Alright, maybe you won’t have a “perfect golf swing” following this article, but as a beginning golfer, I can assure you that you will understand what is involved with the golf swing and how you can improve your golf swing.
During this article, we will discuss the various parts of the swing and talk about the more essential features of each part. We will discuss the key to playing fundamentally sound golf, and that key involves the word “consistency.”
The golf swing should feel very natural once you have practiced for a while. Understand that a “good” golf swing may not feel completely natural at first, but you should grow into a fundamentally sound swing with a couple of practice swings.
So, let’s get started with
LEARNING THE GOLF SWING
There are three basic parts to a fundamental golf swing: the stance, the grip, and the actual swing. Now, it’s true that the swing will be further broken down into additional parts, but for the purposes of this introduction, we will focus on these three parts.
You will notice that we use the word “fundamental” quite a bit in this article, and for good reason. As a beginning golfer, you should always strive to develop the swing as it was intended.
The Perfect Golf Swing?
I think it’s safe to say that any swing that generates the intended result is a “perfect golf swing.” The term I would prefer to use is the “standard” golf swing. And with that, there is a standard way to grip the club, a standard way to stand, and a standard way to swing. Your objective as a beginning golfer should be to “standardize” your swing and be consistent throughout each round.
Once you have established a consistent swing, you will then be able to make subtle adjustments that will improve your results. And that little secret will get you to where you need to be to play above-average golf.
Let’s take a look at the various parts of the golf swing and discuss what a “standard” or perfect golf swing might look like:
The Golf Swing Stance
One of the more important aspects of the golf stance is that of balance. For longer clubs, such as a driver, you should place your feet on either side of the ball and widen your stance until your feet are just a bit wider than shoulder-width apart. As the clubs get shorter, you will want to reduce the distance between your feet by an inch or two.
A line drawn from toe to toe should point directly to your target, this “aiming” should take place for each shot, and you should always be standing directly in line with your target. Once again, you should be perfectly balanced at the address, and your weight should be distributed evenly (50/50) on each foot. At this point, you should bend slightly at the knees, again maintaining perfect balance.
For the most part, your feet should be perpendicular to the swing path, but your front foot can be angled outwards but only slightly. Avoid pointing your toes out at too much of an angle. Your rear foot should be at a right angle to the target line.
If you are properly aligned in your stance, your head should be directly above the ball. Now, this will change as you change clubs. For longer clubs (like a driver), the ball will move toward the front of your stance (toward the target). For shorter clubs (like a pitching wedge), the ball moves toward the back of your stance.
This movement of the ball within your stance is needed so the ball is struck at the proper moment within the swing. For example, the ball should be struck on the downward path of the club when using a wedge and struck during the slightly upward part of the swing with longer clubs.
Let’s take a look at some valuable golf swing tips:
- The position of your head should never move.
- Your left arm should remain straight throughout the swing.
- Never lift your head; don’t look at the ball even after it has left.
- Do not dip your right shoulder, and your shoulders should be level at impact.
