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Golf coach Claire Batista explains why trying to swing harder with your driver so often backfires — and what to do instead. The fix comes down to swing arc width, not swing length, and it’s a simpler adjustment than you might expect. If you’ve been trying harder and getting less distance, this one is worth your time.
Claire Batista – Driving
Claire Batista tackles one of the most common frustrations in golf: swinging harder and going shorter. The culprit, she explains, is a narrow swing arc caused by a collapsing lead arm and too much wrist hinge — and the solution is to focus on width rather than length. This video is ideal for anyone who suspects they’ve been over-swinging in pursuit of extra yards.
Key Takeaways Width beats length:
A wider swing arc moves the club head faster than a longer, collapsed swing — and faster club head speed means more distance.
Keep your lead arm straighter:
Allowing the left arm (for right-handers) to bend too much through the backswing narrows the arc and leads to mishits off the toe, not extra yards.
Use the “point at the building” drill:
On the range, practise swings where it feels as though you’re keeping the club head pointing behind you — this builds the sensation of width without over-hinging the wrists.
Head to the range and spend a few sessions on the width drill before gradually building back to your full swing — the ball flight will tell you it’s working. This video suits golfers of all levels who have been chasing distance the hard way and are ready to try a smarter approach.
Golf Coach | Founder, Claire Batista Golf Academy
Claire Batista is a golf coach dedicated to helping players of all levels swing better, think smarter, and shoot lower scores. Her teaching focuses on clear, practical instruction — breaking down technique into drills and practice routines that actually translate to the course.
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