Date Published: 24/05/2023
Golf is a game that requires patience, practice, and skill. As with most sports, it’s easy to make little mistakes that can impact your Handicap Index® – even the most seasoned golfers can make the same mistakes again and again.
So even if you are new to the game or have been playing golf for a while, here are the top 10 most common mistakes golfers make and how you can avoid them.
The grip is one of the most important aspects of the golf swing. A poor grip can cause the clubface to open or close, resulting in inconsistent shots. Learning the correct way to place your hands on the club can help create a neutral grip that will improve the consistency of your shots.
Follow our guide on how to hold a golf club
Proper posture is essential for a consistent and powerful golf swing. Bad posture causes a lack of balance which can stop you from making solid contact with the ball. To better your posture, ensure your spine is straight, your knees are slightly bent, and distribute your weight evenly.
The position of the ball in your stance is key and may affect the angle of the clubface at impact and the direction of the shot. You should always ensure the ball is positioned correctly in your stance, relative to the club you’re using.
Alignment is crucial to hitting the ball straight. If you’re not properly aligned with your target, your shots will likely be off target. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aligned parallel to your target line.
Tempo refers to the speed and rhythm of your swing. A poor tempo can result in inconsistent shots and a lack of power. You can get the tempo right by practising swinging with a rhythm that allows you to generate the speed you want in a controlled manner.
Clubhead speed is important for generating distance and power. If you’re not swinging fast enough, you’ll likely struggle to hit the ball as far as you’d like. To avoid this, focus on practicing and developing a smooth yet powerful swing.
Rushing your swing can cause you to lose balance and control, resulting in poor shots. Always take your time and make sure you’re properly set up before beginning your swing, developing a set routine for each shot will help.
Overthinking your swing can cause you to become tense and lose confidence – trust your instincts and look to visualise the shot that you want to hit.
Using the wrong clubs can lead to inconsistent shots and poor performance. Using the right set of clubs that are appropriate for your skill level and swing style will help improve your performance.
Practice makes perfect and is essential for improving your game and avoiding the common mistakes that golfers make. Regular practice will help you improve all areas of your game.
When you avoid these common mistakes and focus on the fundamentals of the game, you can improve your golf game and enjoy the sport even more with iGolf.
While a golf Handicap Index is not essential, it’s the best measure of your progress.
You don’t need to be a club member to obtain a Handicap Index. All you need to do is to sign up to England Golf’s iGolf subscription and get playing.
Accessed by downloading the My EG app, iGolf is specifically designed for golfers of all abilities who are non-club members.
There are a range of benefits you receive when subscribing to iGolf for just £46 a year: