Nelly Korda's Driver Tips: The Low, Controlled Drive
Tiger Woods welcomes Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda to the driving range to talk about drivers. Korda demonstrates her low, “controlled” drive, McIlroy explains how a shorter shaft has made a difference, and Tiger Woods points out that the same shot feels different from one player to another.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Nelly Korda is a draw player. She aims for a penetrating, slightly low, and controlled ball flight, a “Baby Draw”: She aims slightly to the right and lets the ball come back, following the same trajectory throughout the round. She never tries to hit the ball hard—she just wants to find the fairway. When she's not feeling her best, she plays a “knockdown” drive”: Ball positioned slightly more toward the center of the stance, shorter finish, feeling of being over the ball. To hit the ball higher along an aggressive line, she moves the ball forward and leans back slightly at address. She never hits a fade: for her, a fade results from a clubhead that dives forward and heel contact.
Rory McIlroy has added some new elements to his game: lower trajectories and a left-to-right ball flight. He drives the ball the worst when he tries to “guide” the ball. With a shorter shaft, he strikes the ball more squarely without losing distance: with a long driver, the club would drop behind him at the top of the swing, and he would miss to both sides. He likes a a slightly closed face at the address, which prevents him from swinging to the right, and for his short cut, he stands closer and wider, on the upper right side. Tiger concludes: Ask others about how they feel, because everyone describes the same shot in their own way.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Choose your basic shot path and stick with it throughout the game (for Korda, a slight draw).
- Aim slightly to the right and let the ball curve back toward the target.
- For a control drive, bring the ball back toward the center of your stance.
- Shorten your finish by staying over the ball.
- For a higher drive, position the ball further forward and lean back slightly at address.
- For a controlled cut, McIlroy-style, stand a little closer and take a wider stance, with your weight on the upper right side.
- Write down your own feelings and compare them to those of your partners.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Try to hit the ball hard instead of aiming for the fairway.
- Controlling the drive: that's where McIlroy struggles the most.
- Changing course under pressure without being in control.
- Lean your head forward, which results in a fade and a heel strike for Korda.
- Let the clubface open during the backswing.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- “Knockdown” Drive Series: Ball in the center, short finish
- Alternate between a low ball and a high ball by changing only the ball's position and the foot placement
- Keep your face slightly turned away at the address to get a feel for the path
- End the session with your basic path
Your Questions
What is Nelly Korda's “controlly” drive?
A driver knockdown—which she uses when she's not feeling her best: place the ball a little more toward the center of her stance, take a shorter finish, and feel as though she's standing over the ball. The ball flies lower and stays under control.
Why doesn't Korda ever hit a fade with her driver?
Her natural swing path goes from the inside out. When the ball fades, it’s because she’s leaned her head forward and hit the ball with the heel of the club—a poor strike, which she avoids.
How has the shorter shaft affected Rory McIlroy?
More control and more straight shots, for the same distance. With a long shaft, the club would drop behind him at the top of his swing, and he would miss to the right or to the left.
How does Korda hit a higher drive?
She moves the ball forward in her stance and leans back slightly at address. She acknowledges that this causes the ball to drift slightly to the right, which is why she prefers a low trajectory.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Nelly Korda). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.