Any of you who have been tested on launch monitors might have been surprised that your ideal loft of driver is higher than you actually thought. Things have changed since a world shortage of persimmon forced the technology changes which brought about the "bungalows on sticks" we now drive with.

The old rules for penetrating flight have been torn up. These drivers give maximum benefit from a high launch angle-low spin flight. Our vintage- especially the coast golfers- were conditioned to hit it quail high into the wind. No more. We have to re-learn and almost ignore the wind as a steep angle of descent into the ball imparts too much spin and loses us loads of distance.

The key to this lies in our ability to work the arms and body in harmony. Kevin Craggs (www.kevincraggsgolf.com) has his own academy in Falkirk and coaches the various SLGA suads. Kevin suggsts the following routine to conquer lack of power:

All you have to do is take a Household Broom and practice swinging it ten times each day. Because it is heavier than a normal golf club it will encourage you to swing at a more even pace improving your overall timing and club head speed more importantly it develops better awareness of when to accelerate in the downswing resulting in instant power.

From Paul Ashwell, Head Pro Wyboston Lakes
If you would like to hit the ball long and straight a medium to light grip pressure will help. Many players grip too hard especially on tee shots but try this- next time you are at the range grip a golf ball hard and try to throw it, then use a lighter grip and throw again. The lighter grip will always have more power and accuracy. Transfer this grip pressure to your golf club and enjoy the results.