Interested in learning how to get
better at golf? If so, tip number one: don't underestimate what you're expected
to do.
See, golf has always been a very
challenging sport. Other than battling the course and conditions, you must know
how to hit a variety of wildly different shots. You also need to master your
mental game to avoid the yips and improve faster.
Even if you're not a complete
beginner, that's a lot to keep on your plate. To make your task a bit easier,
we've compiled this short guide on getting better at golf.
Use
the Right Equipment
Before getting on the green, you'll
want to make sure you're prepared. This includes picking the right equipment
for your current skill level.
If you're shooting in the 90s, don't
bother with long irons or blades. Instead, stick to hybrids or 7-woods. Your
friends may give you flack over it, but at the end of the day, the only thing
that matters is your score.
Picking the right golf ball is also
important. If you're a complete beginner, go for a ball that's designed for
distance rather than spin. As you get better, you can start trying out a softer
ball that you can spin with your shorter clubs.
Tee
It Forward
As a rule of thumb, teeing it
forward should be your go-to move in 95% of situations. Don't make it harder
for yourself by playing from the tips. This often results in many long approach
shots that will slow your round down.
If you don't feel like teeing it
forward every time, consider playing par-three courses. Once you get better,
move on to new courses and different tees. Again, it's all about knowing your
limits and keeping the experience fun for everyone.
Find
Your Tempo
What do all the great PGA Tour players have in common? Simple: they make
the game look easy by having complete control of their tempo.
One of the many golf tips you can
learn from them is swinging with a 3:1 tempo. What this means is that their
downswing is three times shorter than their backswing. Regardless of whether
your swing speed is slow or fast, stick to the 3:1 tempo.
If you aren't paying attention to
this rule, your game will likely be inconsistent. This includes having
difficulty with your swing, transition, and follow-through.
Go
Through the Setup
Golf is as much about the setup as
it is about hitting the ball. Before making your shot, make sure you
double-check your fundamentals.
For starters, you need to be in a
proper stance. Your legs should be shoulder-width apart with your knees
slightly bent. If you're using a longer club such as a fairway wood, widen your
stance to compensate for it.
Once you're happy with your stance,
address your posture. You want to have your head back at address while keeping
your knees bent and your hips tilted.
Finally, it's important to match
your grip to your swing. If you're starting out, don't overthink it and use a
neutral grip. As your swing develops, take note of your tendencies and start
weakening or strengthening the grip as necessary.
Keep
It Cool
We all hit a bad shot once in a
while—it's how you react to it that counts. Do you make it personal and act
like you're the only golfer ever to hit a blunder? Or do you laugh it off and
immediately start focusing on the next shot?
If you want to be a better golf
player, you need to take duffs in stride. Pro golfers get paid millions to play
this game and still hit a bad shot from time to time. If that happens to you,
let go of the tension and remember that you're there to have fun.
Watch
Your Alignment
One mistake many beginners make is
aiming square at the target. If you're aiming to the right, your body will try
to pull it back left. If you're aiming to the left, your mind will
subconsciously try to get it back to the intended target.
If you're having trouble in this
regard, check your aim before changing your swing. Have a friend record your
swing or use alignment sticks at the driving range. The more square you're to
your target, the better your shot should be.
Find
a Consistent Swing
Speaking of golf swings, how well do
you get along with your driver? If you're like most beginner golfers, chances
are it's been giving you some trouble.
Well, this isn't a coincidence. The
driver offers the least amount of loft, which makes it more likely to expose
the flaws in your swing. If you're struggling with the driver, start focusing
on distance instead of hitting it straight and work from there.
Another thing that can help is
increasing your loft to at least 10.5 degrees. This is a big help in getting
the ball airborne. Also, don't make it harder on yourself by playing a stiff
shaft. A regular or senior flex shaft should do the trick.
Stay
in Shape
Golf is a mental game—but it's also
a physical one. If you're in good physical condition, your game will get better
as well.
For best results, go for a weekly
exercise program. You want to be able to recover quickly and reduce fatigue
during a round. This is particularly important toward the end of the round,
when you're more likely to feel sore, stiff, and worn out.
This is one of the many reasons why choosing a private club is worth it. A good club will have
all the facilities you need to work on your stamina.
More
on How to Get Better at Golf
As you can see, golf isn't as simple
a game as it may appear at first. Still, the above tips should give a good idea
of what to expect.
If you're a complete beginner,
consider hiring a swing coach. This will help you focus on the fundamentals and
create the right habits from the get-go. Even a couple of lessons can make a
big difference compared to learning on your own.
Want to know more about how to get
better at golf? Interested in some of the more advanced golf tricks? Keep
reading our Sports section!
