Beginners Guide To Golf

Hi there,

The impact of the clubhead with the golf ball is the moment of truth for the golf swing. There are three things you need to be aware of when taking a shot. These three things must happen before you are able to hit a true shot on the target-line which flies properly.

1. The centre of the clubface has to impact below the equator of the golf ball.
2. The clubhead’s swing path must be directly along the target-line.
3. The angle of the club-blade has to be square to there target.

Golfers use different variances in their swing but all these swings have the same conclusion on impact. These variances are conducted in a similar way and are needed for a consistent accuracy in the shots. There are also six elements which need to happen in your physical body. See as follows:

1. 80 to 90 % of the weight is on the left foot.
2. The hips are turned approximately 45 degrees.
3. The head is behind the ball.
4. The shoulders are turned left about 15 degrees.
5. The hands are slightly ahead of the ball.
6. The right heel is slightly off the ground.

Similarly to putting, chipping is mainly performed by the muscles in the arms and shoulders. Hands are kept relatively steady and the golfer’s body only slightly moves with the follow through in order to allow release of the club. This movement should be like a pendulum swinging back and forth on a grandfather clock.

There are many different tips and lessons on chipping, but I find these 5 the most effective.

My best five essentials for a good, clean chipping stroke:

1. Minimum air time and maximum ground time. Keep hands in the position when addressing the shot with any club and stance should be slightly ahead of the ball on impact. Handle of all clubs should point slightly to the left of your front hip pocket. Maintain minimum hand and wrist motion through the stroke.

2. Aim for the ball to land roughly 1 yard on the green. Change club accordingly for the difference in Carry to Roll.

The following chart is useful on the average green:

10 % Carry and 90 % Roll = 5 iron
20 % Carry and 80 % Roll = 6 iron
30 % Carry and 70 % Roll = 7 iron
40 % Carry and 60 % Roll = 8 or 9 iron
50 % Carry and 50 % Roll = PW
40 % Carry and <50% Roll = SW

3. Weight should stay mainly on the left foot (right hand golfer) during the chip.

4. Use an open stance to clear the hips on the swing through.

5. Ball should be positioned slightly off the inside of the right foot (right hand golfer).

Hello there,

I have been asked over and over by both beginner golfers and advanced golfers how to position the body for a good swing. It’s really simple!

Posture is the foundation of a good golf swing. It is important to put good balance and posture into your pre-shot routine. A ritual of the events leading up to the swing is important to maintaining accuracy and drive. This all starts with posture of the golfer’s body.

Five basic steps in creating good golf posture:

1. Distribution of weight evenly between the soles of the two feet and not too much on the heels or toes is essential.

2. Bending over is done from the lower back or waist. Try to minimise curvature of the spine. It should feel like you buttocks are sticking out.

3. Avoid touching your chest with your chin. This will allow a more clean rotation. Touching you chest with your chin will only force the spine to bend giving a swing which is not accurate.

4. Flex the knees a bit. If you plumb-bobbed a golf club over your kneecap
it should rest directly above the centre of your foot.

5. Arms need to hang naturally with gravity. If done correctly, there should be a gap of about 4-6 inches between your wrists and you legs. This is enough of a gap for your arms to swing past your body freely.

Quick Posture Check

Standing sideways in front of a mirror, dangle a golf club from your shoulder. The shaft should hang down the centre of the shoulder, in front of the kneecap and end should dangle over the ball of the foot. If it is not like this, you are making a mistake somewhere and your posture is incorrect so you will need to double check.