Need Some Golfing Tips?

The golfing world is a funny world - many people on the sidelines watching, but a few actually playing. And among those who actually play the game, most would admit that their game leaves much to be desired.

Why such a poor performance? I believe that it's because most golfers realize that if they are going to improve - really improve - they will have to make some significant commitments. And most are unwilling to do that. But if you are, here are some of my opinions on the game.

First of all, as a beginner you need to concentrate on the fundamentals of the game -- your putting, your stance and posture, your backswing and downswing. You need to master these FIRST - so forget about everything else, and especially all the golfing hype that floats around the clubhouse.

Again I repeat, stay away from your golf pro shop - if you have your heart set on buying merchandise, that is. But you CAN get something good at your golf pro shop - buy some lessons from your club's golf pro. Those lessons will do you more good than anything else. How can you hope to master the fundamentals of the game when you are off the course, watching a video or reading a book?

When the time comes for you to buy some golfing accessories, a good thing for you to purchase would be a golf swing teaching aid. These consist of a set of straps and ropes that fasten around various parts of your body (knees, legs, arms, hands), that direct or restrict your movements as you swing. When you practice with these, you will actually be training your body in the way it should move - and after a while, when these movements have become ingrained, you can take your training aid off.

What's after that? Well, if you manage to go that far, then you need to head back to the pro shop again. It's time for more lessons from your instructor. He or she will need to check you out to make sure that you have not gotten sloppy -- and they can give you additional instruction in some of the finer points, like playing from the rough, distance putting, sand traps, putting into the wind, etc. Don't think that just one or two lessons from a pro will take you to the next level.

Let me take a moment to take about golf clubs. This is probably the area where more money is wasted than anywhere else. If you are a newbie to the game, don't even bother buying a set until you have played at least 5 games. Until then you can rent a used set. And when you buy your first set, buy a good used one - take the money you save and get some more pro lessons. At that point in your game you will benefit more from the lessons than that $1,000 set of pro clubs.

And my final recommendation? Unless you are trying to go for the Masters or the U.S. Open, try -- please try -- to keep the game on a FUN level. When you are having fun you will be more apt to keep on playing, even on those days when your score is not what is should be. And consistently returning to play is the key to becoming a great golfer. Here's to your success!