In search of long, straight drive Community journalism: Golf tip from Steve Charters

Editor's note: Steve Charters is in his 12th year as a pro at Twin Pines Golf Course. Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Charters competed at Central College in Pella and has been a pro for 19 years in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids.

We all enjoy hitting fairways with the long straight drives.

As you've been watching in the major championships - including the PGA Championship this weekend - those who drive with accuracy will have the best opportunities to win because the rough can become so penalizing in these major championships.

Here are a few tips to help you drive better with more accuracy.

Set up for success - When the driver comes out, your ball position moves to off the inside of your front heal. One error that can occur is your shoulders might open up with moving the ball more forward in your stance thus changing the path the club will travel in your swing. Make sure when the ball moves forward in your set up that your shoulders tilt more (front shoulder higher than your back shoulder) and don't turn open so you can maintain a swing that stays on your target line.

Extend through impact - It's easy when you put a driver down behind the ball to get caught up in the fact there sure doesn't look like the loft is there to get the ball in the air. One mistake a person can make is to help the ball get in the air by lifting their hands and arms to try and help the club head get the ball airborne. The reality is there is enough loft on the club to let the ball fly, if you let it. So next time you tee it up, feel like you're trying to keep the club head low to the ground through impact and letting your arms extend down your target line.

Concentrate on these two tips and watch your drives off the tee improve.

- Steve