Golf is a game that seems simple enough when you first start playing-you just hit a ball with a stick and try to get it in a hole. But there are many nuances to the game that can cost you strokes if you’re not aware of them. Here are nine mistakes golfers make that can cost them strokes on the course.
1. Not keeping your eye on the ball – It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most common mistakes golfers make. When you take your eye off the ball, you lose focus and your swing will suffer as a result.
2. Gripping the club too tightly – A death grip on the club will only lead to tension and a loss of power in your swing. Relax your grip and let the club do the work.
3. Swinging too hard – Again, this is a mistake that leads to loss of power and accuracy in your swing. Take a smooth, easy swing and trust that the club will make contact with the ball.
4. Not keeping your head down – Keeping your head up during your swing will result in a loss of power and accuracy. Keep your head down and focused on the ball throughout your swing.
5. Overextending your arms – Reaching too far for the ball will cause you to lose balance and stability in your swing. Keep your arms close to your body and maintain your balance throughout the swing.
6. Slouching – Slouching during your swing will prevent you from making a full turn and will also cause you to lose power. Keep your back straight and shoulders square throughout the swing.
7. Spinning out – Spinning out is when your feet come off the ground during your swing, causing you to lose balance. This is a common mistake made by beginners who are trying to hit the ball too hard. Keep your feet planted and use your body weight to generate power in your swing.
8. Casting – Casting is when you release the club too early in your swing, causing you to lose power and accuracy. Keep your wrists cocked until just before impact for maximum power in your swing.
9. Slicing – Slicing is a common mistake that causes the ball to travel to the right of the target. This is usually caused by an incorrect grip or improper swinging technique. To fix a slice, make sure your grip is correct and that you’re swinging from the inside out.
Avoid these mistakes and you’ll be well on your way to shooting lower scores on the golf course. Remember, practice makes perfect- so get out there and start working on your game!
