How Do I Swing A Golf Club?

Here it is! Your first, most basic step on your way to the golfing hall of fame. The first thing to learn is how to swing a golf club.

Now, we can talk about the biomechanics of the golf swing; about resistance and G-force, the single plane vs. the double plane approach, go into detail with the physics and equations of the golf swing... but first, the most basic and universal piece of advice anybody can give you for your golf swing:

Relax.

The golf swing is actually a natural motion, and once you know how to do it, it's just like breathing. Don't get intimidated by all the jargon and mathematics. The most important thing, as any pro golfer will tell you, is to take a deep breath, relax and let the golf swing do its thing.

Having said that, let's look at how you swing the golf club, step by step and broken down.

Get A Grip

First, hold the club straight in front of you, just about perpendicular, with your right hand. Now, wrap your left hand around it. The club should be resting on the pads of the inside of your fingers, the digit closest to the palm, and the palm. You may hold your left hand at a little bit of an angle, so that the middle digit pad of your index finger is in contact with the club. Do whichever feels most comfortable to you. Your thumb should rest on top, pointing along the shaft of the club.

Now, re-wrap your right hand above your left hand on the shaft. You have your left hand wrapped around the shaft with your palm and base finger digits, right? Well, you should be holding the club with the right hand chiefly with your fingers. It should be just above the left hand and your right thumb should stick a little to the right.

The grip is a little tough to master, and there are a variety of ways to do it. There isn't really a "right" way, just go with what's best for you.

The Right Golf Stance

If your stance isn't right, your entire swing will be ruined. You have to get the stance just right, and it takes practice. If your stance (also called "address") is good, the swing will be a natural fluid movement. It will take some work at first, but over time, you can work on perfecting your stance.

For starters, make sure you're balanced. You should have your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Have you ever seen golfers wiggle their butts back and forth before taking a shot? They look stupid, but they're checking their balance. Make sure it's as even as possible!

Your front foot should be just ahead of where your ball is. Your legs should be shoulder-length or a little further apart. If you drew a line across the tips of your toes, it should lead directly to your target.

Keep your back straight, but relaxed. Keep your chin up. Most importantly, be comfortable.

It's Go-Time!

Now, twist at the torso and lift the club with your arms. You should coil up like your body is a spring, and you should be swinging down at the ball.

Most importantly, don't swing with your arms. Wind up, and then gently unwind your body, starting with the lower back and torso, then the shoulders, and finally let the wrists release a little bit at the end.

Don't swing too fast! Faster doesn't mean farther. Your swing should be smooth and natural, not forced and tense.

The swing is really just the final part. The grip and address are considered by most golfers to be much more important in determining a swing's success.

It's really hard to get the right swing without some one on one training. Go golfing with some buddies and don't just spend your time practicing and getting whipped; pick their brains on strategies and swing technique, and most of all, be observant. For more info see http://www.getgoodatgolf.com/trouble-shot on golf improvement.

Finally, keep track of your mistakes and always look for ways to improve. That's how the pros did it.