Strike is king

Of all the 'fundamentals' (grip, posture, alignment, plane), none is truly non-negotiable... except one: where you strike the ball on the face. That's the king. With driver, woods and hybrids the gear effect kicks in: a toe strike adds hook spin, a heel strike adds slice, and low on the face kills distance. One measured example: striking low, the ball launched at 6.2° with 2606 rpm and 213 yards; centered (or slightly above), 14.3°, 2078 rpm and 257 yards.