Then it sounds like you’re considering trying golf and that’s great. It only looks easy until you try to hit the ball properly. Even if you joined your team for team building or just want to go outdoors, there are a few basics you should know before getting started.
There isn’t a goal to make you like Tiger Woods—we all know that isn’t possible. Some helpful guidance to start with can take away a lot of the frustration and improve your first rounds.
In addition to giving you the best golf sportsbook bonuses, Profit Duel also informs you about golf. These advice points will help you feel more comfortable and excited during your first swings.
1. To avoid wasting resources, skip being the driver in the beginning.
The driver often gets attention because it is big, but using it well is not easy for people just starting in golf. Rather than going straight for a tough shot, start off by using a 7-iron, because it’s easier to manage.
With a 7-iron it is easier to control your shot and begin improving your swing. Use the driving range to practise how it feels to strike the ball cleanly. At the moment, the goal is to be confident in your body, rather than powerful.
As soon as you get comfortable with the basics, you can begin to explore the driver. For right now, keep your goals straightforward: feeling less stressed helps you improve faster.
2. Understand the Company ‘s Language, Even if It’s Challenging
I think golf is its own language and sometimes I feel it’s like learning a dialect. At first, terms such as birdie, bogey and slice may sound like nonsensical words. These types of philosophies are (likely) not invited.
Actually, it’s not necessary to commit everything to memory right away. Learn how many strokes a normal player should take on a hole (par) and what the word “fore” stands for (to keep safe from a stray ball) and the rest will develop as you play more.
When you’re confused, just reach out and find out. Sharing their knowledge is something golfers really love to do. And if you hear a legal term you don’t understand, give an understanding smile. Most probably, they are more invested in playing well than paying attention to your experience.
3. Get in the habit of going through your pre-shot routine.
Spend a little time before you swing to get ready properly. People in golf call this a “pre-shot routine,” and while the term sounds important, it’s really just a way to keep the same steps before each shot so you stay calm and concentrated. Try to clear your mind and start fresh every time you hit the shot.
A basic one to work on is to stand behind the ball and see the area in front where you want to hit the ball. Inhale, make sure your club is in the proper place and plant your feet. You are your own boss, so don’t rush yourself.
It isn’t only about acting like you are in control (though that is nice!). Doing the same set of steps before each shot can keep you calm and assure you will hit your target more often. In the future, typing may work the way tying your shoes does, with less feeling of frustration when it isn’t perfect.
4. Choose How to Grab the Golf Ball
Think of your grip: though it is small, it greatly affects your swing. The direction, the speed and the quality of your shot depend entirely on your grip on the club.
There are just a few main grip techniques and newbies should use the “neutral grip” to begin practicing. The main idea is this:
- Grasp the club using your left (or right, if left-handed) hand, with your thumb down the shaft.
- Place your right hand right under your left (overlapping or just underneath) with whichever feels more comfortable to you.
- Firmly wrap your hands around the club, but don’t make it so tight that it feels like squeezing someone’s wrist very tightly.
It could seem strange at the start, as if you were writing with your non-dominant arm. That’s normal. Keep practicing and changing a little at a time until you feel comfortable. Do try to check your grip while playing; you might not notice when it’s moving around.
A good grip alone won’t make you swing better, but a bad grip will make it worse.
5. Get the Basics of Your Swing Down (Not Perfectly)
This part is usually where beginners struggle the most. Your grip is solid, your club is chosen and now you should make your swing. Doesn’t that seem like an easy thing to do? But there are a few other things to consider besides swinging the club hard at the ball.
The first thing to work on is your stance. Set your feet apart so your shoulders fit between them, bend your knees a little and keep your weight balanced. Imagine that you are just about to sit on a bike, solid but not stiff. After that, make a slow backswing, making sure your hands and arms don’t get tight. The target is a graceful swing that doesn’t appear overdone like a home run athlete might do.
When you go for the shot, try to use your hips and shoulders to rotate with you (this is useful for getting the right power and control). Try not to move your head around. Wanting to see the path of the ball in flight is understandable, but really, you’ll do better if you focus on your swing and not look at the result too early.
Don’t worry, your first attempts could go a little astray. That’s perfectly okay. The best golfers sometimes hit less than ideal shots too. Playing often and paying attention to a smooth stroke are better than always trying to use all your strength. Getting comfortable and finding what works well is the goal, not having the best swing.