Mastering the Basics of Golf

You are a long time golfer whose game needs some fine tuning. You're not alone because golf is a difficult game to excel at. Maybe you can play the game okay, but just aren't reaching the level you think you can. Is it a swing problem that is causing your problems? There are several easy steps toward golf swing improvement (http://www.internetgolfreview.com/).

It won't be easy, but it can be done. It doesn't matter if you are a low, medium or high handicap player, the swing can be improved with a dedicated routine of practice. Use your routine to focus on your troublesome areas as well as zero in on the other key aspects of your golf swing.

You can arrange for Golf instruction from a golf professional, but before you invest in lessons there are a number of things you can try on your own to refine your basic swing. Golf theory (http://www.internetgolfreview.com/articles2) can be an important step along the way but it is important to have at least certain swing basics before spending hard earned dollars on instruction.

One way to think of improving your swing is to think of it as giving your swing the g-a-s, as in grip, alignment and stance. Step number one toward golf swing improvement is taking a close look at the way you grip your club. How are you holding the club? For right handers, overlapping the little finger of your right hand over the index finger of your left is a good place to start. Hold the shaft of the club lightly without tension. There is no need to hold the club tightly in your hands to hit the ball solidly.

Many players who have difficulty striking the ball firmly are often misaligned. You should be aiming where you want the ball to go with your shoulders parallel to the intended line of flight. Many starting golfers use a "closed" stance with their body and shoulders aligned to the right (for right handers.) You can overcome this by simply shifting your body slightly to a more "open" position when you take your stance. This will help you avoid swinging "across" the ball - the primary source of the slice.

Golf swing improvement will occur naturally if you are aiming correctly and have a proper athletic stance. Your knees should be bent slightly, your spine angled forward but fairly straight, and your rear end in something of a sitting position. Don't be tense. You should be relaxed when you swing a golf club.

Most golfers take a practice swing before actually hitting the ball. Sweep the club head back and up extending your arms and letting your wrists cock as the club is taken up.

Your head should remain quite still and you should try to avoid "sliding" your hips and shoulders back as you take the club around and up. Taking the club back should be a rotational movement keeping your spine as much as possible in the same spot and angled in the same way while rotating your shoulders around your spine. If you let your shoulders naturally turn as you take the club up and back the club will end up parallel to the line of flight you want the ball to travel. Then, keeping that athletic stance, throw the club out and back and down through the ball as you uncoil your hips and upper body around your spine.

The golf swing may seem difficult at first but with some dedication toward improvement you will almost certainly see an improvement in your game in a matter of weeks. Get to a practice facility or driving range, warm up, then practice swinging using the proper grip, stance and alignment and you will definitely see golf swing improvement. Then once you have mastered the basics you can take your game to the next level.

Anton Brule is an avid golfer and student of the golf swing. He makes regular contributions to Internet Golf Review (http://www.internetgolfreview.com) and The Weekend Golfer (http://www.theweg.com/b2e).