Category: Beginners

Common Golf Mistakes Beginners Make – How to Avoid Them

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Golf, often known as the “gentleman’s game,” offers a unique blend of challenge and relaxation. For beginners, stepping onto the golf course can be both exciting and daunting. It is important to be aware of some pitfalls that new players often encounter. Knowing how to avoid common golf mistakes beginners make is very helpful.

Now, these missteps can sometimes overshadow the joy of the game. However, with a bit of guidance, you can navigate them successfully.

These mistakes are present across the board. They go from the setup fundamentals, mechanical and technical areas of the swing, to the etiquette and the mental aspect of the game.

Remember, every golfer was a beginner once. Granted, some started earlier and had more time to learn. Nonetheless, it is never too late to correct things.

Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash
Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash

A very important first step is awareness. In order to be able to work on something, you have to know you are doing it wrong. Golf is quite a self-analytical game. First, try to see what might be on your list of improvements to start with. Once you do that, check what you can do and start the journey to better golfing.

Swing and Technique Mistakes

Poor Posture:

Bad posture can lead to inconsistent ball striking.

Avoidance:

Maintain a balanced posture with knees slightly flexed and a straight back.

Incorrect Grip:

Holding the club Improperly affects the clubface’s orientation at impact.

Avoidance:

Learn and practice the correct grip, like the “overlap” or “interlock” grip.

Poor Alignment:

Incorrect alignment leads to shots off target, even if the swing is good.

Avoidance:

Use alignment aids like clubs or alignment sticks. It will ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.

Over-swinging:

Swinging too hard can lead to a loss of control and accuracy.

Avoidance:

Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than excessive power.

Lack of Rotation:

Not using proper body rotation can limit distance and accuracy.

Avoidance:

Work on your body rotation during your swing, engaging hips and shoulders.

Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash
Image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash

Short Game and Putting Mistakes

Neglecting Putting Practice:

Focusing solely on long shots and ignoring putting.

Avoidance:

Dedicate time to practice putting for a well-rounded game.

Ignoring Chipping and Pitching:

Neglecting the short game can lead to higher scores.

Avoidance:

Practice chipping and pitching to save strokes around the green.

Overcomplicating Chip Shots:

Attempting overly complex chip shots when simpler ones will do.

Avoidance:

Choose the easiest and safest chip shot option to improve consistency.

Inconsistent Ball Contact:

Often struggles with inconsistent contact when chipping or pitching, leading to thin or fat shots.

Avoidance:

Focus on maintaining a steady tempo in your short-game shots. Additionally, practice hitting the ball with the center of the clubface.

Neglecting Green Reading:

Overlooking the importance of reading the green’s slope and break can result in missed putts.

Avoidance:

Develop green reading skills by carefully observing the slope and studying how the green breaks. Also, take your time to read the green and check the break from multiple angles. Watch the paths of other golfers’ putts on the green to gain insights into how they break.

Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash
Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash

Course Management and Mental Mistakes

Poor Club Selection:

Using the wrong club for the situation can lead to trouble.

Avoidance:

Learn the distances you hit each club and select the appropriate one.

Ignoring Weather Conditions:

Failing to adjust for wind or other weather forces.

Avoidance:

Pay attention to the wind and adjust your shots accordingly.

Not Thinking Strategically:

Hitting aggressive shots when a safer approach is wiser.

Avoidance:

Consider the risks and rewards, and make strategic decisions.

Impatience:

Expecting rapid improvement and becoming frustrated when it doesn’t happen.

Avoidance:

Golf is a gradual learning process; stay patient and enjoy the journey.

Lack of Mental Focus:

Allowing distractions or negative thoughts to affect your game.

Avoidance:

Develop mental resilience and focus on the task at hand.

Not Learning Rules and Etiquette:

Not knowing the rules and etiquette can disrupt play.

Avoidance:

Study the basic rules and etiquette of golf to ensure a smoother round.

Avoid Mistakes and Enjoy More

In conclusion, golf is a game that offers both challenges and rewards. Understanding and avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the sport. Starting from mastering the fundamentals of grip and swing to focusing on alignment. Equally important, improving the short game or putting.

Therefore, each aspect of golf presents an opportunity for improvement. Nonetheless, it is not just about hitting the ball far. It is about precision and strategy. Equally essential is your knowledge of the rules and etiquette of the game. By following these guidelines you ensure a harmonious experience on the course. Consequently, you also prevent any unintentional penalties.

Golf, in many ways, is a mental sport as well. Thus, patience, focus, and a positive mindset are your allies. Besides, they will help you conquer the inevitable frustrations that may arise during a round. Golf is a journey that rewards dedication and practice. Specifically, it teaches patience, precision, and perseverance.

Finally, you will continue to refine your skills and gain experience. Therefore, you will discover challenges from the beginning becoming opportunities for growth and enjoyment. So, embrace the game and learn from your mistakes. Moreover, relish the satisfaction that comes with becoming a better golfer. In a word, golf offers a lifetime of enjoyment for those who take the journey.

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How to Read a Golf Course – Guide for Beginners

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Golf, often described as a sport of precision and strategy, offers you as a beginner an exciting journey. That journey is filled with challenges and opportunities for improvement. Among the fundamental skills is the ability to know how to read a golf course. It might take time and effort, but it is worth mastering it.

At its core, reading a golf course entails insights into the terrain, hazards, distances, and the unique character of each hole. A course design presents golfers with a blend of natural beauty and strategic challenges.

Now, your journey begins with a few essential steps. Those steps can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment of the course.

First, a course map or scorecard can be a valuable resource available at the clubhouse or online. Then, something like understanding the par value for each hole is key to setting realistic expectations.

Image by Andrew Anderson on Unsplash
Image by Andrew Anderson on Unsplash

In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of reading a golf course. You will find practical advice and tips to help you navigate the fairways and greens. Understanding the layout is your first step toward a more enjoyable and rewarding golfing experience. So, let’s get started, one stroke at a time.

Assessing a Golf Course

This is the very beginning of the process when it comes to reading a course. Nonetheless, here are some tips to help you assess a golf course effectively.

  1. Course Map and Scorecard: They are easy to obtain, usually available at the clubhouse or online. These resources provide essential information about each hole, including yardages, par values, and hole layouts.
  2. Study the Yardages: Pay close attention to the yardage for each hole. Note the distances to various landmarks like bunkers, water hazards, and the center of the green. This information will help you choose the right club for each shot.
  3. Know the Par: Understanding the par for each hole can help you set realistic expectations and determine how well you are playing.
  4. Consider Tee Selection: Golf courses typically have multiple tee boxes, each catering to different skill levels. As a beginner, choose the tee box that matches your skill level. Consequently, starting from a shorter tee will make the course more manageable.
  5. Local Rules: Familiarize yourself with any local rules specific to the golf course. Briefly, these rules may involve out-of-bounds areas or ground under repair. Thus, there could be some unique course features that have their own rules.

Image by golfballsworld.com
Image by golfballsworld.com

Understand a Course Layout

In brief, understanding a golf course layout as a beginner is essential for making informed decisions. Equally important, it will help you improve your game. Here is how you can better comprehend a golf course layout:

  1. Analyze Hole Distances: Pay attention to the distances of each hole. Note the total yardage of the course and the yardage of each hole. Understanding the lengths will help you choose the appropriate clubs for each shot.
  2. Look at Hole Layouts: On the course map or scorecard, observe the layout of each hole. Subsequently, identify the position of the tee box, fairway, hazards, and the green. Also, note the doglegs or unique features of the hole.
  3. Note Hazard Locations: Pay special attention to the location of hazards. Bunkers, water hazards, and rough areas are common obstacles on golf courses. Hence, knowing where they are positioned will help you strategize your shots to avoid them.
  4. Understand the Green: Study the shape and size of the green for each hole. Look for any spoles, undulations, or challenging pin placements. This information is crucial when planning approach shots and putting.
  5. Visualize Your Shots: Before teeing off on each hole, take a moment to visualize your shots. Therefore, consider the best path to the fairway and potential hazards to avoid. Furthermore, consider where you want your ball to land for the most favorable approach to the green.

Strategize Your Shots Effectively

For you as a beginner, this is crucial for improving your game and minimizing mistakes. Here are some tips to help you develop a strategic approach to your shots:

  1. Select the Right Club: Choose your clubs based on the distance to the target and your own abilities. As a beginner, focus on accuracy over distance. Familiarize yourself with the typical distances you achieve with each club through practice.
  2. Understand Your Abilities: Be honest about your skill level. If you are not comfortable hitting long shots or controlling certain clubs, opt for more reliable choices. Over time, you can work on expanding your shot-making abilities.
  3. Plan Each Shot: Before taking a shot, assess the hole layout and factors that can influence the outcome. For example, consider wind direction, hazards, and the shape of the hole. Visualize your shot and decide your target.
  4. Aim for the Center: In general, aim for the center of the fairway or the green. Avoid overly ambitious targets near hazards, especially as a beginner. Consistency and avoiding trouble are key.
  5. Manage Risk: As a beginner, it is essential to manage risk. Avoid overly aggressive shots that may lead to trouble. Consider your comfort level with various shot types and choose the safer option when in doubt.
  6. Play With Your Abilities: Focus on executing shots that you feel confident about. Trying to mimic the shots of professional golfers can lead to frustration and errors. As your skills improve, you can gradually attempt more challenging shots.

Image by Edewaa Foster on Unsplash
Image by Edewaa Foster on Unsplash

Build a Solid Foundation

In conclusion, mastering the art of reading a golf course is a pivotal skill for any golfer. It is the foundation upon which your game strategy is built. As you gain familiarity with the course layout, you will find yourself making more informed decisions. Moreover, you will be avoiding hazards and ultimately lowering your scores.

Remember that reading a golf course is a gradual process. It is perfectly normal to encounter challenges along the way. Approach each round with a willingness to learn from both success and setbacks. With practice and experience, you will develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies of each hole. That will enable you to play with greater confidence and enjoyment.

So, embrace the journey of course mastery as an integral part of the sport. Be patient, persistent, and committed to learning. That way you will cultivate a profound appreciation for the artistry and strategy of the game. The ability to read the course will be your guide to unlocking the full potential of your golfing experience.

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Mental Game Strategies for New Golfers – How to Play Better

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For you, as a new golfer, developing effective mental game strategies is crucial for a few reasons. It is not only about improving your performance but also enjoying the game more. There are several mental game strategies for new golfers worth exploring in order to help enhance your mental game.

Mastering the mental aspects of golf is as crucial as honing your physical skills. The mental game can often make a difference between a good time on the course and feeling frustrated.

Golf is a sport that challenges not only your physical abilities but also your mental resilience, focus, and attitude. This is where the art of the mental game comes into play.

As a novice golfer, it is easy to underestimate the influence of your mindset on your performance. However, seasoned players and professionals understand certain things. They understand that the thoughts, emotions, and strategies you bring to the course can significantly impact your outcomes.

Image by Andrew Anderson on Unsplash
Image by Andrew Anderson on Unsplash

The mental game is the inner realm where composure, concentration, and confidence intersect. It is about cultivating the mental tools to overcome the challenges that arise during a round. Additionally, it is also about managing pressure-packed moments, and staying positive even when things don’t go as planned.

In the following guide, we delve into a set of effective strategies tailored specifically for new golfers. These strategies are designed to empower you to take charge of your mental game. They allow you to navigate the complexities of the course with a sense of purpose and poise. Let’s check them out.

Stay Patient and Manage Expectations

Golf is a challenging sport that takes time to master. As a new golfer, you should set realistic expectations and be patient with yourself as you learn and improve. Understand that progress will come gradually, and setbacks are part of the learning process. Set achievable goals for improvement and celebrate small successes along the way.

Focus on Process, Not Outcome

Instead of fixating on the final score, focus on executing each shot to the best of your ability. Concentrate on your pre-shot routine, alignment, grip, and swing mechanics. When you aim for a consistent process it often leads to better outcomes.

Develop a Pre-Shot Routine

Establish a consistent pre-shot routine that includes visualizing the shot and choosing a target. On top of that, you can add setting up your alignment and stance, taking a practice swing, and then executing the shot. A reliable routine can help calm nerves and ensure consistency in your approach.

Practice Visualization

Visualizing successful shots can improve your confidence and concentration. Before each shot, close your eyes and imagine the shot you want to execute. Imagine the ball’s trajectory, flight path, and landing spot. Do that each time until it becomes a habit.

Practice Mindfulness and Focus

Stay present in the moment and focus on the current shot. Avoid thinking about past mistakes or future shots. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and staying aware of your senses, can help keep you in the present. Feel the breeze, hear the sounds around you, and focus on the feel of the club and the ball.

Control Negative Self-Talk

Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Instead of swelling on mistakes or potential failures, remind yourself of past successes and focus on your strengths. Positive self-talk can boost your confidence and attitude.

Image by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Image by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Embrace Mistakes

Mistakes are a natural part of golf. Rather than getting frustrated, use mistakes as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and move on. This growth mindset helps you improve and reduces frustration.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Approach each round with a positive attitude. Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities to grow and learn. A positive mindset can enhance your enjoyment of the game and lead to better performance.

Set Short-Term Goals

Break down your overall game improvement into smaller, achievable goals. Focus on improving specific aspects of your game, such as driving accuracy or putting proficiency. Accomplishing these mini-goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Stay Relaxed Under Pressure

Nervousness and pressure are common on the golf course, especially in competitive situations. Develop relaxation techniques like deeper breathing or positive visualization to stay composed and focused.

Stay Physically Fit

Regular exercise and flexibility training contribute to your mental game. Consequently, physical fitness supports endurance, balance, and overall well-being. All that is essential for maintaining focus and concentration throughout your rounds.

Learn from Mentally Strong Golfers

Observe how professional golfers handle challenges and pressure. Watch their pre-shot routine and note how they manage their emotions. Also, you can listen to their insights on mental strategies through their interviews. You can apply these techniques to your own game.

Image by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash
Image by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash

Apply Some Strategies and See the Changes

In conclusion, developing a strong mental game is a journey. It complements the technical aspects of golf. Hence, by integrating these strategies into your approach, you can cultivate resilience, focus, and a positive attitude. All that will serve you well on the course. Remember that progress takes time, and setbacks are part of the learning curve.

Embrace the process of improvement, stay present in each shot, and celebrate your achievements along the way. As you continue to refine your mental game, you will find that not only does your performance flourish. Your overall experience of golf becomes one of enjoyment, growth, and personal satisfaction.

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Golf Course Terminology – Terms and Phrases for Beginners

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Categories: Beginners Gameplay

Golf Course Terminology – Terms and Phrases for Beginners

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Golf is a wonderful, yet very complex sport. We all know how difficult it is to play it, let alone become good at it. New golfers have numerous challenges ahead of them from the get-go. On top of all the technical and mechanical things they have to learn, there is an entire golf course terminology to get familiar with.

If you are a beginner, there are numerous terms and phrases you will encounter on the course. It may take you some time to get acquainted with all of them but take it slowly.

You will golf long enough to become proficient in the golf language. Most golfers know just some very basic terms and phrases when they first start playing.

Honestly, you do not have to know it all to enjoy the game and move around the course. However, it is good to have some general knowledge to understand what is happening around you.

Image by Caleb Bennetts on Unsplash
Image by Caleb Bennetts on Unsplash

It comes very handy especially when you are playing with more experienced golfers. They will at times want to tell you something while playing in the form of information, advice, or warning. That is usually meant to help you. For that reason, it would be good to get to know the most common words from the golf course terminology.

Golf Course Basic Structure

We will start from the golf course itself. There are different types of courses out there. Starting from the smallest par 3 courses all the way to full courses with championship tees. All of them have certain things in common when it comes to the basic structure. Below are the parts of the course you will find no matter where you play.

Tee Box (Tee) – It is the starting point for every hole where you hit your first shot. Usually, it is a designated area marked by two tee markers between which you place your ball. On par 3 courses or on some special occasions there could be a square mat instead, usually to prevent damaging the ground.

Fairway – The area between the tee and green with the shortest grass (excluding the green). Its size varies from hole to hole and it is meant to land the ball in order to have a better next shot.

Rough – The area with longer grass you ideally avoid when hitting the ball. It surrounds the fairway and green. Shots from the rough tend to be punishing depending on the grass length.

Green – The area where the hole is located which is meant only for putting.

Flag (Stick) – It marks the hole so you can see it when still distant. A lot of golf courses do flag color coding so you know if the hole is in the front, middle, or back of the green.

Out of Bounds (OB) – All the areas outside the course boundaries. Play from there is not allowed, and if your ball ends up there you usually get a penalty stroke.

Golf Course Obstacles

If golf courses were made only the basic way, golf would be maybe a bit easier. In order to prevent that, golf course designers place different obstacles to make golfing more interesting. Interesting is maybe not the right word, it makes it rather more difficult, especially for us recreational golfers.

Hazard – It is an obstacle placed strategically on the course to punish shots that are not precise. A hazard can be anything from a tree, bush, sand, or any type of water.

Sand Trap (Bunker) – The most common hazard on the golf course. It is an area filled with sand, usually below the course level to make the shot from it more difficult. There are fairway bunkers and greenside bunkers.

Water Hazard – It is a very common hazard, especially on bigger courses. A water hazard can be a pond, a smaller lake, or anything like a stream. When your ball ends up in a water hazard and it is not playable, you are punished with a penalty stroke.

Image by Ping Lee on Unsplash
Image by Ping Lee on Unsplash

Scoring

This is the fun or not-so-fun part of golfing, depending on how your round is going. In order to keep score, you should be familiar with all the basic scoring terms.

Par – The expected number of strokes it should take to complete a hole.

Birdie – When you score one stroke under par on a hole.

Eagle – When you score two strokes under par on a hole.

Albatros (Double Eagle) – When you score three strokes under par on a hole.

Bogey – When you score one stroke over par on a hole.

Double Bogey – When you score two strokes over par on a hole.

Triple Bogey – When you score three strokes over par on a hole.

Hole in One – When your ball goes into the hole straight after the first shot from the tee box.

Penalty Stroke – When you are awarded an extra stroke due to losing your ball, going out of bounds, or other specific circumstances.

Handicap – A system created to measure a golfer’s ability, can be used to adjust scores in competitions with players with different skill levels.

Stroke Play – A scoring system where scores from each hole are accumulated, and the player with the lowest score wins.

Golf Shots

There are several different types of golf shots you will either be executing or see others execute. Below are the most common ones, although you will hear more of them longer you play.

Drive (Tee Shot) – The initial shot a player takes on every hole.

Approach Shot – A shot usually played from the fairway to get the ball on the green.

Putt – It is a stroke that is executed on the green, or in cases off the green, to roll the ball into the hole.

Recovery Shot – A shot executed with the sole purpose to get the ball back into play from a bad position.

Draw – A shot shaped from right to left with right-handed golfers and left to right with left-handed golfers.

Fade – A shot shaped from left to right with right-handed golfers and right to left with left-handed golfers.

Chip – A shot from a shorter distance, usually within 30-40 yards from the green.

Pitch – A shot from a shorter distance, usually a bit further than the chip shot, until somewhere within 100 yards from the green.

Image by Michael Jasmund on Unsplash
Image by Michael Jasmund on Unsplash

Other Common Terms and Phrases

Besides all the terms and phrases I have already covered above, you can check others that are as important.

Mulligan – A do-over shot that can be casually used in friendly and unofficial games.

Fore – A warning shout you should yell each time you hit an errant shot going toward a group of golfers on the course to warn them the ball might hit them.

Green Fee – It is the fee you pay to play a round of golf on a course.

Divot – A piece of turf you take out with your club when you hit a shot. Ideally, you place back the divot on the spot it came out of.

Pitch Mark – A mark your ball makes when it lands on the green.

Shank – A very poorly executed shot where the ball did not make good contact with your golf club.

Ball Marker – A small rounded piece used to mark the ball spot on the green in order for you to pick the ball up and clean it before putting.

Pitch Mark Repair Tool – A small tool that usually looks like a small pitchfork used to repair pitch marks your ball makes on the green.

Learn the Vocabulary to Enjoy the Game More

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, being new to golf can be challenging. In order for you to navigate the golfing world a bit easier, you can learn the most common terms and phrases. It will not just help you understand the game better but also help you bond with your fellow golfing partners.

There is nothing better than being out there on the course and completely fit in. On top of that, others will appreciate your knowledge and won’t have to explain every single thing. More importantly, get familiar with the golf course terminology so you can enjoy the game to its fullest.

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How to Improve Putting at Home – 5 Tips for Beginners

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Putting is one of the areas of golf that golfers tend not to practice enough. I fall into that category myself and do not work on my putting as much as I probably should. Experts say putting should be around 30% of all golf practice. Luckily, you can use some tips on how to improve putting at home and increase your practice time.

Unlike swinging with other clubs in your bag, for the putter you do not need much space. You don’t have to worry you will wreck the walls, scratch the sealing, or break a piece of furniture.

Now, that is the case unless your putts are so wild that there is a real danger for surrounding objects or housemates. Remember, the golf ball is hard, so be always cautious with it.

Nevertheless, let’s get back to putting at home. All you need is a few feet of unobstructed space in your place. No matter if it is a house or an apartment, anything works.

Image by Morgan House on Unsplash
Image by Morgan House on Unsplash

It does not have to be a space over 10 feet long or longer. If you do have a longer area, that is good, you can also work on longer putts. In general, all you need is going to be a putter and a golf ball. If you do have some putting aids, it will be helpful. However, you can still improve your putting in a simpler way.

1. Practice Strokes in Front of a Mirror

I am sure this might sound a bit weird, and I agree with that. Why would you practice strokes in front of a mirror? That’s a fair question. Now let me explain it. In the same way, you can’t exactly see how you look when you are working on your full swing, you can’t see yourself putting either.

There are reasons why it is important to be aware of what you do while putting. You could see what your posture looks like for one. Second, you could see what parts of your body you are moving. For all you know, you could be moving too much or be too still. Then you can see what your stroke looks like.

All things you can see in the mirror could give you a better idea of what to work on. Sometimes you could be surprised by seeing things you thought you never do. It is a good starting feedback toward improvement. Additionally, if you want to take it to the next level, check the tip right below.

2. Make a Video While You Putt

Unlike the previous tip, this is a very common one in the golfing world. Again, it is more common with the full swing. It can definitely give you an in-depth view of your putting stroke. As I have mentioned above, with a video, you can see how everything looks and single out things to work on.

One of the benefits of making a video is the option to pause it at any given moment. That gives you opportunities to analyze things. Look at the video as a first step toward better putting. Once you discover things in your stroke, you can go to work. The best thing is you can do it without expensive equipment, just by using your phone.

Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash
Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

3. Use a Plastic Cup for Practice

This is a scene you might have seen in some movie or tv show. It is the classic setup of a person in an office just putting and using a plastic cup as the target. As silly as it sounds, it can help you improve your accuracy. At the end of it, you still have to direct that ball toward the cup and be precise if you want it to get in there.

It can also be a metal cup or any kind of cup you want to use to practice. In case you do have some putting aid, such as holes with a little ramp for the ball to go in, you won’t need a cup. However, a simple cup is something to be found in any household and be helpful in order to get some practice without leaving home.

4. Use Your Furniture for Drills

When you are practicing on a putting green you can use tees to make gates to practice your putts. That is very convenient because you can place them wherever you want and make as many. Now, that is the case if you have access to a putting green where you can go and practice any time you want.

For anyone who does not have that luxury, there are ways to get creative and make the best of what is available. So if you want to practice in a similar way at home, you can use your furniture. For example, you can use two chairs to make a gate the ball has to go through on the way to a target.

You can use anything like coffee or dining table legs as well. Basically, you can use any piece of furniture that can make a gate with another piece. Gate drills are very good for accuracy and can help you to become more precise with your putter.

Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash
Image by Peter Drew on Unsplash

5. Putt on Different Surfaces

At first, this might not make much sense, but bear with me. You know already that putting greens do not have to necessarily be all the same. Sometimes they will be in better condition and sometimes in worse condition. They could be faster or slower. There are flatter ones and there are ones with more undulation.

That being said, there is a good chance you have a few different surfaces at home. There could be wooden flooring, tiles, carpet, or anything else. Naturally, if you practice putting on all those surfaces, the ball is going to act differently. That makes it a good chance to practice for different conditions in one place.

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of creativity to be able to do something. If you do have different surfaces at home and decide to give it a try, just be cautious with furniture and objects in the surroundings.

Make the Best of the Situation

Golf is an amazing sport that takes a lot of time and dedication if you want to become good at it. For that reason, you should take advantage of the environment you find yourself in. In this case, it is your home that could be extremely convenient to help you improve your putting.

A lot of successful professional athletes have stories of creative practice at home. I am not saying you have to do it as intensively as they did, but you can still do it to improve. Now take a look around you, make a practice plan, grab your putter, and go.

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How to Improve Putting Alignment – 5 Tips for Beginners

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The good old saying goes drive for show, putt for dough. Even if you just started golfing, there is a great chance you have heard it already. I can also tell you that you will hear it many, many times as long as you golf. Anyway, in order to become proficient on the green, you have to know how to improve putting alignment.

There is a fact related to putting which is very important to be aware of. Your putter is the only club in your bag you will use on every single hole.

Obviously, there is the exception when you hole out, but that does not happen so often. For that reason, you should be very comfortable on the green.

Besides having the right putter that suits your putting style, you have to master putting alignment. Starting the ball on the right line is one of the keys to success.

Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash
Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

There is no golfer who can sink each and every putt, except maybe Tiger Woods in his prime. What you want is to give yourself a chance to get that ball into the hole or to roll it as close as possible. There is one thing golfers really don’t like, and that is three putts. Good alignment is one of the things that can help you avoid that.

1. Use the Ball Design to Your Advantage

It has been a long time since golf balls have alignment lines on them. Yet, there is a number of recreational golfers who do not use them whatsoever. That is a shame because the balls are designed that way to help when putting. Just ask professional golfers about it, I doubt there will be any of them who does not align before putting.

I know, professional golfers draw a line with a sharpie on the ball themselves to help them with putting. In any case, they do use a straight line on the golf ball to align it before the putt. There is a reason for that, it does help. Granted, you have to align it on the right line in order for it to work.

There are industry experts that advise recreational golfers against using the alignment aid. The explanation is that a lot of them do not align the ball properly. Despite that, it can be a powerful tool when you do align the ball properly. For that reason, you could try it and see what it does for you.

2. Know How to Read the Green

Here we go with reading the green. Like you haven’t heard enough about this since you started golfing. No matter how long you have been golfing, you always hear about this topic. Let me just say you hear about it all the time for a good reason. It is very important if you want to lower your number of putts per round.

Knowing how to read the green is essential for putting alignment. In order to align the ball properly, you have to know what it is going to do while rolling on the way to the hole. There is a huge difference if the ball is going to go straight if it is going to break left or right, or if it is going to be a double break.

Because of all that, you have to read the green the right way. There are several things you can do to achieve that. To start with, be aware of how fast it is. Then you can check the undulations from different angles. You can walk your line without stepping on it to see which way it is tilting. There are different sources out there where you can see all the ways to read the green.

Frederik Rosar on Unsplash
Frederik Rosar on Unsplash

3. Pick a Line According to the Putt

What says just above can be confusing. Let me explain what I mean by according to the putt. It has and hasn’t to do with reading the green. The part that is related to reading the green is if there is a slope or not. Meaning, part of picking the line is going to depend on the possible break on the way to the hole.

The second part is actually more important. What line you pick can entirely depend on how fast your putt is going to be. If you are going for a faster putt, your line should be straighter. I would suggest this for shorter putts or longer uphill putts. When the putt is faster there are fewer breaks because of the speed, therefore the line is going to be straighter.

On the other hand, if you decide to go with a dying-speed putt, your line has to be more precise. I mean that in a way that you have to account for all the possible breaks. Slower putts do not hold the line so well because any slope, even the slightest one, comes into play. Whatever you decide to do, trust your line and go for it.

4. Observe Other Golfers Putting

This is only applicable if you are not the first one to putt. You can learn a lot from just observing other golfers putting. It reveals the speed of the green, the slopes, and the green condition in general. A big bonus is if someone ahead of you is putting close to your line. Then all you see you can instantly apply it to your putt.

More so, try to pay attention to what another golfer’s ball does when it gets closer to the hole. That also applies to the situation when it goes past the hole. All that info can be very valuable. In case you play a course often, then you could try to remember your putts as well so you can do better next time.

When you see someone putt it can help you to align your ball better. Based on everything you see it could make you readjust your putt before going for it.

Peter Drew on Unsplash
Peter Drew on Unsplash

5. Be Aware of the Green Condition

This is a thing that could easily slip under the radar. Even if you have done all the preparation properly, you still have to see what kind of green you are dealing with on a day. You might think it has nothing to do with alignment, but it certainly does. The main thing the green condition affects is putting speed.

Now, putting speed will determine the line you want to start your ball on. That is directly related to alignment, particularly on putts that involve a break. If the green is slower, you might take a more direct line. In case of a faster green, you might want to take a bit of an arc line. All in all, it is another thing to pay attention to when aligning the putt.

Proper Alignment Can Help Your Game

Think about putting as an area of your game that can help you lower your handicap. Remember that putting strokes make a big portion of your scorecard. If you two-putt every single hole, that adds up to 36 strokes on your card. Lowering that number to 30 or less would make a significant difference in your score.

This goes especially if you are trying to break a score or just start shooting better numbers. Either way, it is an area worth working on. Next time you decide to practice try to incorporate some putting into it. A lot of recreational golfers focus way too much on their swing, while some simpler solutions might be within reach.

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How to Improve Your Golf Swing for Beginners – 5 Tips

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We were all new to golf at some point. Nobody was born a great golfer, except maybe Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus. Jokes aside, it takes some time and dedication to become good at golf. Your golf swing is essential to learn when you get into the game. Here you can find 5 tips on how to improve your golf swing for beginners.

None of these tips will give you a magic formula that is going to solve all things you have been working on to improve.

What the tips will give you are some points on what areas of your swing you should pay attention to in order to improve it. That is going to be a starting point for you toward success.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

In its essence, the golf swing is a complex set of motions that come together in one seamless move. The sole purpose of that move is to strike the ball exactly how you want it and direct it where you want it to go. Now, we often tend to overcomplicate our swing. The sooner you know what to focus on, the sooner you can master your swing to enjoy golfing even more.

1. Know Your Swing Path

Your swing path is vital for a few reasons. First, it might be the cause that your shots are going all over the place. Second, it could be causing that unpleasant slice you have been fighting. The third, and most important thing, if you can manipulate your swing path you are in a position to hit different types of shots.

You should in any case check what your swing path tendency is. The most common one which causes slicing for a lot of golfers is the outside-to-in path. Maybe you fall in the rare category of the inside-to-out path which could be causing pulls. The third option is the neutral path which is, I would dare to say, the least common one.

If you do want to be aware of how you are swinging the club, you could make a video of you swinging from behind. That will show you your tendency. Besides that, you will figure out why you are hitting certain shots more frequently. After you do that you can start working on controlling the path and improving your swing.

2. Shift Your Weight Forward

This is one of the key components for better contact with the ball at impact and hitting the ball further. Not shifting the weight forward can lead to all sorts of trouble with your swing. It can cause mis-hits in the form of fat or thin shots and even shanks. On top of that, your ball will end up much shorter than it actually could.

When you are just starting to golf, this is one of the harder things to do. It might take you some time to learn it, but it will be rewarding once you do. There are several drills you can find out there that can help you with it. The sooner you get a hold of it, the sooner your ball striking will become better.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

3. Clear Your Hips

There is often a misconception about hip movement during the swing. A lot of recreational golfers slide too much or not enough toward the target without proper hip rotation. Lately, I have seen some good content from experienced golf coaches about hips in the swing. Instead of saying hip rotation they use the term hip clearance.

The main reason it is called clearing hips is that by doing that you make enough room for the downswing in order to shallow the club. Besides the better contact you get out of that, you generate more power in your swing as well. It will be well worth it if you look into it and start working on doing it properly.

4. Forward Club Shaft Lean at Impact

If you have a look at any professional golfer at impact you will notice the forward shaft lean. I bet you’ve heard this before. There is a simple reason you will keep hearing it from golf coaches and industry experts. That is the proper way to compress the golf ball at impact and get the maximum distance out of your club.

What forward shaft lean at impact does is de-loft your golf club. It basically turns your 9 iron into an 8 or even a 7. It is one of the reasons professional golfers can hit the ball so much further with all their irons and wedges. The key thing here is going to be your wrists’ position through the downswing which will help with the shaft lean.

Image by Erik Brolin on Unsplash
Image by Erik Brolin on Unsplash

5. Keep the Shoulder Tilt

This is the vital component for keeping the relation to your golf ball. By doing it properly you are helping all the other parts of your swing to fall into place. All that will lead to better contact with the ball for a solid golf shot. Not doing the shoulder tilt often leads to bad shots in the form of thick and thin ones.

What you have to pay attention to is for your lead side shoulder to stay below your trail side shoulder during the backswing. After you transition into the downswing the shoulders will reverse their roles. Your trail side shoulder will be below your lead side shoulder. It might feel a bit strange in the beginning if you are not used to it.

One Change at a Time

I always like to repeat this whenever I have a chance. When you start working on swing changes do one single thing at a time. The swing is complex enough even without us trying to change multiple things at a time. Working on one element will help your body to adjust to the changes better and in a shorter period of time.

Nevertheless, that does not mean you will be able to change something quickly. It will still require time and effort to do it. Always start small and slow before making it to full swing and speed. Another thing that is recommended is to do some reps without the golf ball before trying to hit it.

Even when you introduce the golf ball do not worry right away if you mis-hit it. It is part of the process. Your body has to adapt to the new move first, then you can start hitting the ball properly. All in all, diagnose what part of your swing you have to work on first, then take one step at a time. Swing it better for more fun on the golf course.

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How to Get a Consistent Golf Swing – 5 Tips for Beginners

How to Improve My Golf Game – 5 Tips for Beginners

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Having a consistent golf swing is the golfer’s holy grail. It is something golfers at all levels try to achieve. However, even at the highest level, getting it is not easy. What consistency at the recreational level means is making as few mistakes as possible. There are some tips that can give you an answer on how to get a consistent golf swing.

That will help you make your swing as reliable as possible so your game suffers less and you enjoy playing more.

Clearly, there will always be bad shots, but the goal is to reduce their amount. It will probably require some changes and that is normal.

Image by Matt Benson on Unsplash
Image by Matt Benson on Unsplash

Whenever you make some changes to your golf swing it takes time for them to work. It is all a process that requires time and effort. The good thing is, the sooner you start implementing changes, the sooner you will get there. Without further introduction, check below the tips that could help you reach your goal.

1. Nail Down the Basics

I can’t emphasize this enough. If you want to have a consistent swing you absolutely have to work on the basics. By that I mean you have to be really good with basics. When you start golfing and building your swing it is very easy to go off the path. There are so many things that you can start doing wrong.

Once you start doing certain things wrong, it gets harder to fix them. That is why basics are so important. If you start doing things properly from the beginning, it is easier later. When you have solid foundations it is easier to build on. It will depend on how much time you have for how fast you can improve.

The bottom line is, it does not matter how much time it takes as long it is done right. It is the end goal that is important and that is building a consistent swing. That is exactly what you are going to get with solid basics. There are a lot of resources available out there that can help you, embrace them and get going.

2. Have the Right Clubs

There are many golfers that do not pay much attention to the golf clubs they play with. That is fine as long as they do not care about consistency and better result. In case you fall into the category of golfers who care, you should give this a thought. Even if your swing is consistent, the wrong clubs might not show the best results on the course.

In other words, wrong clubs could make your swing look more inconsistent than it actually is. Numbers are possibly the most reliable way that can show you what your clubs are doing for your swing. If you have access to a launch monitor then you can have a look yourself. In case you don’t, you could consider custom fitting.

Golf club fitters can see what is happening when you swing and suggest you different club options. They go through the process with you and at the end make a suggestion for which clubs work the best. The right clubs will definitely contribute to consistency and help you to get your game where you want it to be.

Image by Diego on Unsplash
Image by Diego on Unsplash

3. Focus on Technique

I know this seems obvious, but there is a reason why this is important. Let’s say you are just focusing to hit the ball as far as you can. While doing that, you completely neglect how you are hitting the ball. There is a good chance that your ball is not going to go a long distance no matter how hard you try to hit it.

The simple reason is you are most likely hitting it wrong. That has all to do with your swing technique. When you focus more on how you swing instead of how you hit the ball the results are better. Once your technique is better you will discover you don’t even have to hit it so hard in order for it to fly further.

Having a solid swing technique will help you become a better golfer faster. Even if you are hitting it shorter than you want in the beginning, as long as the technique is good the distance will come. On top of that, you will be able to hit all kinds of different shots when needed. Work on your swing technique and golfing will be more fun than ever.

4. Play to Your Strengths

There is a good chance you have a tendency when you are swinging your club, just like the majority of golfers who are natural drawers or faders of the ball. Granted, there are probably way more natural faders out there compared to drawers. No matter which category you fall in, you should use it as your strength.

You can notice that easily by paying attention when hitting the ball. If you are slicing it more, then you are a natural fader. In case you are hooking it more, you are a drawer. When you embrace that and adjust your swing to your preference, it will be easier for you to get a more consistent golf swing.

Image by Lo Sarno on Unsplash
Image by Lo Sarno on Unsplash

5. Practice With Purpose

This is extremely important if you want to obtain the best results possible. There are way too many recreational golfers that hit the ball without any purpose when practicing. Just have a look next time you go to the driving range. They just hit ball after ball executing the same shot time after time.

That is one of the reasons you might feel you are hitting it way better on the range than on the course. The reality is every shot in your round of golf is going to be a different one. Therefore, you should hit different shots with different clubs each time you practice. Mix it up, hit different length shots with each club, and try different ball flights or different shot shapes.

Make a plan for when you are going to practice. Have different targets on the range to hit. When it comes to drills, do drills for the same area you are working on at once. Don’t mix different drills in the same practice session. Doing the same types of drills will help you improve what you are working on faster. When you finish one area, move on to the next one.

Enjoy Golfing More Than Ever

The process of getting better at golf is awesome. That is especially the case in the very beginning when you can see big improvements on a regular basis. The better you get, the longer it takes to get to the next level. Nonetheless, it is not impossible. Everyone wants to get better, even professional golfers at the highest level.

One of the key things when it comes to improvement is a consistent golf swing. But it is not all in just grinding to become a better golfer. A lot of it is in enjoying each and every moment on the golf course. The fact is, the better you get, the more you will enjoy playing. Get working on your golf swing to have more fun while playing.

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Golf Swing Basics for Beginners – How to Learn It Right

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When you start learning something new there is always a lot of excitement. That is especially the case with golf where you can see the progress week after week. Nevertheless, getting solid golf swing basics for beginners can be tricky. It is common to want to move on as quickly as possible and neglect the fundamentals for building a solid golf swing.

I do not want to say you will not learn how to swing the club. You have to do that in order to golf to start with.

What I mean is you might move too fast trying to do things before you master the basics. At that point, it will be harder to fix potential swing issues.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

The sooner you build solid foundations, the sooner you will be able to develop your game in the right direction. There are so many different shots you will be taking during rounds. In order to be able to execute all of them, you will have to learn everything the right way. Now, let’s see which areas of your golf swing you should pay extra attention to in order to have a reliable golf swing.

Setup

Every time I think about the golf swing, setup is the first thing that comes to mind. Why? Simply because there is no solid swing without a solid setup. This is where it all starts. It is the first thing you do before hitting every ball when you golf. For that reason, you have to nail down the setup if you want to get good at golf.

Now, your setup will be slightly different for every single club you use and for every different shot you are hitting. In essence, it has the same basics just a bit altered. For you to get to a higher playing level, you will have to learn all those little differences. Don’t worry, once you get the first one it will be easier to get the others.

To start with it would be best if you learned one setup position. Let’s say with a short or mid-iron. Learn it really well until you feel confident to move on. From there it is going to be easier to move to wedges, long irons, fairway woods, and hybrids. The driver setup is again slightly different from the others due to the side bend.

It should not take long to get a hold of all the different setups. Once you have mastered all of them your swing is going to have a great foundation to build on.

Don’t Rush It

Believe it or not, you will not necessarily hit the ball better and further if you swing faster. What you should be focusing on when working on your swing is the tempo. The key is to have solid contact and a good tempo will help you with that. When you strike the ball properly it will go far and in the direction you want it to go.

Rushing your swing will make it much harder to execute it right and can lead to all sorts of trouble. I noticed some time ago my swings turn out pretty bad when I try to rush my swing and hammer the ball. The important thing is to find that sweet spot on the clubface, you can always increase your swing speed gradually as you become more confident.

There are tempo training apps out there that can help you with it as well as numerous other sources available for free. Be patient and learn to swing with a nice tempo. It will help you improve your swing and become a solid ball striker.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Under the Plane

The first time I learned about the plane was in the book “Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf”. Despite the book being published in 1957, all the lessons can be applied to today’s golf. One part of the book speaks about the plane. The plane can be described as the line your club shaft forms at your swing setup.

There are a couple of ways you can swing your club for better results. One way is to swing on the plane and the other way is to swing under the plane. What you should definitely avoid is swinging over the plane. Swinging over the plane usually leads to poor shots. This is when you can see slices that end up way off the target.

The easiest way to know if you are swinging over the plane is if you film your swing from behind. Once you have a look you will know what needs to be fixed. As for everything else, there are a lot of resources available to find the drills to help you work on it.

Keep the Relation to the Ball

It might not be the first thing you look at when you mess up a shot, but it tends to be one of the major reasons for poor outcomes. What I mean by keeping the relation to the ball is to keep the same distance from your upper body to the ball through your swing. If anything you can get a touch closer to the ball, but in no scenario, you should get further.

Losing the relation to the ball can lead to thick and thin shots. There is a good chance you have experienced that and you know the feeling is not so good. Early extension is among the reasons you lose the relation to the ball to name one. Basically, it is any time you stand up and distance your upper body from the ball before you hit it.

Work on keeping your upper body from moving up before you make contact with the ball. It is going to pay good dividends once you get used to it. There are dills you can find that can help you fix it if you are among golfers experiencing it.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Different Ball Positions

If you have ever read or watched anything about golf ball positions at setup you know there are different perspectives out there. There is a general theory that you move the ball from the center toward your lead foot as the club length increases. That is fine and it works when the ball position is the right one.

The thing is, it does not have to be exactly the same for everyone. The same ball position for a 7-iron does not have to be identical for you and your friend. Sometimes a slight tweak can produce better results. The ball can also be moved depending on what type of shot you are trying to hit.

What I am trying to say is that you can follow the general rule. However, don’t be afraid to play around with the ball position in order to find your sweet spot for each club. Go to the driving range and experiment a bit. See what results you get when you move the ball around. You may discover something that works better in the end.

It Is Ok to Make Mistakes

Achieving perfection in golf is next to impossible. There is always something you could have done better, always a shot that should have been better executed, and always a putt that had to go in. This is true for all golfers no matter if they are professionals or recreational golfers. That extends to the golf swing as well.

The only difference is professional golfers’ swings are a touch closer to perfection. Mistakes while swinging are always going to happen. The sooner you accept that the sooner you will be able to have a good time on the course. The goal is to make fewer of them, but they are inevitable. What you can do for your game is to learn from those mistakes in order to improve.

Relax and enjoy the great time you are having while golfing.

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Categories: Beginners Golf Swing

How to Get a Consistent Golf Swing – 5 Tips for Beginners

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New golfers have one thing in common. They want to improve as fast as possible. The reasons are simple; play better and lower the score. The most important thing that leads to the promised land is a consistent golf swing. Once you have that nailed down, the doors start opening. Below you can read 5 tips on how to get a consistent golf swing.

Don’t get me wrong, there is no secret formula or anything like that. You will still have to work to improve your swing.

Golf is a game that will punish your inconsistency and reward your consistency. There will always be some hiccups no matter what, but that is a part of the game.

Image by Jason Pofahl on Unsplash
Image by Jason Pofahl on Unsplash

If you were to start gathering all the information about the golf swing, you would spend a long time doing it. Because of its nature, a lot has been written and said about it. That is all fine if you want to do it. However, there are some tips you can focus on that can help you to become more consistent.

1. Solid Setup

This goes without saying, a solid setup is crucial for a good swing execution. Basics play a big role in any sport and golf is no exception. Among the golf swing basics, setup is number one. The reason is, it all starts from there. Imagine building a house and having a bad foundation. It will probably not turn out well.

Your golf swing setup is the foundation you build your swing on. For that reason, you have to make sure the setup is in check for every type of shot you are trying to hit. There are several things you have to pay attention to when setting up your swing. All of them are equally important to make it work.

  • Ball position – make sure it corresponds to the club you are using for the shot
  • Feet width – this is important for both clubs and distance
  • Feet alignment – it will affect which way your ball is going to go
  • Grip – how you grip your can impact the contact and where the ball is going to go
  • Relation to the ball – be aware if you are standing too far or too close to the ball

2. Straight Lead Arm

When it comes to solid contact, keeping your arm straight through impact is very important. It can make all the difference between topping or chunking the ball and hitting it solidly. The fact is there are some professional golfers that get away with slightly bending the arm at the top of their backswing. Nonetheless, most experts recommend keeping it straight.

That translates to not overswinging. In other words, you should ideally end your backswing at the point before your lead arm starts bending. It helps with more power in the swing and leads to solid contact. The same goes for the follow-through. You should try to keep your lead arm straight as long as possible when finishing the swing as well.

Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash
Image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

3. Trail Elbow Tucked In

I would say the trail elbow position in the swing is often overlooked. Yet it plays an essential role in the swing outcome. Any situation when you extend your trail arm during the swing can lead to mis-hits. Not just mis-hits, but also loss of power and distance. It is equally important during the backswing, downswing, and at impact.

During the backswing, it helps keep your lead arm extended and helps get the club in position to store energy for impact and release. When it comes to the downswing and impact it helps the club to lean forward for solid contact. Keep the trail elbow tucked in at takeaway and the second part of the downswing and your striking will improve.

4. Side Bend Through the Swing

One of the biggest reasons for mis-hitting the golf ball is loss of relation to the ball during the swing. That is most often seen in the form of early extension. Every time early extension happens it leads to thin or fat shots. In order to become a consistent hitter, you have to keep the relation to the ball during the swing.

Side bend through the swing, more precisely through the downswing, impact, and follow-through, will improve your hitting. There are two key things that can help you to achieve that. One is the tucked-in trail elbow I mentioned above, and the other is the trail hand extension. If you do both those moves properly you can hit balls better than ever.

Image by Brandon Williams on Unsplash
Image by Brandon Williams on Unsplash

5. Swing Tempo

Now, this is a segment that recreational golfers rarely ever think about. It is easy to focus only on hitting the ball and swing parts. When you do only that, you are missing one of the key components of consistent ball striking. I used to fall into that category as well. Then I started noticing almost every time I was rushing my swing, the results were not good.

The point is not to swing as fast as you can, but actually to do it with a flow. When your swing tempo is moderate there is a better chance your strike is going to be better. Next time you are at a driving range, try to slow down your swing, especially the takeaway. Find a nice swing rhythm and you will improve your ball striking.

Practice and Patience

As we all know golf is a lifelong learning process. What we also know is that it usually takes a certain amount of time to get good at golf. I know, good is relative because it can mean different things to each golfer. Not everyone has the ambition to become a scratch golfer, and there is nothing wrong with that.

At the same time, I am certain everyone who golfs wants to become better at it. To do that requires practice. Not any type of practice, but practice with a purpose. To make it work, in every practice session, you should have a plan. Work on certain swing parts at a time, the results will be better. Most importantly, have patience and have fun while doing it.

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