Some of the best golf tips on YouTube get buried over the years. Collin Morikawa filmed a short driver lesson about five years ago that almost slipped into that category. The message is simple: if you want to control your tee shots, you need more than one trajectory.
Morikawa demonstrates three driver windows every golfer should learn: the low bullet, the stock driver, the high launch. Each one has a specific setup, a clear purpose and, most importantly, doesn’t require a swing overhaul.
1. The low bullet (Fairway finder)
This is the shot Morikawa relies on when he needs control more than anything else. If you play a course that has firm fairways or narrow landing zones, the fairway finder is a smart choice. It also comes into play with windy conditions.
Setup keys
- Lower tee height. Instead of having half to three-quarters of the ball above the face, tee it noticeably lower. This helps you avoid swinging too far up on the ball.
- Ball position slightly back. Only a fraction. Too far back and you’ll get steep and cut across it.
- Level shoulders. Imagine hitting from a downslope. Your shoulders stay more horizontal instead of tilting upward.
Why It Works
A lower tee and a slightly back ball position reduces upward attack and keeps launch down. Morikawa describes it as a “bullet”: a shot that starts low, stays online and gets on the ground quickly. Make sure to stay steady and level and feel like your driver swing mirrors an iron swing.
2. The standard driver (Your everyday launch window)
This is Morikawa’s normal driver. You could call this more of a stock shot. He wants something not too high and not too low.
Setup Keys
- Tee height: About half the ball above the crown.
- Ball position: Just inside the left heel.
- Face slightly open if you play a fade. Morikawa does but this is personal to your shot shape.
For this shot, Morikawa focuses mostly on tempo and making sure he doesn’t get too quick. He mentions that when tempo is off, the launch windows become unpredictable. He emphasizes seeing the shot before swinging and not obsessing about contact and not micromanaging mechanics.
Use this shot any time you are swinging confidently and want a baseline shot.
3. The high launch (When you need extra carry)
For downwind holes, forced carries or situations where you just want a few extra yards of carry, Morikawa shifts into his high-launch setup.
Setup Keys
- Higher tee height. Push the ball up noticeably.
- Ball position forward (almost on your lead toe).
- Shoulders tilted upward. Not leaning back but angled so your trail shoulder sits slightly lower.
Why It Works
This setup encourages an upward strike, adding launch and reducing spin. It’s a free way to pick up distance without swinging harder.
Pay close attention to your weight. Do not fall back or hang on your trail side trying to “hit it high.” Morikawa warns that this is how you hit behind the ball and lose all consistency. Use this one when rollout is limited or you are playing a par-5 with wind at your back.
Final thoughts
Most amateurs have one driver flight. However, trajectory control is one of the fastest ways to get better off the tee. Morikawa’s framework is accessible even for mid-handicappers: one low, one standard, one high. Practice by exaggerating each setup, learn what they feel like and you’ll start choosing the right flight for the right hole.
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