Ten Top Golf Tips For Beginners

There are as many tips for amateur golfers as there are, well, amateur golfers. For the amateur, however, one of the very first lessons should be to ask yourself if you really and truly love this game. The game of golf requires time, and a great deal of it. Aside from time, there is also money invested in establishing a decent game of golf. Yes, a lot can be said about developing business relationships on a golf course, but if you can’t stand the game, you’re better off meeting over drinks and/or dinner, where there is nothing but a glass or a utensil in your hand.



So, if you have decided golf is something you would like to pursue, here are some good amateur tips.



Get to know your golf clubs. Hang out with them. Although some golfers carry up to 14 clubs, beginners do not need nearly that many. You should have a driver, a 3 wood for the fairway, a 3 iron, a 5 iron, a 9 iron wedge, a sand wedge and a putter. You can fill in the set as you progress.



When you arrive at the tee you must address the ball. That does not mean walking up to the tee and saying, "Hello, ball." No. It means you stand at the tee, look down at your ball, look up to where you want your ball to go, and look down at the ball again. Set your feet a little bit wider than your shoulders. If you are right handed, have the ball centered a little toward your left side.



Your grip is very important. Don’t hold your club like you’re never going to let go. You should have a nice light grip. Take the club in your left hand. Place your right hand over the left hand, with the right hand thumb covering the left hand thumb, and the last three knuckles of the right hand intertwining a bit with the left. The forefinger should be able to move freely. Practice this grip and find your own variation that makes you comfortable.



When you are driving, a hard swing will not make the ball go further. You must relax your body and keep aligned with the swing. Look to where you want the ball to go, and then look down and keep your eye on the ball. Slowly pull your club back to shoulder height. As you bring your golf club back, the weight should shift to the back foot. As you swing, your weight comes forward and when you strike the ball, your weight should be on the front foot.



On the fairway, depending on how far away the green is, you’ll want to decide on a fairway wood or an iron. The fairway wood should give you the longest distance shot. Then the lower the number on the iron, the further the ball should go. If you need a loft on the ball, one of the wedges would be appropriate.



You'll need your putter when you make it to the green. Grip this club gently and use a pendulum type of swing. Gage the angles of the green, look at the hole, then look down at the ball. Nice and easy does it. It’s kind of like trying to get the ball through that windmill on the mini golf course.



As with practically everything in life, practice makes perfect. Practicing golf shouldn’t be a punishment. Getting to the range, playing another round or practice-putting should be something you’re excited about.



Try to keep frustration away. When you make a bad shot, and even the pros do, shake it off. If you get frustrated and tense, it will absolutely reflect in every swing you make. Take deep breaths, deep breaths.



Always remember that golf etiquette is a very important part of the game. Unless you are yelling "Fore!" to save someone from being whacked in the head, always keep your voice at a conversational level. Don’t speak at all when another golfer near you is taking a shot. When you are finished with a hole, leave the green immediately for the next golfer(s).



There’s a lot involved in playing a good round of golf. But, if you just can’t seem to get the knack of golf on the course, there’s always the WII.



Look at golf trophies and medals online, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.