Golf is booming since 2020 and the game has more people learning this new sport than ever before. Some will be hooked for life, while others will be so frustrated with the steep learning curve and give up too soon.
This post is geared for beginner golfers, but all other golfers can benefit from reading what’s inside as well!
Our goal is to help you stay in the fight and learn how to play golf so you can enjoy this game for the rest of your life. While it is wildly challenging, we have some best practices to help you speed up the learning process to enjoy this great sport.
When you’re done reading this article, you will have 10 strategies to help you swing more consistently, and play better golf.
Table of Contents
The truth is I could probably make this article about 100 golf tips for beginners, but information overload tends to lead to overwhelm… which is not a good strategy for golf.
Instead, let’s start with five core fundamentals for beginner golfers.
As I’m sure you know, learning anything new is difficult.
Whether it’s lifting weights properly, learning new tasks at your job, or playing a sport like golf.
But golf is especially difficult because there are so many components to the game. In the beginning, the bad shots far outweigh the good, which adds to the frustration.
In any given round, you might need to hit all 14 golf clubs, battle the weather, navigate the course, and fight your swing. Pair those challenges with the mental game aspect and it’s a lot to ask a beginner golfer.
But for those who persevere past the gauntlet that golf throws your way, I bet you’ll be hooked for life. To help you keep going and fight through the steep learning curve, here are some of our best golf tips for beginners.
How to Learn Golf – 5 Biggest Golf Tips For Beginners
So, how can a beginner get better at golf?
Seems like a loaded question, but let’s just take a stab at it…
By focusing on the fundamentals and trying to keep things as simple as possible.
Use these five tips to groove a consistent, powerful golf swing.
Correct Golf Club Grip
To set yourself up for success, start with what happens before you swing the golf club. So much of your golf swing happens before you ever take the club away and begin your swing.
Your setup plays a pivotal role in making sure you hit it solid, which is why it’s something even the best players still focus on.
One of the most important parts of your setup position is your grip as it’s the only part of your body that is connected with the golf club. There are three main types of grips :
- Weak
- Strong
- Neutral
Most golfers have a weak grip, which typically leads to a fade (or slice) and kills distance.
As a beginner, you want to develop a neutral to strong grip so you can hit it further and have the ability to play a draw.
You also want to think about grip pressure as well. So many new golfers tend to squeeze the life out of the club, but this only creates extra tension in your forearms.
Tension kills a golf swing, fast.
Instead, try to grip the club with a 7 out of 10 in terms of grip pressure. Also, make sure you maintain that same pressure throughout the swing for optimal ball striking.
Setup Square to The Target
Once your grip is established, the second thing you want to focus on is the rest of your body at setup. Specifically, you want to make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are square to the target.
This is so important because when your alignment is off, your body will make compensations.
For example, a lot of right-handed players aim right of the target without realizing it. If they hit the shot straight, they think they pushed it due to poor alignment. If they hit it to their intended target, they actually pulled it but think they swung correctly.
Over time, poor alignment is an easy way to develop bad habits that can take forever to correct.
To set up square more often than not, make sure to:
- Always use an alignment stick on the driving range.
- Ask your golfing buddies to record you on the golf course.
This will help you stay ahead of poor alignment. Just make sure to continue practicing it for the rest of your golfing career!
Move Your Mass Properly
Once your grip and alignment are set, the next thing to master is the weight transfer in the golf swing. At address position, make sure that you have your weight 50/50 on each foot. This allows you to create power on the backswing and unload on the downswing.
Please, understand that weight transfer does not mean sliding your hips laterally (also known as a “sway” move). Swaying your hips back and forth will actually lead to a loss of power and inconsistent ball striking.
Instead, you want to rotate around your hips and get 70% of your weight to your trail leg on the backswing. As the club sets at the top of your swing, then your weight then shifts to the lead side to start your downswing.
Time Your Tempo
During your swing, tempo is the glue that holds it all together.
One mistake a lot of beginners make is taking it too slow on the backswing. A lot of old-school golf instructors used to teach, “Low and slow” on the way back. But this can lead to rushing the transition.
Instead, think smooth on the way back.
When you take the backswing back slightly faster (but still smooth and not jerky), it makes it easier to not rush your transition. When you rush, it’s nearly impossible to transfer your weight properly and can lead to thin or fat shots.
Plus, it will help make sure you are swinging the fastest at impact, not on the downswing.
Unload on the Downswing
Even if the first four tips are perfect, you still have one more move to think about – the downswing. This is where all parts of your body work together to get the clubface square and create power at impact.
To create the most power and improve ball striking, understand the process of how the body unwinds. The first move on your downswing is with your legs, not your upper body.
Legs lead the way, followed by your arms, and then your hands. If your upper body moves before your lower body, it will likely lead to pulled shots and a steep attack angle. But when your legs start the downswing, it will help you shallow the golf club and create a solid attack angle.
Finally, make sure that your chest is facing the target at the end of your downswing. You want to rotate through the golf ball so that your weight gets to your lead foot.
Also, try to hold your follow-through. Not only does it make you look like an experienced golfer as you pose to watch your shot, it tells you a lot about your swing.
For example, if you can’t hold it your balance might be off. Or, your posture might break down on the backswing. Or, if you consistently hit shots thin or fat, your weight might not move to your lead leg and not allow you to hold the finish.
5 More Golf Swing Tips
While the five tips above will help you build a solid foundation, there’s always something else you can learn about golf. Here are five easier to implement tips for beginners:
Use more hybrids and fairway woods.
These clubs are much easier to hit than long irons and great for beginners. They will help build confidence and hit more greens in regulation.
Create a pre-shot routine on the driving range.
Routines help in any sport, just look at MLB pitchers on the mound, NBA players on the free-throw line or NFL field goal kickers before the snap. They all have a routine in order to create consistent results. In golf, a pre-shot routine will make it easier to focus on your target when you’re on the course and reduce nerves.
Plan your practice range sessions so you don’t waste time.
Before you hit a single golf ball, have a clear plan of drills, targets, and shots that you want to work on. Practice with the intention to get faster results!
Start playing golf on shorter, par-3 or executive style courses.
This will help build confidence and also improve your short game. As your game advances, move up to a full-length golf course.
Always play clubs & golf balls that are right for your game.
If you play golf clubs that are too heavy, too stiff, or too long, it’s only making the sport even more difficult. While you don’t need to get professionally fitted in the beginning, make sure you play lightweight, forgiving clubs. Additionally, playing golf balls that are suited to your game can help your game!
Wrapping Up
While these tips are sure to help you get started on your golf conquest, don’t forget you’re playing a game. It’s important to have fun and enjoy the ride.
Don’t beat yourself up when you hit bad shots or get angry if things don’t go your way and take the fun away from the best sport ever. Instead, enjoy the challenge that you face on every shot and appreciate time outdoors with great friends.
Ironically, a mental shift like this will actually help you play better and enjoy the experience more.
As Arnold Palmer once said, “Success in golf depends less on strength of body and more on strength of mind and character.”