By Zach Gould, Founder of Zach Gould Golf 

 

Hitting the ball further off the tee is one of the biggest advantages you can have in golf. The ability to drive the ball longer distances makes approach shots much easier, giving you more control over your game. With a shorter club in hand for your second shot, your accuracy improves, increasing your chances of hitting greens in regulation.

Furthermore, longer drives give you more strategic options from the tee, allowing you to play more aggressively or shape shots to fit the hole better. Ultimately, adding distance will help lower your scores, reduce your handicap, and give you a competitive edge in tournaments.

So, how do you gain 20 yards off the tee? Here’s what I would focus on:

1. Increase Strength

To swing faster, you need to produce more force. The best way to do this is through structured strength training. I would commit to 2-3 strength sessions per week, focusing on full-body workouts that emphasise vertical and rotational force production. Key exercises would include:

• Squats and deadlifts for lower-body power

• Medicine ball rotational throws for explosive rotation

• Heavy presses and pulls to build upper-body strength

By increasing overall strength, I would be building a foundation for greater clubhead speed and more powerful drives.

2. Increase Power

Strength is essential, but power—the ability to apply force quickly—is what generates speed in the golf swing. Once my strength levels are solid, I would shift my focus to increasing power through explosive movements. The best strategies for this include:

• Plyometrics (e.g., jump squats, bounding, and box jumps) to train fast-twitch muscle fibres

• Ballistic training like medicine ball slams and kettlebell swings to develop explosive power

• Periodised programming to ensure peak performance during the golf season

Power training ensures that the force I’ve built through strength training can be transferred rapidly, leading to faster swing speeds and longer drives.

3. Improve Mobility

Physical restrictions can significantly impact golf technique and power transfer. If I wanted to gain 20 yards, I would ensure I have optimal mobility in my hips, spine, and shoulders. A daily mobility routine would include:

• Hip openers to improve rotation

• Thoracic spine stretches for a better turn in the backswing

• Shoulder mobility drills to allow a full range of motion

Training mobility little and often is key – it’s much more effective to do 10 minutes a day rather than a long session once a week.

4. Improve Swing Efficiency

Even with more strength, power, and mobility, inefficient swing mechanics can limit distance gains. I would work closely with a swing coach to maximise energy transfer in my swing. Key areas of focus would include:

• Ensuring an efficient kinematic sequence to generate maximum speed

• Neutralising club path and face angle for optimal ball flight

• Using ground reaction forces effectively for power

A well-structured swing can make a massive difference in how efficiently force is transferred to the ball.

5. Use the Right Equipment

Lastly, equipment plays a crucial role in maximising distance. If I wanted to gain 20 yards, I would regularly check my driver setup, ensuring:

• Loft and lie angles are correctly fitted for my swing

• Shaft flex and weight match my swing speed and tempo

• Ball selection optimises launch conditions for more carry and roll

Having properly fitted equipment ensures I’m getting the most out of my physical abilities and technical improvements.

So if you want to gain 20 yards…

Gaining 20 yards off the tee isn’t just about swinging harder—it requires a structured approach combining strength, power, mobility, technical efficiency, and equipment optimisation.

By focusing on these key areas, I would build a stronger, faster, and more efficient swing that delivers longer drives and lower scores. Whether you’re looking to outdrive your playing partners or shave strokes off your handicap, implementing these strategies will give you a significant advantage on the course.

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