Write an article based on this summary:

Stay balanced to swing with an average amount of power. Swing the driver at a steady speed. Adjust your hand grip to hit the ball straighter. Straighten your swing to avoid hooks and slices.
One of the most basic issues is trying to hammer the ball to hit it long distances. This ends up reducing your power because you aren’t swinging properly. Check your swing mechanics to ensure your feet and hands are balanced. Then, swing steadily without attempting to make power adjustments.  For example, make sure your feet are flat on the ground with your weight balanced between them. If your swing is too light, the ball won’t travel very far. Your hands and shoulders may be too loose. Remember, the goal is to swing the club smoothly and make contact, not smash the ball. You may lose a little distance at first, but consistency makes up for it over time. A lot of beginning golfers face a swing speed problem. They start a normal upswing, but rush the downswing. This interrupts the natural flow of your swing, so you hit weaker balls that tend to curve all over the golf course. Practice your swing until you can do it in a single, fluid motion.  Although the basic mechanics are the same, not all golfers have the same swing. You may need to experiment a little to find out what feels natural to you. A common problem is hesitating as you begin the downswing. Other golfers may tell you you’re swinging too fast when in reality the hesitation makes your swing look faster than it is. For a good swing, your grip strength needs to be equal across both hands. Keep a firm grip on the driver, but avoid squeezing it too hard. If your front hand grip is too strong, the ball will hook. If your back hand grip is too strong, the ball will slice.  A hook is when the ball curves inwards towards your body. This is right to left for right-handed golfers and left to right for left-handed golfers. A slice is when the ball curves away from your body, or left to right for right-handers and right to left for left-handers. If your grip strength is fine, your swing mechanics may be an issue. First of all, make sure your legs, hips, and shoulders are straight while swinging. Swing through the ball with a consistent speed, since slowing down or speeding up can cause hooks and slices, respectively.  Your club’s head should face upward as it snaps into the ball. Experiment with which part of the club’s head strikes the ball, since this affects the curve. Although you can adjust your aim to compensate for a curving ball, fixing your swing mechanics is a better long-term solution. If you are certain your swing is good, moving the tee forward or adjusting your distance to it can help.