5 Helpful Tips for the New Golfer

The development of an effective golf swing takes time and a lot of practice. However, fine-tuning and adjusting your swing mechanics are best left at the range. When on the course, you want to feel as natural as possible when making a swing. That requires fluid movement in your hips and weight transfer to generate power and consistency. If your swing mimics a robotic version of connect the dots, you will lose power, accuracy and any flow of consistency in your game. Before each shot, take a deep breath and let your muscles remember what you've done on the range. Don't think about it, just relax and hit the ball. In addition to resulting in a more enjoyable round, you will also likely speed up your game and alleviate some of the pressure that comes when golfers behind you are peering over your shoulder.

#2 - Learn the Basic Rules

Golf is a game of honor and integrity. The lengthy rule book may be intimidating, but it is vital to the sport. Familiarize yourself with the basic rules of golf before taking a course. This not only includes stroke counting and penalties, but also proper etiquette. Don't worry about memorizing every rule in the book. If playing with more experienced golfers, rely on their knowledge of the rules to help you out. The more you play golf, the more familiar your understanding of the rules will become. Carry a rule book in your bag, should any unusual circumstances arise, but for the most part you should concentrate on hitting the ball straight and counting your strokes.

#3 - Invest in a Decent Set of Clubs

Your uncle's hand-me-down set of golf clubs might have been a nice gesture, but technology in golf clubs has come a long way in the past 20 years. Attempting to play golf with real woods and rusted blade irons might trigger a sense of nostalgia, but it also might frustrate you so much that you may run for the hills. Check sporting goods stores for starter sets or basic golf sets. There is no need to invest in a premier tour-level set of clubs until you know that you enjoy the game, but purchasing a nice set of woods and irons will help you hit the ball more consistently and possibly farther than your uncle's old set that you found in the garage.

#4 - Avoid Over-Swinging

Over-swinging is easily the most common flaw in swings of new golfers. The natural tendency to want to crush the ball usually results in more harm than good. It also frequently results in players lifting their heads early and slicing, doffing or completely missing the ball. At the range, I've often heard that ignoring the yard markers is a cure for over-swinging, as if the markers serve to entice a player to swing harder. Instead, try swinging your hardest and see how far the ball actually goes. Make sure you notice how far right or left the ball strays from your target as well. Then, concentrate on keeping your eye on the ball and taking an easy swing. Bring the club back and focus on making contact with the ball on your downswing. You might be surprised at how accurate and far the ball will travel with your seemingly effortless swing.

#5 - Always Plan Two Shots Ahead

As a new golfer, your primary focus is probably just attempting to hit the ball closer to the hole than the shot before. However, you can do yourself a favor if you can plan in advance. For example, consider a dogleg right fairway. If you hit the ball down the right side of the fairway, you will be closer to the hole on your second shot, but your path may be blocked by a row of trees. However, keeping the ball on the left side of the fairway presents you with a longer second shot, but gives a straight shot at the flag. In many cases, a golf course does not necessarily award the player who hits the ball the farthest, but rather the player that manages the course the best.

Golf Rules, USGA Rule Book, USGA