Master The Basics To Shoot Better Golf Scores

You are a long time golfer who would like to score better. That's not uncommon because golf is a difficult game to master. Maybe you can play as well as your buddies, but just aren't performing the way you know you can. Is it a swing problem that is the source of your problems? Here are a few suggestions to help you see some golf swing improvement.

The place to start, no matter if you are a scratch golfer or high handicapper is with a dedicated practice routine. Use your routine to focus on your trouble areas and to zero in on the other critical aspects of your golf swing.

You can arrange for golf instruction from a golf professional, but before you invest in lessons there are some simple things you can try on your own to improve your basic swing. Golf theory may help you understand the swing better. It is probably best to have at least the correct swing basics before spending money on instruction.

One way to think of improving your swing is to think of it as giving your swing the g-a-s, as in grip, alignment and stance. The first step toward golf swing improvement is taking a close look at your grip. Your hands should come together naturally and comfortably on the club. For right handers, hooking the little finger of your right hand over the index finger of your left is the most popular way to place your hands on the club. Grip the shaft of the club lightly without tension. You don't have to grip the club hard to hit the ball solidly.

Many players who have difficulty striking the ball with power find their alignment is wrong. You should be aiming where you want the ball to go with your shoulders parallel to the intended line of flight. Most inexperienced golfers use a "closed" stance with their body and shoulders aimed out to the right (for right handers.) You can overcome this by simply shifting your body slightly to a more "open" position when you set up. This will help you avoid swinging "across" the ball - the primary source of the slice.

Golf swing improvement will occur naturally if you are properly aligned and have a proper athletic stance. Flex your knees a little, your spine angled forward but fairly straight, and your rear end in something of a sitting position. Don't be tense. You should be relaxed when you swing a golf club.

Now, before you swing, step back from your ball and take a practice swing. Sweep the club head back and up extending your arms and letting your wrists cock as the club is taken up.

Try to keep your head quite still and try to avoid "sliding" your body back as you take the club around and up. Taking the club back should be a rotational movement keeping your spine as much as possible in the same position and at the same angle while you rotate your shoulders around your spine. If you let your shoulders naturally turn as you take the club up and back the club will end up parallel to the hoped-for line of flight. Then, keeping that athletic stance, throw the club out and back and down through the ball as you rotate your hips and upper body around your spine.

The golf swing may seem difficult at first but with a bit of dedication toward improvement you will almost certainly see the difference in your performance in a matter of weeks. Get to a practice facility or driving range, warm up, then practice swinging using the proper grip, stance and alignment and you will definitely see golf swing improvement. Once you have the basics of a good swing you can take your game to the next level.