting my handicap down from 18.

[@tbates757]

This is beautiful, man. Thank you.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you like it!

[@mannyo1968]

Super video, muy bien explicado Gracias.

[@kaballas123]

Gonna go try this today on the course. I expect a big shank into Brenda's backyard flowers. But it looks like a bom if you time it right

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[@tillsy23]

What a light bulb moment, I have been gripping the club, setting up and always felt off, by setting up, adding the 10-15 degrees of tilt then gripping the driver I hit my first ever draw with the driver thanks for that can't believe no one ever mentioned that before

[@kamakazicowboy]

amazing way of explaining. really appreciate your videos

[@haydenkurie9766]

24 years old and 4 months into my golf journey. Played some as a kid on and off but unfortunately being 10 I didn’t have $35 to go play golf on a consistent basis. I got the bug now. 1am trying to learn how to drive the ball better lmao 🤣 finally broke 90 twice for the first time last week. Need to improve the driver tho! Thanks for the knowledge.

[@fahmiamri]

Thanks for compiling this clay. U the man!

[@dougkott4619]

This video rocks! Really a great explanation of what to do, and why these setup changes give a better result. So key for me was the upper torso tilt away from the ball, and "opening up" the left foot...these two changes helped so much to free up swing and put the club in the correct slot on the backswing. It felt so much more comfortable and natural that I was encouraged to take a significantly bigger cut at the ball, with increased confidence I'd hit it square. Last week I nailed one 286 yards on a hole where I'd normally go 245-250. I'm able to clear traps now that I'd normally be in...such a thrill! Thank you! Subscribed! And keep making great videos.

[@coenraaddejager7770]

awesome video. I just wish i watched the whole video before i went to the driving range yesterday and hit 250 balls. Im going back this morning to see if i can fix my slice.

[@kinglolly5480]

I started my driving range few days ago with no coach, I hope this video will help me a lot At least I know how to hit correctly

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Good luck! Let me know how you're doing!

[@alexandersantos1690]

Best KZbin KZbin Instructor 🙌🏽

[@craigmccormack948]

Ur tips sorted my driving out straight away amazing.....

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Keep up the good work.

[@mehrdadsaberi6626]

You are a great Instructor!

[@jhumursinghania1451]

This is such a helpful tutorial in driver management for power distance. Thanks Clay❤️

[@jhumursinghania1451]

Love the videos. Thanks..

[@andrepowell7639]

One of the best Instructors I’ve seen. Thanks fir all the tips and help!

[@tribui6994]

Thanks so much for the video, it's really a great video which helps me a lot to improve my swing

[@coreysewall2039]

Really like your lessons and swing. You explain things so clearly and I appreciate it. Let me know when you need a student to do some lessons on :)

[@FreakyGolf88]

Congrats Clay, brilliant content !!!

[@benwilson-smith1954]

Exceptionally delivered Lesson. Really easy to follow, a very likeable guy and lots of visualisation to help the golfer. You've reminded me of a couple of aspects and I imagine. Most coaches would admit to that, Well done sir, not easy to make it so "understanderball" (randomly mistaken pun I thought I'd leave in) to every level of golfer! Thank you.

[@milesjones9164]

Vvvvv::

[@jonwright8236]

another great video of brilliant advice , thanks Clay

[@christopherspringer7809]

Easily the most valuable (and maybe overlooked?) part of this video is at 4:14... Generally, people would become MUCH better ball strikers if they would practice more thinking about the trail-hand palm facing toward the ground through impact. This idea was a defining moment in making my ball striking more consistent and a ton more solid. If you're going to practice this though, don't give up when you hook a few lol! You need to also teach your body to keep turning! Thanks Clay for the video(s)! Awesome work as always!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! Glad the instruction is helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@Capo51]

Thank you Clay! Found all this very useful and encourageing. Thank you for sharing 🙏. Just started play after longer break., so good to have second opinion. To test those things with our club pro, my golf teacher.

[@binggao7400]

Thanks Clay for sharing this video. It's great to watch it again after I played a while. It really brings more understanding and details what you wanted to tell me than the first time I watched it. For me, it's a nice way to build up my skills.

[@samuelchaim4378]

Instablaster.

[@kevinhayden1]

Great common sense video! Now off to the practice! Thanks!

[@torgsgotboards]

Loved the axe! Yeah I was ok when I first saw the axe, but then I got tingles when you made a full swing right into the turf haha

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha! 😂 Didn't intend for people to have to check their pants after this one. 😀 Sorry about that.

[@Sir_Godz]

Love the Snell product placement Clay lol. Totally casual.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha! 😂 Play well!

[@timothycoates4723]

what a great video. A very BIG THANK you

[@LPKJFHIS]

This is actually a great lesson for the swing in general. Thanks Clay!

[@Paul-kw1og]

Great info. Nailed it!!

[@michaeldennison-j7d]

A "must see' video__ I was plagued with a duck hook, Clay saved Me, I've totally eliminated that problem and now, My driver is one of My most reliable clubs.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Glad I could help 😀

[@DJC3PO]

This really helped me. I started to feel the "snap" at the top of my irons. Didn't know how to apply it to my drive. Thanks for the solid advice 🙏

[@joseca1674]

loved this lesson. i put your exercise at 5:15 into practice today at the range and it really helped out. thank you

[@martinshaffer2014]

Superior explanation with drills ..works well..😋

[@BigShay1977]

You are my new favorite person.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thank you very much!

[@kalilboulos5392]

Love everything you teach Clay.. How do you cure getting stuck as you come down with the swing when you sometime are too late to stop the swing? it is much appreciated as always.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH_Cp2CgrKudqa8 Best of luck! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@frankcanzanella6753]

I’m hitting my drives with the TaylorMade M1 that Dustin Johnson loved in 2015-2016 and said it was the best club in his bag! I’ll bet Dustin would like to go back to it. Maybe he does during practice rounds.

[@j00m4n]

It's all placebo effect. I play with a 2004 R7 because in my head it's the driver I hit the best when I was younger. If we were both blindfolded and handed any driver made in the last 3 years we wouldn't be able to tell what was what, and would probably hit better drives!

[@ericmurphy9986]

One of the best videos of how to hit a driver. Thank you. Interested to know the required shaft position at address.

[@bdiddo]

Great video. I have incorporated your tips and definitely see improvement. One thing I do not hear you talk talk about is the optimal distance you should standing from the ball with your club, particularly the driver. I found out that I was standing too far back ( thinking that was a more powerful stance). When I moved in though my contact and swing plane was 100% better.

[@faadar]

But seriously I like Clays instruction he is a gentleman . And I also like Mr Short game too very similar in technique . Try both and see how it works for you

[@carloscrawford2454]

Another great video Champ! Ty

[@JPHammer..]

really great tuition

[@cruzcontreras2391]

Good stuff! Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@tonyparrish5366]

Great Instruction here

[@cheemomugdoo6001]

Clay, I'm a big fan of your videos, they have helped my game for sure, but I must disagree with your thoughts on hitting the ball high on the face for more distance. While I agree hitting it higher on the face will give better results than hitting it low on the face, the center of the face is the optimal strike location that will give the best results in a proper swing.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the feedback. Play well!

[@Sparky_007]

It's just a weird feeling for me to try to get rotation of the core when my feet are wider apart and I'm on an upwards angle with my torso.

[@ชัยฤทธิ์ขําจา]

แปลเป็นไทย

[@obigboss998]

Try slightly pointing your lead foot outward. That was a huge help for me.

[@thecotwmechanic119]

@@obigboss998Thankyou so much pointing that lead foot out made the rotation so much easier by marking my trail foot stay entirely on the ground.

[@jordanmason8296]

I've watched so much youtube and it's becoming even more frustrating.

[@Kahooni]

Real shit.

[@vicpnut1]

Yessiree‼️ they all say more or less at least some of whats being said here …meaning he has about every driver tip in this one 3 part video ..its a lot of info in one spot , i may be wrong , but im gonna use this as a template for my next range day ….as my swing has gone way down hill lately with a sore back issue im saving this to rewatch and think i can use at least some of this info to tame my boomerang slice that comes up a lot lately

[@ShahidKhan-pq4cr]

Thank you so much for this the best video

[@Kossak889]

Thank you so much for this info

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Any time!

[@lexfowell8500]

Thanks clay,nice one

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thecaptainofrock]

I am literally doing everything wrong that you say!!!! Great video! Thank you

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You got this! Play well!

[@mfurigay]

great tutorial, thank you!. the "shoulders too even" piece was my big revelation, as i generally try to find as perfect balance as possible when doing athletic things. the "going to extremes" (variability training) is also a great bit of advice. kinda works for everything.