Proper Golf Swing Basics for New Golfers

When addressing proper golf swing basics for new golfers, the idea is keep things simple and not try emulating the pros. They are past simple golf swing basics in their games, as their golf swings are so far advanced to ours that it would only cause more frustration than this great game of golf already has. What I would like to propose to the new golfer is to get very simple in their golf swing basics, and once that is in place build from that foundation.

Golf Swing Basics Start with the Short Game

1. Work on the golf short game first. I suppose because we start a hole from the tee, people learning the game think that is where their training should begin. I believe proper golf swing basics begin with the chip shot, then moving up, ending with the driver. The object of any swing is what happens at ball contact, and the rest of the swing is only in support of ball contact. The closer you get to the hole, the greater number of times you will use a particular club. Then doesn’t it stand to reason the more time you use a particular club during a round of golf, the more time you should put into practicing with it? It is natural for the new golfer to walk onto the driving range, pull out the driver, and hit half a bucket of balls with it. But how many times do you hit a driver during a round of golf? Fourteen at most, and some of those swings with the driver another club would have been the better choice. Give the driver a rest.

2. Work on contact, not club speed. Controlled contact will serve your game much better than working to generate club speed for distance. This is why we start with the chip around the green, as it has the shortest length in the swing, and therefore is the most controlled of any club. When the new golfer practices this shot, he should always here a crisp “click” on the ball at contact. Also, practice eliminating any side-spin which on the longer clubs will cause a slice or hook.  Personally I have found Rescue Clubs to help in hitting a straighter ball than with the long irons.

3. Be under control.  As you move up from the chip when developing proper golf swing basics, think “smooth and under control” rather than “fast and aggressive”. Swinging the club harder might send the ball further, but only if you strike it solidly. But even if you strike it solidly but impart a great deal of side-spin, the ball will be in worse position than if you hit it 50 or 100 yards less, but with more control.

4. Get in reasonable shape.  It would be very difficult for the new golfer, or that matter any golfer, to maintain proper golf swing basics without being in decent physical shape. Muscles used for a proper golf swing are not used on a regular basis, so they should be maintained with an off-course program.

This is just a primer course in proper golf swing basics. The new golfer should always be patient in his progress and above all try to maintain a correct rhythm and tempo. But above all, have fun, and understand that playing this game better is a journey, not a destination.

HANK HANEY PlaneFinder-Right HandHank Haney PlaneFinder-Right Hand The Hank Haney PlaneFinder is for golfers who want to improve their swing. The concept of swinging the golf club on the proper plane was first articulated by Ben Hogan in his classic 1957 instructional book, Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf. Years later, legendary teacher Hank Haney has made swinging on plane the cornerstone of his work with Tour players and high handicappers alike. And now, along with inventor Rusty Pies, Haney has created the PlaneFinder, a unique and innovative device that provides immediate feedback if the club deviates from the proper plane on both the backswing and downswing. Tour players and golf instructors alike know that swinging on the proper plane is the key to effortless power, laser-like accuracy and, most of all, consistency. Golfers can improve all of those aspects in very short order as their swing plane improves. Not only can they use the PlaneFinder during practice sessions at the range but at home as well. And, the PlaneFinder works equally well with every club in the golfer s bag, from lob wedge to driver. The beauty of the PlaneFinder is that you find out immediately what you re doing right and what you re doing wrong, said Hank Haney. And then by making subtle adjustments to the swing, every golfer can quickly discover their proper plane and how to remain on it. There s a big difference between feel and real and the Plane Finder never lies. It s the next best thing to having a personal lesson with Hank Haney! The PlaneFinder is available in both a right-handed and left-handed model. The PlaneFinder is portable, lightweight, and can be used anywhere-the home, office or at the range and will groove and improve your swing right away.