​The ninth hole at the Evian Resort Golf Club is a par five, and for the most powerful players, it can be reachable in two. Lydia Ko isn’t among the LPGA’s longest hitters, but she still managed to reach the green in two from the first round of the Amundi Evian Championship by hitting a driver off the deck. Watching that shot unfold invites a mix of awe and curiosity about how such a feat is possible and whether amateurs can replicate it.
Hitting a driver off the deck is a spectacular display of ball striking and timing. It’s not a shot you should assume you can execute with the same consistency or height as Ko, but there are a few practical pointers you can apply if you’re curious about attempting this at home on a practice range. Renowned golf instructor Jason Guss, recognized as the Golf Digest Best Teacher in Illinois, emphasizes a setup that mirrors how you would position yourself for a 3-wood, with the ball placed slightly back in your stance compared to a standard, teed driver.
One important technique is to keep the clubface opened a notch. This slight open stance helps the club deliver more loft to the ball, making it easier to get airborne. An open clubface counteracts the tendency to produce a low, scalding shot that barely rises off the ground. By opening the face, you gain better contact and can coax more height from the ball, which is essential when you’re striking a driver off the deck without the assistance of a tee.
Beyond the clubface, the attitude toward loft plays a crucial role. Guss advises players to trust the shot and resist the impulse to “help” the ball into the air. The natural instinct is to lift up on the handle or to try to loft the ball artificially, but this can disrupt the swing path and strike quality. Instead, swing as though loft isn’t an issue, and let the club do the work. With a proper sweep and contact, you’ll find that the ball can rise more readily from the deck than you might expect.
Even with the optimal technique, expect the ball to fly on a lower trajectory than you might assume. The nature of a driver when struck off the deck means the ball’s height will still be relatively modest compared with a typical tee shot from a standard tee. Don’t be discouraged if your version doesn’t reach Ko’s altitude; master the mechanics, and you can still achieve a solid, repeatable result.
If you’re drawn to mastering this shot, practice with the understanding that it’s more about precision and timing than raw power. Start with a neutral stance, then experiment by moving the ball just slightly back in your stance. Open the clubface a touch, and maintain a smooth, sweeping swing through impact. Focus on making clean contact rather than forcing height. As you gain confidence, you’ll begin to see how this technique can produce a reliable deck-shot option on firm fairways and grass that lies close to the surface.
Incorporating this shot into your repertoire can be a crowd-pleaser, especially on courses where the ninth hole or other par-fives offer a chance to shorten the hole with a well-executed deck shot. Remember that even the best players, including Lydia Ko, don’t rely on this shot as a constant weapon; it’s a specialized tool for the right conditions and a testament to skilled ball striking. With careful practice and a disciplined approach, you may find yourself adding this surprising and entertaining shot to your own game, delivering memorable moments for yourself and your playing partners just like Ko did in the Amundi Evian Championship.