New Golfer Tips

Almost anyone just starting golf faces one overriding problem. Lacking experience, the new golfer finds it surprisingly difficult just making contact with the ball!

All of us, have done some of these things shown below.

It did not come naturally to all of us to hit that b......y little white ball !

In fact, if we were truthful with ourselves it probably took several attempts to get that thing to go anywhere.

And then trying to hit it straight was just impossible.

A lot of the 'worms wore helmets' when I started out! The ball was so low.

Missing The Ball and Air Shots

Missing the ball completely, though embarrassing at the time, is not a major reason for concern.

Sooner, or later, even a poorly coordinated person will find some way to hit the ball.

The real damage from air shots is the normal reaction of trying to guide or steer the club back to the ball to hit it.

This causes the beginner to form a habit of hitting at the ball, instead of swinging through it.

A habit that feeds on itself!

Swinging at the ball causes even more misconnecting and added with that is the frustration of the ball not going anywhere.

We have all been there when we start out.

The end result of all of this is an overcontrolled, inhibited swing that limits distance and accuracy through out the newcomer's golfing career.

The first thing to learn then is the art of of swinging through the ball, even if you have a short back swing. Attempt to get a nice easy rythym or tempo.

How To Slow Down Your Swing

Newcomers to golf should be aware of a problem that they will encounter from time to time. This is the tendency to swing too fast. The new golfer will watch the likes of Tiger Woods and think that they have to swing fast and hard to get the ball moving.

But a more observant golfer will notice that there is an even tempo in all the top golfer's swings.

The poor shot that usually results from a quick swing is bad enough, but the problem is increased if the golfer does not realise that he or she is swinging too fast, and may put the blame of the bad shot onto another cause.

To determine whether it was swinging too fast that caused the mishit shot, merely reflect on how your swing felt. Specifically, try to remmeber taking a backspin. If you cannot remember any backswing sensations, you probably swung too fast.

In that case, take two or three practise swings, before you play your next shot and feel your arms swinging back and forward.

Try to repeat this sensation when you play the actual shot.

Use Your Imagination

New golfers seldom use their greatest assets, which is their imaginations.

All great players have learned to visualise success. They see the shot they wish to play, before they swing the club.

In effect they tell their senses what they want to do.

Increase Your Shot Making Skillls

As your experience in golf builds, so will your awareness of the different types of shots that are required for different situations.

This is especially true around the greens. The different lies, different distances, and different landing areas.

All of these problems give rise to different techniques and club selection.

Don't be afraid to experiment. The wise golfer as he or she learns, plays the shot that they know workd best for them.

Remember, it is how many, not how it was achieved. As you progress then you will learn the different techniques.

Look further on this site for help and advice.

Etiquette Tips

Few things are more annoying to other golfers, is the sight of inexperienced golfers tearing up the manicure tees with their practise swings. Try practising your swing on the side of the tee.

Another upsetting problem, is the speed of play.

Think about your next shot whilst your playng partners are playing their shot. Decide on that club or the line of the putt, whilst you are waiting will speed up your play.

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