July 2025

1. Focus on the Fundamentals

• Grip, stance, and posture are the building blocks of a good swing.
• Learn how to grip the club properly (neutral grip), stand shoulder-width apart, and maintain a slight bend in your knees.

2. Master the Short Game Early

• Spend time practicing putting, chipping, and pitching — they make up over 60% of your strokes.
• Learn to control distance rather than just trying to sink every putt.

3. Stay Relaxed and Balanced

• Tension ruins a swing. Keep your arms and shoulders loose.
• Focus on a smooth, balanced swing, not swinging hard.

4. Use the Right Equipment

• Get fitted for clubs if possible or use game improvement clubs designed for beginners.
• Avoid using stiff shafts or low-lofted drivers until you gain more control.

5. Take a Lesson or Two

• A qualified professional lesson can fix bad habits before they form.
• Group lessons are more affordable and great for meeting other beginners.

6. Learn Course Etiquette

• Know when to play, where to stand, and how to repair divots and ball marks.
• Respecting the game and others helps you feel more confident.

7. Build a Consistent Pre-Shot Routine

• Do the same steps before every shot to calm nerves and improve focus.
• Visualization and practice swings help lock in your muscle memory.

8. Aim Small, Miss Small

• Pick a specific target, like a leaf or blade of grass, not just the fairway or green.
• This improves accuracy and keeps your mind focused.

9. Don’t Try to Kill the Ball

• Swing within your limits. Distance comes from technique, not brute force.
• Keep your swing at about 75–85% power to stay in control.

10. Practice With Purpose

• Don’t just hit balls randomly at the range.
• Work on specific shots, simulate holes, and always aim for improvement, not perfection.