Golf Swing Tips Every Player Should Know
For anyone who’s ever played golf, they’ll know how difficult it is to get that little white ball in the hole. As fellow golfers, we sympathise with you and the frustrations you feel every time you tee it up!
At PledgeSports, we’re avid golf fans and players and have helped many golfers of all levels – from junior to pro – raise money through sports crowdfunding.
We wanted to help you have a little bit more confidence the next time you stand up on the 1st tee and feel the trees closing in on top of you. So, here are 10 golf swing tips every player should know. Happy hacking!
Have A Routine
Your golf swing relies mainly on muscle memory and your body’s familiarity with swinging the club. Making a consistent swing, regardless of whether it’s a drive, approach, chip, putt or otherwise, all starts with perfecting a routine.
A simple yet effective routine is to stand a couple of yards directly behind the ball so’s that you are lined up with your target. From there, take a few seconds to imagine the shot and get the feel for the shot by having a couple of practice swings (ensure these are actual representations of the swing you’re about to make, don’t waste time just swinging the club).
Then, still behind the ball, pick a spot six to eight inches ahead of your ball that is in line with your target. Line up your shot as if you are playing toward the six-inch target.
This will not only ensure you are correctly aiming at your ultimate target, but will also give you peace of mind to know this ball is going to take off exactly where you want it to, allowing you to swing freely.
Nail The Setup
This is one of the most crucial golf swing tips you’ll ever hear. A good start is half the battle, and without a solid setup, you will never swing the club freely.
When addressing the ball, your weight should be in the middle of your feet, both left to right and back to front.
Try this three-step routine: (1) Push your hips back, (2) angle your spine toward the ball and (3) flex your knees slightly. Steps 1 and 2 set good posture; Step 3 helps stability. Also, make sure your right side is lower than your left, the ball is in line with the left side of your face (for a middle iron), and the clubface is looking at the target.
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Clubhead First, Hands Follow
The takeaway should start back in this order: clubhead, hands, arms, shoulders, hips.
Your right arm should stay close to your right side, so don’t force a straight-back takeaway. As the hands pass the right leg, weight should start shifting to the right.
When the club reaches parallel to the ground, it should also be parallel to the target line (this shows the club is swinging on the correct arc).
The clubface at that point should be toe up, making it square to the swing arc.
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Load Your Weight
As your weight continues to move to the right, the momentum of the swing and the folding of your right elbow help hinge the club to a 90-degree angle with your left arm.
Your left arm should be slightly higher than your right, proving that your right arm has not dominated the swing.
The shaft, parallel to the target line in the last frame, is starting to move around the body. Your shoulders are well into their rotation and are pulling your hips into the swing.
Feel a loading action in your right hip.
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View From The Top
The wrists were fully hinged at halfway back. Now simply turn your shoulders to complete the backswing.
At the top, the hips are turned only half as far as the shoulders. Your left arm should remain straight, but not tense, and your right elbow should point to the ground.
The hands should swing back to 11 o’clock, with the hands and arms under the club, supporting its weight.
Your right hip and ankle and your left lat muscle should feel stretched and ready to spring toward the target.
Lower Body Leads
The downswing begins with a slight lateral shift, moving the left knee and hip over the left foot. (The key is to ensure the movement is lateral only, do not dip towards the ground, only move parallel to it).
This forward movement causes the arms to drop, returning the right elbow into a position in front of the right hip.
Your belt buckle should point at the ball, but your shoulders should still be closed to the target.
The forward shift happens with the lower body – your head stays behind the ball. Resist the urge to throw the club from the top, and instead maintain your wrist hinge as you start down.
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Brace For Impact
The hips continue to turn open so the left hip has cleared by impact, continuing their rotation towards your target.
The chest is less rotated, facing the ball, which shows that the hips are pulling the shoulders.
Make sure your head remains behind the ball, and your left side straightens as your right side moves forward.
Your hands should be slightly ahead of the clubhead at impact, with your left wrist flat and your right wrist bent.
The radius of the swing – a line from the left shoulder to the clubhead – is at full length just after you hit the ball.
Full Follow Through
Both arms are fully extended, and the right shoulder is down, not turning level with the left.
Although straight, your arms should be starting to swing back to the inside; they point down the line for a split second before turning inside.
Your right knee should be kicking inward, closing the gap with your left knee, and your left leg should be straight, providing a firm brace to hit against. The clubhead is still below your hands, proving the wrists have not flipped to help the ball into the air.
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Photo Finish
The right side has rotated past the left so the right shoulder is the part of the body closest to the target.
Momentum has carried the hands behind the head, and the arms are soft and folded.
Check these key positions: Your right foot is up on its toes, your body weight has fully transferred into your left foot, and your belt buckle points at or left of the target.
Your shoulders should have turned more than your hips, indicating a full upper-body release. You should be comfortably balanced, as you were at address.
For, more great tips on how to improve your golf swing check out Hack Golf, a site that I found to be really helpful for improving my technique
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