The driver is the longest club with the least loft, so it exposes every flaw. Straight drives come from a good setup and a sweeping, in-to-out strike — not swinging harder.
Tee it higher and forward
With a driver you want to hit slightly up on the ball. Tee it high (half the ball above the crown) and play it forward, off your lead heel, so you catch it on the upswing.
Widen your stance and tilt behind
A slightly wider stance and a small tilt so your lead shoulder is higher help you swing up and from the inside — the opposite of the over-the-top move that causes a slice.
Swing smooth, not hard
Amateurs lose the driver by swinging out of their shoes. A controlled, balanced swing finds the center of the face far more often — and center contact goes straighter and farther than a wild lash.
Pick a target and commit
Aim at a specific spot, set your alignment, and commit. Tentative, steering swings produce the worst results; a confident swing at a clear target is the goal.
When in doubt, club down
If the driver's misbehaving, tee off with a 3-wood you can control. A fairway found beats 20 extra yards lost — a core scoring principle.
FAQ
How do I stop slicing my driver?
Tee it higher and forward, set up to hit slightly up on the ball, and swing from the inside with a smooth tempo. A slightly stronger grip also helps square the face.
Why is the driver so hard to hit straight?
It’s the longest, lowest-lofted club, so it magnifies face and path errors. Good setup, an upward strike, and controlled tempo are what tame it.