Need Some Golfing Tips?

Funny thing about golf -- many people like watch the game, many would like to learn how to play it, or play it better -- but most never get around to actually improving their golf game.

Why such a poor performance? I believe that it's because most golfers realize that if they are going to improve - really improve - they will have to make some significant commitments. And most are unwilling to do that. But if you are, here are some of my opinions on the game.

First recommendation: Before you get caught up in the next golfing craze (i.e., "this is the best putter ever designed") concentrate on mastering the fundamentals. What are the fundamentals of the sport of golf? Simply these things: stance and posture, your backswing, your downswing, and your putting game. Get the fundamentals down pat before you focus on anything else.

Again I repeat, stay away from your golf pro shop - if you have your heart set on buying merchandise, that is. But you CAN get something good at your golf pro shop - buy some lessons from your club's golf pro. Those lessons will do you more good than anything else. How can you hope to master the fundamentals of the game when you are off the course, watching a video or reading a book?

But if you DO get the itch to buy something, there is one thing that will do you a world of good: a training aid. These are devices that will strap around your hands, feet, legs -- and they will restrict and direct your body movements as you swing and put. Put one of them on and just start practicing. After a while you will forget that you have it on. And long after you have taken it off, your body will remember what you have taught it, and will respond the correct way. A good training aid can become your secret weapon.

Well, what's after that? I would recommend some further lessons at this stage. You need him/her to look you over carefully as you play the game, and tell you about things that you were already told about but have forgotten. In addition, your pro can give you some advanced lessons on distance putting, chip shots, playing in the rough, etc. After all, you weren't ready to learn about those things earlier - you just needed to learn how to hit the ball straight.

Let me take a moment to take about golf clubs. This is probably the area where more money is wasted than anywhere else. If you are a newbie to the game, don't even bother buying a set until you have played at least 5 games. Until then you can rent a used set. And when you buy your first set, buy a good used one - take the money you save and get some more pro lessons. At that point in your game you will benefit more from the lessons than that $1,000 set of pro clubs.

My final recommendation is this: Keep the game FUN. Don't get too serious about all of this. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and bad days -- and all of those hilarious shots. If you are busy having fun you will want to play again. And playing again and again is what will help you become good at the game. Trust me - I've lived to tell the tail. Here's to your success!