Embarking on the journey of learning golf is an exciting endeavor, and while the sport may seem intimidating at first, mastering the basics can significantly elevate your game. In this article, we present four essential tips that go beyond the conventional swing advice. From refining your putting techniques to perfecting your grip, tackling the challenging driver shots, and mastering the art of chipping, these tips are designed to provide a comprehensive guide for beginners seeking to up their golfing skills. So, if you’re wondering how to golf and looking to enhance your skills, these four fundamental tips on putting, grip, the drive, and chipping provide a solid foundation for improving your game on the golf course.
Putting
In theory, golfers use the putter more than any other club. Of course, it doesn’t always work out this way in practice, but the theory is, driver off the tee, iron or hybrid to the green and 2 putts into the hole. Yeah, I know, dream on – but that’s the plan anyway. The point is, if you can improve your putting then this will make a big difference to your final score.
First, stand behind the ball, stoop down, and check the slopes and borrows of the green between your ball and the hole. Establish the line you want your ball to take.
If it’s an uphill putt, then you will hit the ball a bit firmer. If it’s a downhill putt, then you will need to caress the ball onto the right line. The right pace is as important as the right line.
Make a few practice strokes whilst standing beside your ball. This will help you get a feel for the pace required.
Align your feet with the line you want your ball to take which you worked out earlier.
It is essential to make a smooth, pendulum-like stroke and follow through along the line you chose.
You can then proudly pick the ball out of the hole!
The grip
This is possibly one of the first things we learn, especially if you’ve had some lessons. It is fundamental to playing good golf, but you can easily forget to hold the grip properly after a while. A correct grip on every golf club should be automatic – you shouldn’t need to think about what grip to take.
The proper grip can seem a little uncomfortable at first – get used to it.
Here are a few guidelines for a perfect grip for right-handers, just reverse it if you are left-handed.
The overlapping grip is the most common. This is when you are holding the club, (you can check out some of the best golf clubs for beginners here) the little finger of your right hand will rest between the index and second finger of your left hand. This provides stability.
Make sure that the V-shapes formed by the thumb and first fingers of both hands are pointing directly downwards.
Finally, make sure that the back of your left hand points squarely where you want to direct the ball, and the back of your right hand is set up squarely in the opposite direction.
The drive
Using the driver off the tee is a very difficult golf shot and needs a lot of practice. Two key thoughts are, swing the club, don’t hit the ball, and relax – a smooth swing is what you are looking for.
Regarding the height of the ball on the tee peg, place your driver behind the ball, and half the golf ball should be showing above the top of the club.
Make sure that the ball is positioned just inside the heel of your leading foot – left, if you are right-handed.
In the backswing, make sure you transfer most of your body weight onto your right side. Keep your head as still as possible. Turn your shoulders. Depending on how flexible you are, at the top of the backswing, the club should be pointing down the fairway.
Swing down through the ball and follow through, keeping nicely balanced. Again, try and relax during the swing.
Chipping
As a learner, you’ll find that you’ll be chipping the ball onto the green a lot from a variety of distances and lies. The club you choose will depend on the type of shot you need to play. You might need to play a low running shot up to the hole or, the opposite, a high lob over a bunker to the hole.
The low runner means you might choose a pitching wedge or even an 8 or 9-iron to give more power. Either way, position the ball back in your stance and follow through towards the hole. Always keep the hands in front of the clubhead.
The high lob is a tough shot, where you want the ball to fly high and land softly by the flag. Open your stance slightly and open the clubface a little – this means that you will play across the ball. Strike the ball with a descending blow before the club reaches the bottom of its swing arc. The club should finish high and in front, not pulled around to your left hip.
So, with these basic tips, I hope you’ll improve your game even a little. Remember to consider rain gear for golf in this fall and winter season.
Happy golfing!
