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Driving Driver Expert ⏱ 4 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Sergio Garcia's tee-less driver shot from the fairway

Sergio Garcia sometimes hits the driver straight onto the fairway, especially on a par-5 hole when playing into the wind. He explains when this shot makes sense, how to set up, and why you should definitely not try to lift the ball.

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Sergio García
Sergio García · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

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What the lesson shows

The driver without a tee "It's not an easy shot," warns Sergio Garcia. He plays it especially on a par-5 hole that's slightly upwind, when a 3-wood would fly too far and might not reach the green. First condition: a proper lie on the fairway, and a ball that’s slightly elevated is even better. Since the driver has very little loft, you shouldn’t swing down on the ball. He positions the ball a little further forward than usual to get a good path and let the ball rise a bit.

The rest is just stay flat: Swing as close to the ground as possible, without standing up or smashing the ball into the ground. He accepts that the ball will come out low and cut a little: he aims slightly to the left and takes a normal swing. He advises staying stable, not forcing the shot, and letting the club’s loft do the work, without ever trying to lift the ball. In the demonstration, from a slightly downhill and fairly tight lie, he warns that the ball won’t rise very high.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Check your lie: if the ball isn't sitting properly, choose a different club.
  2. Move the ball a little forward from your usual position.
  3. Aim a little to the left for the expected small cut.
  4. Take a normal, steady swing without straining.
  5. Keep the club on the ground for as long as possible without standing up.
  6. Let the loft do its job—don't try to lift the ball.

Key Takeaways

A shot best reserved for par-5 holes, especially when playing into the wind, when a 3-wood would fly too far.
You need the right bounce—ideally, a ball that bounces a little higher.
Don't swing down: the driver has too little loft.
The ball is a little further forward than usual.
Swing close to the ground without hitting the ball too hard.
Wait for a low ball that breaks slightly, and aim accordingly.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Taking a shot from a bad lie.
  • Hit downward, as if with an iron.
  • Try to lift the ball.
  • Push hard to gain distance.
  • Aim straight for the target, keeping in mind that the ball often curves slightly.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A few balls placed in a good spot, with one ball positioned slightly forward
  2. Test swings that graze the grass over a distance of about 30 centimeters
  3. Check the height and alignment, then adjust the sight
  4. Compare with 3-wood over the same distance

Your Questions

When should you use the driver without a tee instead of the 3-wood?

Garcia saves it for specific situations—often a par-5 where he's playing slightly into the wind—when he needs to keep the ball low and a 3-wood would fly too high and fall short.

Where should I place the ball?

A little further forward than your usual stance, which helps you find a good path and let the ball rise a little.

Do you have to swing down to hit the ball properly?

No. The driver has very little loft: on the contrary, you need to keep the clubface flat, swing along the ground, and let the loft lift the ball.

Why does the ball often fade to the right?

With such a low loft and the ball sitting on the ground, it tends to fly low and curve slightly. So Garcia aims slightly to the left and accepts that.

Learn More

All “Driving” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you 5 Pro Tips from Tommy Fleetwood: From the Drive to the GreenFive habits from the Tour: placing the tee in front of the ball when using a driver, no calling out shots with irons, planning chip shots in advance, keeping a distance log, and reviewing the round afterward. Driver: Build a Fairway on the Range Like MorikawaA fairway winding between two driving range markers, a gentle rise up to waist height, and an outer target in sight: Morikawa’s driver. Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson's fade with the driverAim to the left, don't force the spin, a clubface that doesn't rotate on the upswing, and a single starting line at the top: Morikawa and DJ's fade. Sergio GarcíaAll of his lessons

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

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