Golf used to be a status symbol, a game for the rich and aristocratic classes. However, its popularity has swelled to include anyone who has the desire to play. Unfortunately, golf is not easy for every to play well. Certain techniques must be practiced and mastered to deliver a shot straight and true to its destination. You probably didn’t plan to spend all your time practicing your golf swing, and I’m not suggesting that you should. But you do need to practice your swing enough so that it comes naturally and without conscious thought.
One of the most common complaints among beginning golfers is that their shots always take off in some unintended direction. There are several mistakes that could be the source of this particular problem.
First off, many golfers try too hard to gain more distance. Unfortunately, this desire for distance often translates into exaggerated or distorted posture or movements. The only way to successfully blast the ball to the horizon is to strike the perfect posture in the perfect position before the ball. Swing fluidly and contact the ball firmly. The most critical part of your swing is the transition between backswing and forward swing. That’s where posture most often breaks down.
Another problem with direction may arise when your club face is not correctly aligned with the ball or the fairway. Let’s face it; the ball doesn’t have a will of its own. The ball will only go one direction-the direction in which you hit it. So don’t start trying to blame the golf ball or your golf club when your shots head of in a less-than-desirable direction. Chances are there was something about the way you hit it that caused this unhappy little surprise.
Another common mistake is gripping the club too tightly. I once heard a golf club explain it in terms of how you hold your toothbrush. You don’t hold your toothbrush with a death grip, nor do you let it flop around like a noodle. You do hold it with enough pressure and firmness to accomplish what you intend, but your fingers don’t lose circulation bearing down on the grip.
Yet another mistake you often find on the course is failing to accelerate through the shot. Beginners often struggle with this concept and end up slowing down their swing as they approach the ball. In reality, your swing should be accelerating at this point as it taps into the power and torque created by the untwisting of your upper body.
Golf truly is a sport for everyone, and there is absolutely nothing stopping everyone from improving their game. It might require time at the driving range. You may want to get some help from others, either friends who play well or golf teachers you can hire. But don’t let your desire for improvement get in the way of your enjoyment. Pros get paid to play and therefore are motivated to practice continually. You should be golfing for fun.
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