Picture this: a slight figure, barely 155 pounds, stepping up to the tee box. The crowd expects a modest shot. Instead, Charles Howell III unleashes a booming drive that soars past many bigger, stronger players. Early in his career, skeptics often wondered how this wiry golfer from Oklahoma State could generate such power. The secret didn’t lie in brute strength but in a refined technique he famously shared in a 2005 GOLF Magazine article that remains a blueprint for power hitting on the PGA Tour.
Charles Howell III Driving Tips PGA Tour: The Art of Late Speed
Howell’s signature move is all about timing — creating maximum clubhead speed exactly at impact, not before or after. This “late speed” is achieved by a powerful pivot onto the right side during the backswing and a deliberate lag of the wrists deep into the downswing. The key: storing energy like a coiled spring and releasing it just as the clubhead meets the ball.
Back in 2005, Howell laid out four essential techniques to harness this late speed. The first is what he called the “hip trick” at address. By raising the left hip slightly and tilting the spine away from the target, Howell positioned his upper body behind the ball. This setup mimics a boxer’s jab — where the power comes from the body staying behind the fist, not rushing ahead. Pressing the right hand into the right hip activates the right thigh and knee, creating a strong base to coil over.
The backswing is a fluid motion but critical for power generation. Howell emphasized setting the wrists early to hinge properly while turning the shoulders fully. This combination forms a leveraged position at the top, with the club on the correct plane, primed for an explosive downswing. Maintaining a relaxed grip ensures wrist hinge isn’t restricted, and keeping the left arm close to the chest preserves the swing’s efficiency.
From the top, the downswing is where Howell’s genius shines. He insisted on maintaining the angle between the right forearm and the club shaft as long as possible. This lag stores energy that, if released prematurely (a fault known as casting), wastes power. Driving the right hand and leg into the ground during the downswing — a feeling of sitting into the right hip — helps keep the wrists fully hinged. This stored energy then unleashes in a powerful burst of clubhead speed at impact.
At impact, the magic of late speed happens. As the wrists unhinge and the left arm and club shaft align straight through the ball, the clubhead’s velocity peaks. Howell recommended a drill: swing to the top, start the downswing, and pause when the arms are parallel to the ground. From there, accelerate through impact, feeling the release of stored energy as the right shoulder turns toward the target.
How Howell’s 2005 Tips Still Shape PGA Tour Driving
Though technology and training have advanced dramatically, Howell’s core principles remain relevant on the PGA Tour today. Many of the longest hitters rely on that same late speed concept—maximizing clubhead velocity precisely at impact through a powerful pivot, wrist lag, and strong coil. Howell’s emphasis on body positioning at address and maintaining lag in the downswing set a standard that transcends eras.
These techniques also highlight how power in golf is more about timing and mechanics than sheer size or strength. Howell’s success with a 155-pound frame challenges the common misconception that bigger automatically means longer drives. His approach shows that precision in technique can unlock tremendous distance, even for players without imposing physiques.
Bonus Power Tips That Complement Howell’s Late Speed
Alongside Howell’s four keys, other subtle adjustments can add yards off the tee. For example, maintaining a relaxed grip pressure helps preserve wrist hinge and speed. Additionally, aligning the shaft correctly during the backswing ensures the club stays on plane, maximizing efficiency. Another overlooked factor is the downward pressure from the right side during the downswing, which stabilizes the base and allows a more explosive release.
Understanding these nuances enriches the core lesson Howell offered: power is less about force and more about harnessing energy at the right moment. His 2005 advice continues to influence players who aim to add distance without sacrificing control.
Why This Matters Now: The Evolution of Power on Tour
In an era when driving distances are at record highs and equipment technology advances rapidly, Howell’s foundational tips remind us that the human element—the swing mechanics—still governs true power. The PGA Tour’s elite hitters might wield the latest drivers and balls, but it’s their ability to generate late speed through proper technique that ultimately delivers the longest, most consistent drives.
As the season unfolds, players and coaches continue to revisit these timeless principles, proving that Howell’s insights from 2005 remain a vital part of the conversation about driving power on tour.
Next up, the PGA Tour’s upcoming events will test which players best blend modern equipment and classic technique. Watching how players apply or adapt Howell’s late speed secrets will be key to predicting who can dominate off the tee as competition intensifies. For a broader view, explore our coverage of PGA Tour news and results.
Source: as reported by All The Golf
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