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10 important tips for beginning golfers

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As adults, we tend to shy away from learning new things because it’s difficult, and sometimes embarrassing. But I promise, learning the wonderful game of golf will be worth it. It’s just going to take some work.

As a resource for beginning golfers, I put together a list of my top-10 tips to getting started in golf. Follow these tips, and you’ll soon learn why golf is the greatest game ever played.

Sign up for weekly or monthly lessons for at least one year

For every Bubba Watson who figured out how to swing on his own, there are millions of golfers who struggle deeply. If you pick up golf by just hitting balls by yourself, you’ll most likely ingrain improper movements. Then when you decide you want to take lessons, it will be a long, tedious process to undo your bad habits.

That’s why I suggest golfers start taking lessons from a certified instructor (not just their buddy on the range) from day one. This way, they’ll develop the proper fundamentals that golf requires — long game, short game, putting, etc. — instantly giving their athletic ability a chance to prosper in the game.

Buy yourself a decent and fitted set of clubs from a golf professional

With ill-fit golf clubs, beginning golfers are going to struggle to enjoy the game as much as they could. So once you have made the decision to really give golf a go, buy clubs that are fit to some degree in length, lie, flex, and forgiveness.

Without decent clubs, golfers often develop bad habits that can take years to overcome. This does not mean they have to spend $5,000 to get started, but they should least give themselves a fighting chance with brand-name equipment that was fit to them in some way, shape or form.

Play golf balls that suit your ability level and golf course

Yes, I know golf balls are expensive, but if you’re going to play seriously, pick a ball type that matches what you want the ball to do and stick with it.

Playing a Tour-level golf ball on holes Nos. 1-13, and then a bargain ball for holes Nos. 14-18 gives you different feels and different reactions off each club. How can you be consistent with different types of equipment?

Don’t play the ball you found that has bounced off the path or has a gash in it, even on the water holes. You are only lowering your chance of success.

Block off your work schedule (in the a.m.) to practice at least once per week

Saying you are going to hit balls or practice golf after work is the same as saying you’ll go to the gym after work… there is always a reason why you just can’t make it. The best way I have found to combat this is to target one weekday to hit balls or practice before work. This is your time, and will help your golf life as well as your work life. Trying to practice while answering the phone or thinking about work is counterproductive. Go to the range before work and you will face a lower-stress environment that fosters improvement.

Your practice should include the ENTIRE game

At the beginning stage of practice, golfers should be learning the ENTIRE game, not just the long game. Beginning golfers often say, “Once I have the swing figured out, I’ll work on my short game.” The problem is, this method doesn’t teach them how to play the game of golf.

Beginning golfers often ignore wedges and lag putting in their practice sessions, but each can save them a ton of strokes. I’ve noticed that beginners struggle to hit the green from 30-80 yards, and consistently three-putt from beyond 20-25 feet. For that reason, I recommend golfers break up their practice time into four different areas:

  • 25 percent long game
  • 25 percent wedges (from 30-100 yards)
  • 25 percent short game (chipping, pitching, bunkers, short putting)
  • 25 percent lag putting.

Getting down in no more than three shots from inside 80 yards is a must in the early stages in order to manage scores and eliminate big numbers on the scorecard.

Commit yourself to playing the game at least 50 percent of the time

Hitting balls on a range only helps you work on your “golf swing.” But the world is full of beautiful swings that can’t score when it matters. If you don’t play, you’ll never learn how to manage rough, hilly lies, adversity, or even success. Remember you are supposed to PLAY golf, not just hit balls.

If you just enjoy hitting balls, then save yourself some money and only buy an 8 iron, 6 iron and a driver, because that’s all you’ll need to have fun at the range. Facilities like Top Golf have proven that the range can be fun, but remember that playing golf is a sport in itself.

Decide if you’re playing golf for fun or for score that day

If you are going out to the course, decide before you start the round whether you are going to play for “fun” or for “score,” as they require two completely different mindsets. Golfers who play for fun can’t get mad or concerned with what they shoot, since they are working on something specific or attempting shots that have more risk than reward. Consequently, if you’re playing for score, you will find golf to be nothing more than a chess game with a ball and a stick.

Manage your expectations based on your current abilities

Over time, you will be able to hit shots you were not able to hit the season before, or maybe even the month before. Remember to enjoy the ride, and don’t try to outplay your current ability level. If you don’t know how to curve the ball with any reliability, then just punch out. Why make a 10 when you could make a 6?

Golf is a compromise between three things: What your ego wants you to do, what your experience wants you to do, and what your talent will let you do.

Leave your bad attitude in the car

A golf ball does not care how much money you have, how many employees you command or what kind of car you drive, so remember to leave your Type-A personality in the car. And if you think you can override the learning curve just because you were a good athlete in high school, you’re in for a big surprise.

Maybe even more harmful to improving at golf is a bad attitude. Whining and complaining not only makes you miserable, but makes you a total drag to play with in general. It’s NOT all about you.

If it proves not to be fun, it’s OK to quit

After all, golf is just a game. So if you aren’t having any fun consistently, it’s ok to stop playing. Golf isn’t going anywhere, and no one wants you around you on the golf course if you are miserable, throwing clubs and complaining, including your best friends. And please, don’t take a bad day on the course home with you to your family.

In golf, you don’t have to break a course record or even break 100 to be an enjoyable playing partner. If you’re having fun, being polite and playing fast, there will always be a welcoming foursome for you!

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Tom F. Stickney II, is a specialist in Biomechanics for Golf, Physiology, and 3d Motion Analysis. He has a degree in Exercise and Fitness and has been a Director of Instruction for almost 30 years at resorts and clubs such as- The Four Seasons Punta Mita, BIGHORN Golf Club, The Club at Cordillera, The Promontory Club, and the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. His past and present instructional awards include the following: Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, Golf Digest Top 50 International Instructor, Golf Tips Top 25 Instructor, Best in State (Florida, Colorado, and California,) Top 20 Teachers Under 40, Best Young Teachers and many more. Tom is a Trackman University Master/Partner, a distinction held by less than 25 people in the world. Tom is TPI Certified- Level 1, Golf Level 2, Level 2- Power, and Level 2- Fitness and believes that you cannot reach your maximum potential as a player with out some focus on your physiology. You can reach him at [email protected] and he welcomes any questions you may have.

13 Comments

13 Comments

  1. Sarah Smith

    May 11, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    I’ve recently become interested in playing golf and was in need of some tips. I didn’t know that there were different types of golf balls. I also appreciate that you mention that golf is supposed to be fun and if you’re not having fun then it is okay to quit. Thanks for the tips, now I just have to find a golf course close by!

  2. Bump Fuzz

    Feb 19, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Just think of the golf swing as making a sandwich. That was a tip a got many moons ago that has stuck with me.

  3. Woodlands Barbershop Dennie

    Feb 19, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    There is nothing wrong with beginners but there is an issue with slow players and poor manners that many experience at daily fee courses. Many of these muni or daily fee courses are 5 hour rounds. The main issue I have noticed at these tracks are poor tee time spacing allowing 5 somes and lack of on course marshals.

  4. Troy

    Feb 7, 2016 at 12:45 am

    No question lack of golf lessons is the biggest problem. I play with so many golfers that never get lessons and yet seem confused why they don’t get any better.

    If it’s good enough for guys like Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy to have golf coaches … so should we!

  5. Pingback: 10 Essential Tips for New Golfers - Dan Hansen Golf Instruction

  6. PimpDaddyWelfare

    Feb 5, 2016 at 8:42 am

    mhendon, those are things people learn as they play. And its up to us, who play often/regularly, to let them know in a friendly way that these are things to consider when golfing. They may also learn some of this through lessons. Too many times I see people freaking out over “etiquette” infractions and it makes for a really unfriendly environment for new golfers.

    Scott, Lets all head out to the course to have a nice afternoon of golf…. But we have to do it as fast as we possibly can… To some degree I understand what you are saying, but lets be realistic, you DO NOT have to play quickly. No one is going to learn anything or get better at golf by playing quickly. Just be aware of others around you, respect the “pace of play” and let people play through if necessary.

    Im not trying to start arguments here, but everyone was a beginner at some point. I was, just over 2 years ago, and its pretty fresh how the majority of people I ran into were really great and helpful as I was learning. As were those who treated the course as if it were theirs and no one else should be on it.

    • Scott

      Feb 5, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      I understand enjoying yourself but you need to be considerate of the world around you. Not everyone wants play a round of golf that takes around 5 hours. I have a friend that struggles to break 100. I have played numerous threesome rounds with him that were less that 3 hours; in a foursome around 3 1/2 hours. I have another friend that no one wants to play with because of how slow and deliberate he is – and we are still finishing within 4 1/2 hours. Playing quickly means nothing more than getting to your ball and being ready to hit when it is your turn.

      If you have to go through a mental checklist of 20 plus “simple” swing thoughts along with 5 plus practice swings, you should probably just stay on the range or play when the course is empty.

      • pimpdaddywelfare

        Feb 8, 2016 at 9:18 am

        Ok, after the explanation I can agree with you there. Im only in the 90’s as of last year but it doesnt take me too long to play a round. In fact, I dont even like golfing with a particular person in our group who shoots in the 70-80’s because he takes way too long, and too many practice swings.
        I read your comment wrong I suppose. I just don’t like the “beginners dont belong on the course till they shoot below 100” attitude of some people.

  7. mhendon

    Feb 4, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    How about lesson in golf etiquette. 1 keep quiet when its another persons turn to hit. 2 don’t stand directly behind someone as they play. 3 fix ball marks and divots. 4 rake bunkers. 5 don’t walk on someones line on the green. 6 learn how to walk with out ruffing up the green. Take multiple clubs with you to your ball. 7 offer to let faster players through etc.

  8. Scott

    Feb 4, 2016 at 9:06 am

    Play quickly, you are not on the PGA Tour with rent money on the line. That should be number 1. Either play well or play poorly, but always play quickly.

  9. golfraven

    Feb 3, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    This list would apply to all golfer not just beginners – I would include even Pros here although they should know better.

  10. Andre

    Feb 3, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    Great list, I agree with everything on it. I personally think #2 should have been number 1#. I see this all too often when playing. I have left in middle of round because of this. I do enjoying with new people, and especially those whom are just starting.

    • Shallowface

      Feb 5, 2016 at 7:20 am

      If I were to start someone new, I would start them with what amounts to a half swing, making solid contact a priority over distance. Then on the course (which wouldn’t happen until a degree of proficiency is achieved at the range), we start at the forward tees so there’s as little pressure as possible. We look at the scorecard and I explain that bogeys are fine and that on a Par 4, “three of these and two of those” will work just fine. Doubles and worse are the killer for beginners (and everyone else for that matter) and most of those come from poor tee shots that are a result of swinging too full and too hard. But two shots that get a person inside 50 yards on a Par 4 are perfectly adequate.
      If a beginner makes 18 bogeys with this thought process, that’s a 90. Every par they eke out, and they will, takes them into the 80s. They are able to keep up and play with other folks instantly. As their knowledge and confidence improve, they can lengthen out their swing to add distance and the ability to play from farther back. But they stay with the game because early success is maximized and embarrassment is minimized.
      Two other things. First, find a wedge that’s point and shoot, with a wide sole as near to a hybrid as possible. We’re looking for something that Phil would never use.
      Second, when the ball is on the ground, focus on the front side of it at address. This tends to get the club to hit the ground in the right place, in front of the ball.
      I believe and approach like this, where consistency is emphasized over distance at the beginning, would build more permanent golfers.

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Instruction

Clement: Stop ripping off your swing with this drill!

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Not the dreaded headcover under the armpit drill! As if your body is defective and can’t function by itself! Have you seen how incredible the human machine is with all the incredible feats of agility all kinds of athletes are accomplishing? You think your body is so defective (the good Lord is laughing his head off at you) that it needs a headcover tucked under the armpit so you can swing like T-Rex?

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How a towel can fix your golf swing

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This is a classic drill that has been used for decades. However, the world of marketed training aids has grown so much during that time that this simple practice has been virtually forgotten. Because why teach people how to play golf using everyday items when you can create and sell a product that reinforces the same thing? Nevertheless, I am here to give you helpful advice without running to the nearest Edwin Watts or adding something to your Amazon cart.

For the “scoring clubs,” having a solid connection between the arms and body during the swing, especially through impact, is paramount to creating long-lasting consistency. And keeping that connection throughout the swing helps rotate the shoulders more to generate more power to help you hit it farther. So, how does this drill work, and what will your game benefit from it? Well, let’s get into it.

Setup

You can use this for basic chip shots up to complete swings. I use this with every club in my bag, up to a 9 or 8-iron. It’s natural to create incrementally more separation between the arms and body as you progress up the set. So doing this with a high iron or a wood is not recommended.

While you set up to hit a ball, simply tuck the towel underneath both armpits. The length of the towel will determine how tight it will be across your chest but don’t make it so loose that it gets in the way of your vision. After both sides are tucked, make some focused swings, keeping both arms firmly connected to the body during the backswing and follow through. (Note: It’s normal to lose connection on your lead arm during your finishing pose.) When you’re ready, put a ball in the way of those swings and get to work.

Get a Better Shoulder Turn

Many of us struggle to have proper shoulder rotation in our golf swing, especially during long layoffs. Making a swing that is all arms and no shoulders is a surefire way to have less control with wedges and less distance with full swings. Notice how I can get in a similar-looking position in both 60° wedge photos. However, one is weak and uncontrollable, while the other is strong and connected. One allows me to use my larger muscles to create my swing, and one doesn’t. The follow-through is another critical point where having a good connection, as well as solid shoulder rotation, is a must. This drill is great for those who tend to have a “chicken wing” form in their lead arm, which happens when it becomes separated from the body through impact.

In full swings, getting your shoulders to rotate in your golf swing is a great way to reinforce proper weight distribution. If your swing is all arms, it’s much harder to get your weight to naturally shift to the inside part of your trail foot in the backswing. Sure, you could make the mistake of “sliding” to get weight on your back foot, but that doesn’t fix the issue. You must turn into your trial leg to generate power. Additionally, look at the difference in separation between my hands and my head in the 8-iron examples. The green picture has more separation and has my hands lower. This will help me lessen my angle of attack and make it easier to hit the inside part of the golf ball, rather than the over-the-top move that the other picture produces.

Stay Better Connected in the Backswing

When you don’t keep everything in your upper body working as one, getting to a good spot at the top of your swing is very hard to do. It would take impeccable timing along with great hand-eye coordination to hit quality shots with any sort of regularity if the arms are working separately from the body.

Notice in the red pictures of both my 60-degree wedge and 8-iron how high my hands are and the fact you can clearly see my shoulder through the gap in my arms. That has happened because the right arm, just above my elbow, has become totally disconnected from my body. That separation causes me to lift my hands as well as lose some of the extension in my left arm. This has been corrected in the green pictures by using this drill to reinforce that connection. It will also make you focus on keeping the lead arm close to your body as well. Because the moment either one loses that relationship, the towel falls.

Conclusion

I have been diligent this year in finding a few drills that target some of the issues that plague my golf game; either by simply forgetting fundamental things or by coming to terms with the faults that have bitten me my whole career. I have found that having a few drills to fall back on to reinforce certain feelings helps me find my game a little easier, and the “towel drill” is most definitely one of them.

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Clement: Why your practice swing never sucks

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You hear that one all the time; I wish I could put my practice swing on the ball! We explain the huge importance of what to focus on to allow the ball to be perfectly in the way of your practice swing. Enjoy!

 

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