DrivingRhythm and Tempo Driver Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 10 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Driver Tempo: Brush the Grass Before and After the Ball

Name: Driver Tempo: Brush the Grass Before and After the Ball
Uploaded: 2019-10-22T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 10 min 15 s
Channel: Edouard Montaz
Description: The longer the swing, the more important the rhythm becomes. Edouard Montaz, from Wisdomingolf, outlines two simple goals for the driver: to achieve maximum width—as evidenced by the grass cut on either side of the ball—and to let the club dictate its own rhythm.

The longer the swing, the more important the rhythm becomes. Edouard Montaz, from Wisdomingolf, outlines two simple goals for the driver: to achieve maximum width—as evidenced by the grass cut on either side of the ball—and to let the club dictate its own rhythm.

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Edouard Montaz · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

Schedule · Step 2 of 7Drive the Ball Better in 7 StepsValidated when: On 10 test swings, the club brushes the grass before and after the point of impact.

Step 3 →

To be continued

11 minNext Level UpIncreasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesQuentin Rachinel · Intermediate 12 minSame problemThe Basics of Rory McIlroy's Driver Swing with Michael BannonRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate 9 minFrom the same proWrist Hinge in Golf: Edouard Montaz's Two PendulumsEdouard Montaz · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

First of all the width. Edouard Montaz draws on the image of Vitruvian Man: to achieve a wide stance, the pelvis and rib cage are moved completely out of the way, as in Tom Watson’s case. The control is tangible: The sole of the club should cut through the grass during the backswing and toward the target. If the club rises too high on the downswing, you’ll make contact with the grass toward the target but not on the downswing, and you’ll release the club too early on the backswing.

Next the rhythm: Do not push or pull the club; let gravity guide your arms and the club. It begins at 30–40% of its speed, with the image of a 10-yard driver completing its cycle, as if you were dancing with it. In the demonstration, the ball travels far, giving the impression that you’re doing nothing. It’s only once it completes this smooth circle that it rises 80–90%, leaning more heavily on the ground. He then feels more strain and prefers to settle for a comfortable 245 to 250 yards rather than push himself to reach 275 yards.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Without a ball, make continuous back-and-forth swings, cutting through the grass on the backswing and then toward the target.
Check the side profile to make sure the club doesn't rise too high on the inside.
Place a ball on the tee and swing at 30–40% of your usual speed, with one goal in mind: to make contact with the grass before and after the ball.
Imagine a very long driver finishing its cycle, and let it set the pace for you.
When the circle is even, gradually increase the intensity to 80–90% while pushing off the floor.

Key Takeaways

When hitting the driver, there are two goals: maintaining a steady rhythm and achieving maximum distance.

Check the width: the sole cuts the grass both before and after the ball.

A club that's positioned too far inside won't make contact with the grass during the backswing.

Do not push or pull the club: gravity positions the arm and the club.

We start at 30–40% of the speed, then accelerate.

As you speed up, the tension returns: it's best to keep a comfortable distance.

Mistakes to Avoid

Aim to hit the ball as far as possible on your very first swing.
Bringing the club up too high, which causes you to release the club too early on the backswing.
Pushing or pulling the club instead of letting it follow its natural path.
Keep your hips steady in the backswing.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Back-and-forth without a ball, double grass cut
Small fades at 30–40% of speed
Then 80–90%, keeping the same mowing height
Compare the perceived effort at the two speeds

Your Questions

How can I make sure my driver swing is wide enough?

With the club sole: it should cut through the grass during the backswing and toward the target. If you don't cut through the grass on the upswing, the club is coming up too far inside or is being positioned with your arms.

Why drive at 30% of your speed?

To get into the club's rhythm, without pushing or pulling on it. In the video, Edouard Montaz hits the ball far away, making it look like he's not doing anything.

When should you accelerate?

Once the mower has cut the grass evenly on both sides, it moves forward 80–90 percent while resting on the ground, continuing the same task.

Learn More

All “Driving” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Rhythm and Tempo” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Golf Tempo: The Pause-at-the-Top DrillThree tempo drills for the "club snatch" and the "over-the-top" swing: feet together, a true pause at the top of the backswing, and starting the swing as if pushing a water bottle. Same speed on the upswing and downswing: slow down your swingMove up and down at what feels like the same speed, then hold the finish position for three seconds: an imbalance at the finish indicates that your body is moving too fast. Increasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesGain speed without straining: adjust your loft, tee, and ball position; swing with a relaxed hip motion; and feel the acceleration after contact. Edouard MontazAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Edouard Montaz). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.