Straight drives start before the club moves. Most golfers blame the downswing first, but the ball often gets lost in setup: feet aimed one direction, shoulders another, ball too far back, tee height changing every swing, and balance leaking toward the toes.
Chubbs' rule is simple: make the setup repeatable before judging the swing. A repeatable setup gives the golfer a fair test.
The quick answer
To hit driver straight, build a consistent pre-shot checklist: pick a specific target, aim the clubface first, set the feet parallel, place the ball forward inside the lead heel, tee it high enough to sweep, and finish in balance. Do not chase speed until contact and start line are predictable.
The five-point driver checklist
- Target: Pick a small target, not just “the fairway.”
- Face: Aim the clubface before setting your feet.
- Ball position: Keep the ball forward enough to hit up or level.
- Tee height: Let about half the ball sit above the driver crown.
- Balance: Finish tall enough to watch the ball without falling back.
This is not glamorous, but it works because it removes variables.
Why straight does not mean stiff
Many golfers hear “straight” and make a tight, steering swing. Steering usually slows the body and leaves the face open. Straight driving is not about freezing the swing. It is about matching face, path, and contact well enough that the ball has a predictable window.
One drill: fairway gate practice
On the range, pick two targets that create a fairway gate. Your only goal is to launch the ball through that window. Do not measure the drill by distance. Measure it by start line and balance.
Hit five balls. If three of five start inside the gate, keep the same feel. If fewer than three start inside, go back to the face and alignment checks.
Common mistake: aiming with your feet first
A lot of golfers aim their feet first and then twist the clubface in last. Reverse it. Aim the face first. Then build the stance around it. The ball listens to the clubface more than it listens to your shoes.
Chubbs' coaching note
A straight driver swing is usually the result of boring discipline. Same tee height. Same ball position. Same target process. Same finish. The golfer who repeats the boring pieces gets more useful feedback from every shot.
Request help from Chubbs if your driver start line changes every swing.
