What Justin Thomas says amateur golfers ‘really need to have’ in order to hit the ball further off the tee

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Whether amateur golfers like it or not, hitting the ball further is a massive part of shaving shots of a score and ultimately reaching a lower handicap.

Being able to launch a drive results in shorter approach shots, which tend to end up closer to the hole, and there are various ways amateur players can gain distance.

Phil Mickelson believes the legs are crucial when looking to hit the ball further, and Tiger Woods looks to maintain width in his backswing.

There are also some fundamentals within the set-up that could benefit you whenever you take the course.

Justin Thomas’ hint to improve distance off the tee

Two-time major winner Justin Thomas is now one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour. And the American, speaking in a YouTube video shared by Golf Digest, highlighted the importance of a solid base for those looking to rip driver down the fairway.

“To hit it your furthest, you really need to have a stable lower body,” Thomas explained.

“Some of the things I think about in my feet are all in my feet. When I am not hitting it as well or as far and solid. I’ll sway a little bit when my feet aren’t into the ground and planted as well. One thing I’ll think about it is keeping the inside of my right heel stable and on the ground.

“I feel like I have good firm base on the ground is when I can use my legs to the best of their ability and hit up on the ball. When I get a little bit swayed and out of control, that’s when I am not able to consistently hit the ball as far and as well each time.”

• READ MORE: Justin Thomas explains what the PGA Tour can do with the greens to make things so much more difficult for golfers

Justin Thomas still looking to add distance in 2025

Even now, Thomas is still looking to become one of the biggest hitters in the game alongside Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.

Thomas has added speed during the off-season and was carrying his tee shots over 327 yards during practice. During one of his range sessions, Thomas averaged a total driving distance of 343 yards. In 2024, the American’s driving distance was 309 yards.

Thomas’ stats in 2025 have not shown much improvement, however. In his rounds to date, the 31-year-old is averaging 281 yards off the tee, which is 141st on the PGA Tour.