Hitting the ball a long way can be very advantageous, but if the ball does not find the fairway, it has no meaning. The most successful players are those who can drive them long and straight.
Alignment
Most players do not pick a target before they address the ball. You should go directly behind the ball and the target line and set up your feet in parallel line to the target. Your shoulder and hips should be parallel to the target.
Swing plane
If your address is correct then you have taken care of 50 per cent of the job. Now, the swing path should also be in connection to the
target line. You should start your backswing in line with the target and similarly also follow through towards the
target. Ideally one foot behind and one foot forward from where your ball is positioned, your club has to be on line with the line of target.
A lot of rotation
You must turn your body more and use less-hand action on the swing. This motion will reduce your swing and stop you from over swinging your club. The arms and body should move through the ball as one unit. Focus on the body rotating to the target and the hands finishing high with no release.

Choose an extra club
Most golf swings get into problem when you try to force your shots. To keep your swing under control, choose one extra club. This is one of the best solutions. Most golfers take less-club and force the shot, therefore they hit wayward shots. Even on the tee most amateurs take out a driver and try to whack the ball 270 yards, just play to your limitations and your ball will fly.
Trust it
Train your mind, as well as your swing, to hit dead-straight shots. Imagine you have to
drive it down a corridor of trees like if you had only 20 yards fairway ahead of you. During pressure situations your swing will automatically start to respond. At the end of the day, it is better to hit 220 yards and be on the fairway than to whack 270 and end up in the bush.
(The author is a golf instructor and golf director at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. He can be contacted through
prodeepak@hotmail.com)