Golf Tips
Listed on this page is a collection of useful golf tips and golf
techniques accumulated from various sources, some from golf pros, some from skilled
amateurs and golf enthusiasts. Hopefully, some of these tips will help some of our
visitors improve their golf game! Please feel free to send us an Email with your best tips!
 Perfect
Pitch Shots
The pitch shot is performed by using either a pitching wedge or a sand wedge
and a portion of the full swing. Beginning golfers can learn how to control the
direction and trajectory of this shot by practicing a "mini swing." The
alignment of your body must be parallel to your target line with the clubface set squarely
on that line and the club must swing from inside along the target line to produce a
straight shot. Relax your hands and forearms so that you can feel the weight of the
clubhead. After making a backswing that relates in length to the distance of the shot, let
gravity cause the clubhead to drop to the ground so contact is made at the bottom of the
golf ball.
 "Throwing"
Sand on the Green
One swing thought that will guarantee that you get the ball out of a bunker
and onto the green is "throwing sand on the green". Swing through the ball so
that your club actually throws sand out of the bunker and onto the green....the
ball will go along for the ride.
Better
Bunker Play
One of the best tips for successful bunker play from greenside bunkers is
to keep the clubface 'open' throughout the shot. Any closing of the face will result in a
lower trajectory and the club digging too deep into the sand causing other poor results.
Pretend the clubface is a mirror and to see your reflection in it at the finish of your
sand shot. This will ensure you take the club all the way up to eye level and that you've
kept it open all the way to the finish.
 Longer
Chipshots
You probably already know to take a six or seven iron and play the ball back
in your stance. But here's a tip most people forget, pick a spot on the green to
hit the ball to, which allows the ball to roll to the hole as if you were putting it.
The spot sets you up to give you a feel for direction and the pace of the chip.
You can now see the break and the speed if you don't make it. I also think
aiming for a spot on the green where the ball will first hit helps you concentrate
a little harder on the shot.
 Neutral
Positioning
For accurate pitches and chips, place your hands in a neutral position on the club. Grip
the club so that your palms are opposite and your thumbs are near the top of the grip.
This will keep the clubface square to your target.
Crosshand
Putting
Many golfers suffer from jittery nerves or a tendency to break down the
wrists while putting. If this happens to you, try the crosshand grip. Take the left hand
and put it down the shaft where the right hand would be and put the right hand at the top
of the putter. This grip is very useful in forcing the hands to work as a unit, which is
one of the fundamentals of good putting. Always keep your hands in front of the ball and
the left wrist flat during the stroke.
Hold
That Thought
At address, take one last look at your target. Bring your eyes back to the ball
but try to hold the image of the target in your mind as you swing. With practice, you will
be able to program yourself to swing to a target instead of thinking mechanical thoughts.
Grip
and Rip
Adding more power to your tee shot is a concept that frightens many good
golfers. The common misconception is that increasing power will lead to
unpredictable ball control and erratic tee shots. It is true that to increase your
power you must have confidence in your swing and hitting from the tee, but the
mechanics needed for this next step are not very complicated. Next time you are at the
range, experiment with the following tips to give you that added oomph off the tee.
1. Tee the ball slightly higher than normal so half of the ball is visible above the
clubhead. This will encourage an upward swing. 2. Widen your stance so that the
insides of your heels are shoulder width apart to increase stability. 3. Take the club
back very SLOWLY and try to keep your lower body as still as possible. 4. Remember, to
finish strong do not block the follow through but continue with a fluid and strong follow
through.
Easier
Left to Right Putts
If you have a left to right breaking putt, open your stance by pulling your front
foot back from your normal target line. Take a stroke as you normally would,
but the open stance will allow you to sense the line better and keep the ball on
the high side.
Hitting
Better Into Wind
Playing into a stiff breeze often makes players swing harder, putting more
spin on the ball and shooting it high into the air. To hit it lower with more control, put
the ball back in your stance a few inches and keep your hands forward. Take one extra club
and swing easy, remembering the old saying ‘swing with ease into the breeze’.
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