Long Hitters
 

Long hitters seem to come in all different sizes. J.B. Holmes, Michelle Wie, John Daly, Charles Howell, Tiger Woods etc..

Why are they long... fast twitch muscles, technique, strong legs, strong arms, core strength, conditioning, genetics?

For myself, I would say:

1) Technique
2) Proper fitting equipment (optimum loft, stiff shafts etc)
3) Conditioning

Genetics. Who, on this forum, can throw a 95 mph fast ball? :( The assumption is; of the thousands of Practice Golf Balls we hit on a monthly basis, one would guess that if by accident, perfect technique occurred at least once or twice, then we would hit one or two 300 yard drives. But, this isn't the case.

Certainly, proper technique and conditioning have a major role in helping one reach his/her potential.

Fast
 

They are all smoothly fast.

Being tall (longer lever) or built like a lineback (more mass) can both be big factors, on their own, or in combination.

And flexibility matters (extending the swing raduis to the feet)

Factors
 

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Evan(Big Cat) Williams is an example of a player with both factors you speak of. He is something like 6'6" and probably over 200 lbs.. He was a former National Long Drive Champion.

Now there are guys like Chi Chi Rodriguez, Charles Howell III, and Ben Hogan... all small, light guys. Ben Hogan could drive the ball long when he wanted to.

Technique only gets you so far when you find your maximum hand speed. Once you tap that out, only thing left to do is to get the extra distance through stronger muscles and working out.