Top Ten Golf Tips

For beginners or professionals there are ten rules which they should stick to. It is important to follow these ten simple rules so that your golf game will improve and you get the most out of your ability.Golf is a very challenging game and even professionals find it very frustrating. People put far too much pressure on themselves about their technique when there are playing. However if people focused more on these top ten golf tips they will improve their game.

1. Correct equipment – It is important to be using the correct equipment. It does not matter how expensive the equipment is or the brand name however it must be the correct fit and suitable for you. When purchasing equipment it is important to make sure you have the correct length of clubs. Measure your height with your shoes on. By having the correct clubs it can guarantee club speed and control. If you are over 6 foot then your clubs should be one inch longer than standard. If you are below 5 foot 6 inches you will need one inch shorter than standard. By having the wrong length clubs it makes it more difficult to hit balls from the middle of the club. The correct shaft is important as the club could be too “whippy” or stiff. Also it is important to make the correct decision between graphite and steel. When choosing you equipment you need to make the decision between graphite or steel. This depends on the build and standard you are at. Consult your local professional for advice.

2. Warm up – Before you play any sport a warm up is essential however golf is no exception. Many people do not believe that golf is a physical activity and does not need a warm up. It is still important to warm up for a round of golf as injuries can occur if you do not do so. Before playing it is important to stretch your back, shoulders, legs and neck as they are more prone to injury. Not only should you stretch to prevent injury but to enhance performance. By doing the correct warm up it can help with a larger shoulder turn and prevent “stiffness.” Your game could improve by one or two strokes just by warming up.

3. Fitness – Golf is a physical activity much to the disbelief of most people. You must be fit in order to walk the course let alone play difficult shots and concentrate. Golf does not require you to go on long runs and go to the gym everyday however some fitness is essential. This is including diet; it is essential to eat healthy before, during and after playing golf. Fitness is vital as it helps with concentrations levels so staying healthy is important. It is recommended that you do some exercise three times a week to help with golf performance.

4. Practice – You cannot expect to walk on to a course and shoot the course record without practicing. Practice is vital to improving golf and to play the best of your potential. It is important to practice as it helps with muscle memory therefore performing good shots time after time on the course. Well that is the theory! Before playing on a course it is essential to have a good idea of the technique. For the average player the most amount of time needed for practice is twice a week. It is important to find the balance between practicing and playing. The best thing to do is to play on a golf course as much as possible as it is there you need to score, not just on the driving range.

5. Mental game – golf is not just a physical activity but a mental game as well. Many golfers can hit the ball like a professional however find the mental side difficult. It is difficult to forget about a bad shot when there is a large amount of pressure on you or you have been practicing for weeks and then hit a dreaded hook. The only way to improve your game is keep calm and focused. By losing your temper your game is ruined so keep calm!

6. Swing easy – The majority of golfers believe that the better the player you are the further you can hit the ball. This is most definitely wrong! When watching players tee off it is easy to see that the reason why they are slicing the ball is because they are trying to kill the ball! Many players try to hit the ball harder and harder therefore hitting bad shots. The only way you can hit the ball a long way is by timing. Swing the club easy and focus on hitting the ball with a square club face than how far you can hit it.

7. Only chip as a last resort- Many players make the mistake of chipping around the green then “fluffing” it to make a more difficult shot. Players find it very difficult to chip around the green due to the short fringe area before the green. This makes it more difficult as the bounce of the club does not help with getting under the ball. You do not have to use your putter just on the green. Putting from the fringe or fairway is easier than chipping the majority of the time. If you have no obstacles in the way it is essential to make the shot as easy as possible.

8. Competitions- play in as many competitions as possible. By playing in more competitions it gives you more confidence every time you play. There is a big difference between playing a round of golf with a card and one without. Many people panic when they have to mark a card. By playing in more competitions you get used to marking cards and there is not as much added pressure.

9. Course management- Before playing in a big competition it is essential to know the course. It may be useful to walk around the course before playing it so that you do not miss the hidden traps. Even better purchase a course planner. By having one of these it shows you yardages to the green and how far water hazards are. Course management can help knock strokes off your game and improve your handicap. Practice rounds are also beneficial as you can try different clubs for the par three’s.

10. Attire- Feeling comfortable is important when playing golf. By having the comfortable clothing on it gives you that added confidence when you play. Golf is all about confidence and improving your scores. Wearing the correct attire can give you the professional look and the respect off other players.