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Why is the first shot from a teeing ground called a drive?

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Tiger Woods follows through on his golf swing after teeing off, standing in tall grass with spectators watching in the background at St Andrews Golf Links. — golf American golfer Tiger Woods competing at the British Open (Open Championship) at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, 2005.

In the sport of golf, the initial stroke taken from the teeing ground is referred to as a drive because it is the shot intended to "drive" the ball a significant distance toward the hole.1

While the term is standard, it is important to note that the name of the shot is derived from its function rather than the specific club used. Although players typically employ a number 1 wood—commonly known as a driver—to maximize distance, they may choose other clubs, such as irons or different woods, depending on the hole's layout, hazards, or the need for strategic placement.1