“I love to play golf, and that’s my arena. And you can characterize it however you want, but I have a love and a passion for getting that ball in the hole and beating those guys.”—Tiger Woods, PGA and Masters champion.
As temperatures climb, golfers are itching to return to the golf course and hit the links. While some have used the winter to work on their swing and putting, other golfers are a bit rusty. Following are ways you can up your game.
Get fit
Tailor your workout regiment to help you drive the ball further and prevent injury. Be sure to stretch your muscles prior to stepping out on the golf course.
Expensive isn’t always best
Do not fall into the consumer trap of believing that expensive golf clubs will turn you into a Charles Sifford. There are some very good sets that sell for a few hundred dollars that are equal in quality to the more expensive sets. Go to your local golf shop and ask for a swing analysis and a recommendation for clubs based on your budget.
Pick the right club
Most amateurs choose a club based on length. Selecting the right club also includes things like natural shot tendencies, wind, hazards and whether or not hidden dangers lurk in prime landing areas. But most of all, a better player looks at what type of approach shot is to follow. Lastly, a better player acknowledges that a shot with a 3-wood has a greater likelihood of hitting the fairway than a driver shot does. And with today’s new groove rules, hitting the fairway has become more important.
Grip with your fingers
If you’re right-handed, hold the club with your left fingers. Position it directly over the point where your fingers meet your hand—pointing your thumb straight down the shaft. Lay your right hand over it so your right palm is over your left thumb. If you have short fingers, interlock your right pinkie with your left index finger; if you have longer fingers, overlap them. Make sure the V between your right thumb and index finger points directly up your arm to your right shoulder. Don’t grip it too tightly.
Align the clubface
One common mistake is improper alignment. The correct technique to align your shots is to begin by first assessing your target from behind the ball. This will give you a perspective of the entire hole and help you aim right where you want the ball to go. Also, before you make your actual stance, set the clubface behind the golf ball and align it directly at the target. Do this before, you get into your stance. After you have the right clubface alignment, then comes time to situate the rest of your body.
Find your trigger
Great golf swings look like one fluid motion, but they include three components. First is the trigger. Press the club handle with your index finger, or do whatever works for you— as long as it doesn’t throw off your form. The other two components each have two movements. Recite the words “I’m a… golfer” while you swing. The first two words represent the pace of the backswing; the third, the downswing and follow-through. The rest is basics. Keep your arms lowered at your sides as if you were holding towels under your arms; form a neat triangle from your shoulders to the grip; and bring your clubhead back only as far as your left hand will go without overstretching. Let your knees slide forward to begin the downswing. Swivel your hips as you follow through. Your belt buckle should point slightly in front of the ball at impact.
Improve your short game
If your spare time is limited, the fastest way to shave strokes off your score is to improve your short game, particularly your putting. Have your pro give you some drills to take to the practice green. Golf instructor Dave Pelz suggests placing 10 balls in a circle, three feet from the hole. Move around the circle sinking all the putts, but start over if you miss one. Continue until you sink 10 in a row.
Devote time for all parts of your game
Some people go the range and only hit their woods. This is a huge mistake, since most of the shots on the golf course are putts and chips. Make sure you devote time to all these parts of your game every time you visit the range.
Practice and play
Arm yourself with correct knowledge, practice and play golf as much as possible.
Sources: golftipsmag.com; menshealth.com; golfsmith.com; mensfitness.com.
