The farther and straighter you can hit a ball off the tee the better chance you have at par [and maybe a birdie] on each hole. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you tee off.

Jack Nicklaus has often said that one his swing keys is to keep his clubhead traveling along the target line [an imaginary straight line between ball and target] as long as possible. It's a good thought, and because it helps you extend through the ball on the follow-through instead of "quitting" at impact, that is, not completing the follow-through. To keep the clubhead down the target line, imagine the target line extending toward your target and then focus on keeping the clubhead traveling along that line.

When addressing the ball with your driver, you must be loose and relaxed. Do not tighten up over the golf ball. It is important to waggle the club back and forth a few times in order to create some flow to start the golf swing. This action will promote proper rhythm and tempo.

Many golfers try to emulate Tiger Woods. In fact, Tiger's "two-pivot swing" is considered the modern swing to model your own after. Here is a Tiger tip:

In your backswing, your upper body will turn and while turning, you want to let your left shoulder move across and to the right so that your left shoulder is above your right foot at the top of your backswing. Begin your forward swing as you always do but attempt to finish with your right shoulder above your left foot (as if you are moving slightly ahead of the shot). By doing so, you will finish your swing in a more vertical position and look like Tiger!

If you do this just right, you'll be rewarded with longer distance on your shot.

We hope these simple tips help you to drive the ball straighter and farther. And that will happen if you take them with you to the driving range and work on them diligently. Use them whenever you meet the specific situation on the faiway, the bunker or on the putting green and see your success happen.