Shots that feel dead and come up short usually aren’t a strength problem. Distance comes from three things: where you hit the face, how fast the club is moving and how well your body sequences the swing. Fix them in that order.

Step 1: find the centre of the face

A strike just 1-2 cm toward the toe or heel can cost a lot of ball speed. Spray the face with foot-powder spray (or use impact stickers), hit 10 balls and look at the marks.

• Marks on the toe: you’re standing too far away or pulling your arms in. Stand a little closer.
• Marks on the heel: you’re moving toward the ball in the downswing. Keep your weight in the middle of your feet.

Step 2: stop losing speed early

Many golfers “spend” their speed at the top by throwing the club with their hands. The fastest point of your swing should be after the ball, not before it.

Drill: the swoosh

Turn a club upside down and hold it by the head. Make swings and try to make the loudest “swoosh” in front of where the ball would be, not behind it. 10 swings before every range session.

Step 3: let the body lead

Power comes from the ground up: lead foot, hips, chest, arms and finally the club. If your arms start the downswing, you lose most of your potential speed.

Drill: the step-through

Start with your feet together. As you reach the top of the backswing, step toward the target with your lead foot and then swing. The step forces the lower body to start the downswing.

Train your speed

Speed can be trained like a muscle: overspeed sticks or alternating light and heavy clubs, a few sessions a week, plus rotational strength in the gym. See the golf gym workout.

Gear check

A shaft that is too stiff or too heavy for your speed kills distance and feel. If your irons feel like hitting a plank, get your swing speed measured before buying new clubs.

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