from the tee

how can i get a bit more distance without losing direction?

Strike it better, not harder.

In trying to get more distance people tend to try and hit the ball harder, in doing so this usually opens up other swing problems. One tends to be off balance, which throws all the correct parts of the swing off line and the usual result is a shot that is way off target and lacking in distance. Good contact is the key to getting ones maximum length.

This is particularly noticeable when playing into a strong wind and that is where my expression comes from in the first place.

If you are relatively young and supple, then may I suggest that you concentrate on finishing in an on balance position at the end of your swing after a full follow through. It is impossible to achieve this position without having gone through the ball correctly.

John you have a fan, professionals make a fortune writing instrucional books but i find your explanations pretty straight forward and to the point, ever thought of putting pen to paper or maybe an  instruction blog.

I do not possess the gift of being able to write, Brian, but having been a good player I do know what is required in order to play this game well.

Any method, on occasion, will hit the ball well, but to hit it consistently well, only a sound and correct method will do.

Some people are receptive and others are not, for varying reasons. Some like to maintain a high handicap and others strive to redeuce theirs.

I make every effort with everyone I play with to try and get them to swing the club on the right plane, as it is fundamental to getting a good and sound swing.

95% of those who play golf are still hitting from the outside to in and even if one tells them, it does not make the slightest difference to them, if they are not interested in improving.

I have been at my new club since the end of April and already I have been able to help a Chief Superintendant Police Officer get down to 3 from 6 and another 11 handicapper down to five. Of course it was easier, as they understood what I had to say. Ony minor corrections, but important ones, were needed. 

I cannot play the game myself anymore, as at 70 my body has totally packed up. I have to improvise all the time, but I still shoot mid eighties.

I hope you feel encouraged to play this game to the best of your abilities as in my opinion, there is no better feeling than hitting a golf ball correctly.

James, if you'r hitting the driver fairly strait you have half the battle won already, don't worry about what your mate does just keep hitting fairways....

Always a pleasure to play with you, David, you know that, but it looks to me as though you are playing better than me with your handicap as it is, so perhaps I ought to be asking you for advice.

Therein lies the problem, you know what to do, but just cannot bring yourself to go through the pain. Just a pity we are so far apart.

I had the pleasure of playing a round with just John and myself, very encouraging.

Danny to drive with an eight iron to give us a chance, David.