Many people take on a certain hobby or activity as a way to break away from their routine and enjoy their free time. A lot of times, these hobbies can turn into something more when the mere interest turns into a liking then a passion. This happens often with golfing since many take it on as a way to enjoy a relaxing activity on weekends but then fall in love with the game. If you feel like you want golfing to be more than just a weekend activity, here are some tips on how you could get better at it.
- Warm-Up
Many beginners consider golfing as just playing a game, but it’s actually considered a sport. That means that, like any sport, it needs sufficient warming up. You use a lot of muscles while playing not to mention a round of golf could take hours, so your body needs to be prepared. Some light cardio with a little stretching of the key muscles you use while playing; shoulders, arms, and back, will go a long way in how you play and your stamina. Regularly lifting weights can also strengthen your muscles, improving your game.
- Perfect your Technique
Strategizing and constantly improving techniques is what golf is all about. You should always look for ways to work on developing your game so you can leave behind that beginner label. The most important part of the game that you should perfect is your swing. The experts over at https://theleftrough.com/ explain that you need to have a guide that takes you through a swing step by step. This way, you can work on perfecting your short game and your shot strategy. Other golf techniques you shouldn’t neglect are your putting and pitching skills.
- Find A Putting Rhythm
Putting is a term used for the stroke made with a putter club when the ball is just off the green causing it to roll near the hole. Most beginners focus on hitting as many long shots as possible that they completely neglect their putting, which in fact makes up 50% of the game. Even those who do practice it focus only on short puts and rarely on long ones. The key is to find a consistent rhythm that is unchanged no matter the distance of the ball. Try to also maintain a putting routine like a certain swing or breathing technique.
- Master Pitching
A pitch shot is played into the green from around 40 yards and should be going a short distance while steeply ascending and descending. These could be hard at first because you could end up falling short of power or crossing the green with too much power. The key is to get your shoulders in the right position and keep your club parallel with the ground during the backswing. The best approach is practicing sidearm pitching as if you’re throwing a tennis ball towards a wall.
- Posture is Everything
Your posture before, during, and even after striking the ball is a huge factor in how you score. Before hitting the ball, pay attention to your stance width, the bend of your knees, and the distance between the club and the ball. As much as you want to see how your shot was, move your head from its correct downward position too early and your shot won’t be like you anticipated. It’s also important to use your whole body for a swing by moving your torso, not just your arms. Body rotation is the most important part of perfecting your swinging posture.
- Practice Makes Perfect
All these expert tips won’t come into play overnight, you have to practice vigorously if you want to reach a pro-level. A lot of practice will help you identify and track your weaknesses and work on improving them. Experiment with multiple swinging, pitching, and putting techniques, in the beginning, to find what works best for you. It even helps to practice with your worst ball to know how to handle obstacles and playing troublesome shots. You don’t have to be on the course, you can constantly practice your swings or perfect your posture at home.
At the end of the day, getting better in golf, like anything else, takes a lot of hard work and most of all; patience. The best golfers didn’t get where they are in a matter of weeks or even months, it can take years of practice. This is why having a passion for the game is important to fuel your determination to excel at it. Try not to get intimidated by those ahead of you nor compare yourself to other beginners. The most important thing is working on your mental game by establishing a golfing routine, managing expectations, and never giving up.