Fundamentally, fundamentals are key.
This wise statement is true in many aspects of life. Especially in the game of golf! Master the ABC’s on the green, and everything else falls into place. The basics may be boring, but when they click into action, it’s electrifying. My students love it too!
Here are the big three fundamentals of golf:
Grip.
This is a fundamental you just can’t skip. For your top hand grip, lay the handle in your fingers so that you would be able to see a wedding band. Then, allow the back of the hand to wrap over the club handle so that you can still see the logo on your glove or at least two knuckles. For your bottom hand grip, imagine you are shaking someone’s hand, then relax or soften for more speed and tighten for less speed.
Stance and posture.
As a new golfer, keep your stance shoulder width or less until you develop your swing. Players with ten handicaps and lower can widen their stance for more power. Like playing second base or being ready to receive a tennis serve, the right athletic position keeps you mobile and well balanced through the swing. Stance and posture along with alignment are things you must “feel” rather than think about doing. Really, there’s no better way to figure these out than with a PGA coach during a hands-on lesson.
The all-important swing.
What is it supposed to feel like? When students make it into the zone with their swing, I always ask them how it felt on an effort scale of 1-10. I hear the number four a lot. Also, “effortless,” and “wow, look how far the ball went!” I ask where past efforts fell on the scale. Eight is a common response.
“I would tighten my grip or push/pull with my arms.” Setting up and executing over and over in just the right way leads my students—young, old and everything in between—to the same conclusion: “I let the club do the work and it just happened.” This realization isn’t intellectual, it’s bone deep: something you will begin to feel as soon as you’ve got your fundamentals right on the nose.
Are you ready to play the game you’ve always dreamt of? Come on out and let’s get started!
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy