5 keys that will make golf easier

Want to make golf easier? All you need to do to simplify your game and improve your skills is to master the five key concepts. It may sound too good to be true, but with the right basics, you can build a solid foundation and improve your game.

Let’s begin.

1. Grip the stick in your fingers

When my students struggle with controlling the curve of their strokes, it’s one of the first things I always do control is their control. This is because the placement of the hand on the club has a huge impact on the club face and therefore the flight of the ball.

One of the most common mistakes I see amateurs make is where they hold the club. When you put your hands on the club, you should always keep it in your fingers, not your palm. This will allow the club to swing naturally and release without much effort or manipulation.

2. Place your club face, then your body

I watch so many golfers try to set their body or their feet and then their club face. But, in fact, this is wrong. Think about it, your club face determines the direction of the ball, so why would you set it to extend?

Instead, I want you to get into the habit of setting up or aiming to start the clubface at the target. Then, let your body follow. And the more you practice, the more you’ll improve your aim and accuracy.

3. Don’t be afraid to fall to the ground

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to lift the ball, you have to hit it. I see so many players get up in motion to try and help the ball in the air, but it’s hurting your chances of making solid contact.

Instead, I want you to think about hitting down and through the ball. If you’ve done it right, you can make a split right after your original ball position.

Now, I know that can be hard to do starting out, so I want you to start with a goal to just hit the ground running. Even if you hit the ground too early in your fall, it’s a step in the right direction.

4. Know when to open or chip

Do you know the difference between a pitch and a chip? As a quick refresher, a A pitch is a shot that flies or carries, rather than spins slightly, while a chip is a shot that spins more than leads. It’s important to understand the difference so you know when to hit each shot, as your shot selection will affect which club you use and even how much swing you’ll get.

My course on chipping vs. pitching can help you understand how to improve your technique for each. And while you’re there, I also recommend you check out my short game calibration course.

5. Have a game plan

One of the best ways to improve your game without ever touching a club is to develop your course strategy skills. While course management is usually something that develops over time, there are a few keys you can keep in mind every time you play that will help you avoid costly mistakes.

For starters, I always tell my students to avoid what I call “no-go” areas. These can be off-limits areas, hazards and even bunkers that make for a challenging escape. By avoiding these, you reduce your chances of getting a blowout.

I also encourage my students to use golf apps or GPS devices. These tools often give you a bird’s-eye view and calculate accurate distances to different areas on the hole, which is helpful when planning your route and avoiding restricted areas.

A final tool you can use in the course is a green reading app, like this one from GolfLogix. These devices are super accurate and designed to determine the different undulations on the green so you know where to aim, whether the putt is uphill or downhill, and whether it’s moving left or right. And, the more you use them, the better your green reading skills will become.

“>