You are a long time golfer whose game needs some fine tuning. Welcome to the world of golf because golf is a difficult game to master. Maybe your level of play is average, but just aren’t performing the way you know you can. Is it a swing problem that is the source of your problems? There are several easy steps toward golf swing improvement.
The place to start, no matter if you are a scratch golfer or high handicapper is with a dedicated practice routine. Set up a routine that focuses on your problem areas as well as zero in on the other important aspects of your golf swing.
You can arrange for Golf instruction from a golf professional, but before you take that route there are several steps you can try on your own to refine your basic swing. Golf theory may be worth studying but it is important to have at least the correct swing basics before spending money on instruction.
One way to think of improving your swing is to think of it as giving your swing the g-a-s, as in grip, alignment and stance. Step number one toward golf swing improvement is taking a close look at the way you grip your club. How are you holding the club? If you swing right handed, overlapping the pinky finger of your right hand over the index finger of your left is the most popular way to place your hands on the club. Grip the shaft of the club lightly without tension. There is no need to hold the club tightly in your hands to rip the ball down the fairway.
Many players who have difficulty striking the ball properly find their alignment is wrong. You should be aiming where you want the ball to go with your shoulders parallel to the intended line of flight. Many starting golfers take a “closed” stance with their body and shoulders aimed out to the right (for right handers.) You can overcome this by simply shifting your body slightly to a more “open” position when you take your stance. This will help you avoid swinging “across” the ball - the primary source of the slice.
Golf swing improvement will occur naturally if you are aiming correctly and have a good athletic stance. Bend your knees a little, your spine angled forward but fairly straight, and your rear end in something of a sitting position. Don’t be tense. You should be relaxed when you swing a golf club.
Now, before you swing, step back from your ball and take a practice swing. Take the club head back and up keeping your arms extended and cocking your wrists as the club is taken up.
Try to keep your head quite still and avoid “sliding” your hips and shoulders back as you take the club around and up. Taking the club back should be a rotational movement with your spine remaining more or less in the same spot and angled in the same way while rotating your shoulders around your spine. If you let your shoulders naturally turn as you take the club up and back the club will end up parallel to the hoped-for line of flight. Once you reach the top you should pause for a split second and, throw the club out and back and down through the ball as you rotate your hips and upper body around your spine.
The golf swing can be very natural, and with a bit of dedication toward improving your swing you will almost certainly see the difference in your performance in a matter of weeks. Get to a practice facility or driving range, warm up, then practice swinging using the proper grip, stance and alignment and you will definitely see golf swing improvement. Once you have the basics of a good swing you can refine your game even more.
Anton Brule is an avid golfer and student of the golf swing. He makes regular contributions to Internet Golf Review and The Weekend Golfer.
- Howard Brule