7 Ways to Improve Your Golf Game

Golfers can improve their game with a variety of tips and practices, enhancing their chipping, putting, form and general mental preparation. Golf is a game where intricacies matter, with every professional golfer on a constant quest to improve.

Take a look at these seven ways to improve your golf game:

1. Work on Your Weaknesses

Every golfer’s weaknesses are unique. As such, it’s crucial to identify yours by keeping simple statistics of your playing. Track your greens in regulation, fairway hits, total putts and other counting stats. There are even sites that help you electronically track golf data while providing a handicap for each part of your game. It’s easier to improve your golf game when you know which areas are of pressing importance.

2. Clubface Control

Clubface control often separates players regarding skill. You can work on this control by practicing form. Assume a standard grip, twist your bottom hand, so it’s facing away from you and then act as if you’re wiping your palm across a table. This form of practice will help you face toward the ball more quickly in the downswing.

3. Torso Rotation

Your torso is like an engine for your swing. Torso rotation plays a huge role in generating speed and power for the swing. A correct backswing requires establishing your spine angle by turning your torso away from the target. Position your left shoulder close to being over your right leg, maintaining this same posture throughout the backswing. When starting the downswing, rotate the torso toward your target, up until your right shoulder is closer to your left leg than the right. Keep these tips in mind to establish your torso as a major factor in generating speed and power.

4. Don’t Neglect the Short Game

As fun as it is to hit the driving range, some golfers neglect to refine their short game. As a practice of habit, start rolling a few putts before teeing. Before working on longer shots, dedicate yourself to picking up a putting drill and practicing the short game before or after every round. Even mini-golfing with the kids can help you practice your short game.

5. Enlist the Help of a Private Instructor

It’s possible to improve your golf game on your own, though it’s almost always better with a private instructor. Private golf instruction often can include single or multiple-session options, with a PGA professional helping to guide golfers of all experience levels in a comfortable learning atmosphere. Private instructors are especially helpful if there’s a part of your golf game that isn’t getting better with personal practice.

6. Upgrade Your Equipment

Old equipment may be preventing you from getting the most out of your practice. For example, if golf grips are disintegrating in your hands, you will lack grip. In this case, it’s time to upgrade your equipment. Similarly, if the grooves on your wedges are worn down to the point of being invisible, it’s time for new equipment. If you can, it’s also a good idea to get fitted for clubs, so you can ensure your equipment fits your body and swing.

7. Study the Best Golfers

Watching golf, both in person and on television, is a great way to gain enthusiasm for the game of golf, as well as teach you some things about form. Some professional golfers even have tutorial videos on YouTube that showcase form tips. Watch golf tournaments and seek out tutorials from experts to constantly improve your game.

Whether it’s on your own or with an instructor, improving your golf game is a rewarding endeavor, no matter your skill level or aspirations.