Golf Swing Basics for Men and Women
The world of golf is complicated. For the last 100 years the average golf handicap HASN’T reduced at all! In fact, the only thing that has happened is that equipment has improved greatly and people refuse to accept the golf swing basics that they were taught when they first begun. We must remember that fundamentals are what our swings should be focused upon. And, without the golf swing basics ingrained we are in trouble!
Did you know that Jack Nicklaus, during his competitive days of golf, used to start EVERY GOLF SEASON by telling his coach “Let’s begin as if I know NOTHING about golf”! Wow, if the bear needs reminders of golf swing basics don’t you think we all do? So, here are a few of the golf swing basics that I have found to work best for me and my students. I hope you find them useful too.
1. Grip: The only thing that connects us with the golf club is our grip. Many teachers focus on a specific type of grip (10 finger, overlap, intertwined, etc.) but I don’t do that. In fact, I feel that whatever feels comfortable to YOU is what you should use. Just make sure you pick a grip, stick with it and never vary. I would start with a very neutral grip as it is one of the golf swing basics that will last you for life!
2. Stance: Keep you stance simple. Think of yourself as a baseball or basketball player who is getting ready to get the ball. Players in those sports have a shoulder width stance, slightly bent knees and are “on guard”. That’s the way your golf stance should be. You should be in a position where you can withstand a slight push from a friend. Your weight should primarily be on the balls of your feet. This type of stance will promote balance and this is one of the golf swing basics that can make or break your swing for the rest of your life!
3. Alignment: Many golfs (myself included) struggle with alignment. I’m sure there are some scientific principles behind that but the bottom line is that I often aim in a direction that is NOT where I think I’m aiming! I’ve been playing golf and teaching golf for decades and it’s still a problem for me. So, here’s what I have found to work best
- Stand behind the ball and draw an imaginary line from the target to your ball
- Find a point about 3 feet from your ball that is on that imaginary line
- Now, when you line up to your ball pick that SPOT and not the target several hundred yards away
These golf swing basics have worked like a charm for me and in reality, it’s the exact same thing that bowlers have done for years in order to hit the correct pin. They pick a point just in front of them and the rest just “happens”.
There you have it, my three golf swing basics that will work for you and help you to have a golf game for life. These three points are simple but effective and I highly recommend that you start each golf season by going through these drills one at a time. Good luck!
Golf Swing Basics
