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Quick Tricks for Extra Yards


Published: June 01, 2005

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When I need to squeeze out some extra distance from the tee, I make two adjustments.

1. I move the ball back two inches in my stance, so it's well inside my left heel.

2. I tee the ball lower, so the top of the ball is barely peeking over the driver's crown.

My ball flight stays about the same when I do this, but I compress the ball better, therefore launching it at a higher rate of speed. The result is a drive that flies five to seven more yards so I can carry a hazard or the corner of a dogleg.

RICKY BARNES won the 2002 U.S. Amateur Championship and is currently vying for his PGA Tour card.