Problem with Driver

Question
Hello, how are you doing? I have been having a problem with my drives. No matter how much I turn left my drives are going right. The ball is not slicing it is going straight to the right. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to correct this problem?

I have been playing for about 15 years and I still can not get the ball to backup when hit onto the green. Actually it takes off when it hits the green. What can I do to get the ball to backup when it hits the green or at least take a couple of bounces and stop?  

Thank you

Answer
Cameron:  Usually when shots are pushed it is caused by one or both of two things; ball position or aim.  It doesn't sound like an aiming issue with you, so let's discuss ball position.  To push a shot you have to be ahead of the ball at impact.  This can happen if the ball is played too far back in the stance or if during your forward swing, your upper body is moving forward.

The driver should be played opposite the left heel and at impact you should sense that your head is still behind the ball's original position.  To check ball position and aim at the same time, use 3 clubs; one along the target line next to the ball, the 2nd parallel to that in front of your toes and the 3rd, place at a 90 degree angle from your left heel towards the first shaft but not close enough you'll hit it with the swing.  If you cannot tell where your head is at impact, have a friend spot for you.
    http://golfnutts.com/profile.html

The ball backing up occurs because backspin is created from the club's contact with the ball.  In order to achieve this, the divot you take (assuming you are taking divots) must ALL be in front of the ball's original position.  To check this, put a 2nd ball alongside the one you hit so you can compare the 1st ball's position in relation to the divot.   http://golfnutts.com/thedivot.html

In order to do all this Cameron, you must be in almost perfect balance while you swing.  Balance is a product of a good set-up and profile.

http://golfnutts.com/balance.html

Cameron, you have a lot to check out and I wish you the best of luck.  Feel free to write back with updates.

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com