Golf can be one of the most frustrating and challenging games to learn. Many people consider this game to be the most difficult to learn and master. Some of the best players in the world learned this game backwards and that means they learned how to putt, chip and hit short wedge shots before they learned the full swing well. This is often the best path to take for almost any beginner.
How to Putt:
Putting is one of the most important parts of the game of golf. It requires a solid mental game as well as good mechanics in order to do it well consistently. There are many putting styles that can work well for you so it is simply a matter of picking one approach you like and then keeping to that fundamental technique and not switching just because you had a few poor putting performances. It is important to learn to relax and not think too much when you are on the greens but just trust that you have the touch to send the ball the right direction by just looking and reacting to your targets.
How to Chip:
Chipping and hitting sand shots is another important aspect of golf that many players ignore and it ends up costing them several strokes every round. Be sure to take some time before each round and during every practice session to hit chips from all kinds of different lies around the greens.
Look for very difficult and awkward lies and try to master shots from them as this will help you to be much more confident on the course where the lies will seem much easier by comparison. For bunker shots you want to setup with an open stance and hit a few inches behind the ball using a cushion of sand to get the ball up. Be sure to accelerate through otherwise you will end up hitting it fat and may not even make it out.
How to Hit Wedges:
Many new golfers underestimate the importance of the wedge shot and just jump to grabbing their woods and driver and skip the wedges. The short wedge shots from 140 to 60 yards can make a big difference in your scores so be sure to practice them as that is the only way to develop the feel and distance control you need to knock these shots stiff and give yourself easy putts for birdie and par.
How to Drive the Ball:
Last but not least you need to learn how to drive the golf ball. Remember that the driver swing is just an extension of the shorter swings like the wedges. Be sure to stay loose and keep a light grip as this will help to promote a relaxed and tension free body which helps to promote better swing mechanics. Be sure to get the right kind of driver for your swing. If you have a high club head speed over 115 mph then go for a stiff shaft flex and a loft under 9 degrees. If your club head speed is less than 100 mph then stick with the regular flex with a loft greater than 10 degrees. Follow some of these tips to help you learn the game of golf quickly and shoot low scores faster.
Joe is an author and webmaster. Learn how to lower your handicap with great golf swing tips, putting tips, golf mental tips and much more at http://www.golfswing101.org/
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