Five Tips that Will Improve Your Golf Swing

As an enthusiastic, high-handicap golfer I have found the following tips most helpful.

1. If in doubt always take the more powerful club. High handicap golfers rarely hit the ball through the back of the green. Once you are holding the club then tell yourself, 'I have plenty of club.' This will help you to slow down and take a more relaxed swing. It is better to have a gentle swing with a 7 than thrash at the ball with an 8.

2. Keep your head still. Think in terms of the head staying still and the body rotating below it. Get someone else to watch your drive to see where the ball goes. Keep your head down through the swing.

3. Twist not sway. You have to get weight transference through the swing. If you are a right-hander then you transfer weight from right to left as you hit the ball. Try to do this by twisting your torso rather than by just swaying from right to left.

4. Slow down. Take the club back slowly and complete your backswing before starting the downswing. Think in terms of hitting the ball with 90% of your full power. A slower rhythmical swing is better than a rushed swish. Say to yourself 'Severiano' as you swing back and 'Ballesteros' as you swing through - not Tom Kite.

5. Get your grip checked by a pro. For a right hander the position of the left hand on the club is critical. A stronger grip generally suits the high-handicapper.

6. Follow through high and handsome. Think in terms of everything being square to the target at the point of impact and be sure to follow through. If nothing else it makes the shot look better!

You even got a bonus tip! Good luck with your golf.

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