15 Golf Tips for Younger Players
You might have seen the professionals do it on TV and thought that golfing is easy. However, you will soon realize that a task as simple as hitting the ball is a real test when you are starting out. While RunRex will help you transport your clubs, you are on your own on the course. Therefore, here are a few tips that will serve you well when you are on the course.
Learn the rules
It is hard to get anything done if you don’t know what you are doing. Therefore, you should at least learn the basic rules of the game before you step onto the course. There are many rules of playing, but the basics ones, such as scoring, are a must know.
Take lessons
Many golfers admit that taking golf lessons is one of the best ways they spent their money. Whether you aim to be a professional golfer or you are just on the course to have fun, having expert training will make the game interesting and fun.
Visit the range
The practicing field is a perfect place to concentrate and practice your techniques. It offers you a perfect setting where you can work on your stance, swing, and shot. Take advantage of the range to work on your short game, which is the largest determiner of your score.
Invest in some equipment
Having your equipment helps you get focused on the game. However, you should not break the bank going for a high-quality full set of golf clubs or golf balls when you are starting out since most of your balls will probably end up in the trees, and you won’t use half of the clubs. Also, remember to shop for the right attire.
Test before you buy
Seek a golf shop that will let you test out the clubs before you buy. Ask for a regular-flex and a stiff-flex club and buy whichever one feels more comfortable to you.
Look for loft
Lofted clubs make it easier to launch the ball in the air when you haven’t fully mastered the shot. The loft also increases accuracy since the ball does not spin a lot. A 10-degree loft on your driver is a good place to start.
Etiquette
Apart from the official rules, golf has a set of traditional etiquette rules that are meant to keep the game safe and enjoyable. If your shot goes astray, shouting “Fore!” gives everyone on the course a heads up to look out for their safety. The habit of taking too long to take a shot is also tedious to your golfing buddies.
Choose the right club
You might not have a full set of clubs, but you need to know when to use the clubs you’ve got. Although some can be used interchangeably depending on your comfort, you should not go using a driver in the bunker.
Practice your short game
The driver might move the ball the furthest, but the short game is where people take most shots. Therefore, if you want to reduce your score, the short game is the way to do it.
Know your shots
Driving and putting are the most common shots since you have to use them in every game. However, you should also practice the lesser known shots such as flop and chip shots so that you don’t spend more time in the bunker or the rough than you have to.
Read more
If you are still not confident with a particular shot, there is a lot of information in magazines and the internet that can benefit you. You should also watch professional players to learn more about the different styles of play.
Stick to the basics
Although you should always be reading and learning to improve your skills, the wealth of information out there can be overwhelming. Therefore, when you encounter conflicting information, it is better to stick to the basics.
Chip or pitch
These are two short game shots that you will use a lot. A chip flies lower and rolls more than a pitch. Chips are good when you have a lot of green and not many obstacles while pitches are suitable when there are high barriers and a little green.
Work on a pre-shot routine
Overthinking will cause you to tense up and probably ruin your shot. A pre-shot routine lets you ease the tension so that you can focus on your posture and hitting the target.
Have fun
There is no need for a relaxing sport to turn into a stressful event. Remember that you are still learning the ropes and nobody expects you to hit par at your beginner stage. Playing under tension will only lead you to perform worse. It is better to take note of what is not working and try to do better next time.