How to Drive
with Alex Marshall
ACE Alumni and coach Alex (pictured center) shares his methods for hitting bombs in the fairway.
Video
Question and Answer
Tell us who you are!My name is Alex Marshall and I am currently finishing my first year of college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I am majoring in Aeronautical Science.
If you could pick anyone (past, present, or future), who would be the other 3 golfers in your all-time pairing?Tough question, but I would have to pick Tiger Woods, Henrik Sedin, and Connor McDavid
What’s your career low round, what course? What was really working?My career low round came at Willows Run (the Coyote Creek Course) on a cold, wet day in November when I shot a 69. I was confident in my approach shots, so I was able to leave myself short putts for birdie chances.
Do you have one or two main keys to driving the golf ball?For me, driving the golf ball comes down to confidence in the shot you’re going to hit. Whether that is a cut or a draw, or a straight ball flight, have confidence in it.
What ball position and tee height do you prefer with your driver? Why?I like the ball off the front of my forward foot and I tee the ball up more than most people. It helps me make more of a wing up and through the ball.
Does anything change from your iron swing to your driver swing?Almost everything changes! The two swings have the same element of a backswing, but going down and through the ball, it’s really all different. For a driver, it’s essential you swing up and through the ball, while we all know it’s important to hit down and onto the ball with your irons.
How do you choose your target from the tee?I pick a spot a few feet in front of the ball to line up to as I step into the shot. That way, I can check my aim right before I hit the shot, which enables me to swing confidently.
Do you prefer a draw, fade, or straight ball? Why?I prefer a fade, I can’t hit a draw to save my life.
Any last thoughts as you swing?I’ve always found an important emphasis to get my hips through the shot, so I make sure to think of that right before I hit my shot.
What do you do when you really just need to hit a solid drive to find the fairway?I’ve always gone with a soft fade. I aim down the left side of the fairway and let the ball cut back to the center of the fairway.