Golf is often seen as a relaxing sport, but for beginners, it can feel anything but easy. Many new golfers struggle with the basics, and without the right guidance, bad habits can develop quickly. The good news is that most beginner mistakes are common and can be corrected with proper knowledge and practice. If you’re just starting out, golf lessons can provide the structured guidance needed to avoid frustration and improve faster. So, let’s look at some common mistakes beginners make—and how to fix them.
1. Using the Wrong Grip
One of the most common mistakes is gripping the club too tightly. Many assume this gives more control, but it actually restricts movement and affects swing fluidity.
How to Fix It:
- Hold the club with enough pressure to maintain control but not so tight that your hands become stiff.
- Imagine holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
- Check your grip position—your thumb and index finger should form a “V” pointing towards your trailing shoulder.
A relaxed grip improves clubhead speed and consistency, leading to better shots.
2. Swinging Too Hard
Many beginners believe power comes from forceful swings. However, swinging too hard disrupts balance, leads to inconsistent contact, and results in poor accuracy.
How to Fix It:
- Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than raw power.
- Let the club do the work—modern clubs are designed to generate power efficiently.
- Practice half-speed swings before progressing to full-speed shots.
A balanced swing will always outperform an uncontrolled, aggressive one.
3. Lifting the Head Too Soon
New golfers often lift their head too early to see where the ball is going, causing mishits. This usually results in topped shots or inconsistent contact.
How to Fix It:
- Keep your eyes on the ball and only look up after impact.
- Maintain posture throughout the swing and follow through naturally.
- Practice drills where you count “one-two”—”one” for the backswing, “two” for the follow-through—to slow down movements.
Staying down through impact ensures cleaner, more consistent strikes.
4. Neglecting the Short Game
Many beginners spend most of their time at the driving range, focusing on long shots while ignoring the short game. However, putting and chipping are where most strokes are gained or lost.
How to Fix It:
- Dedicate at least half your practice time to putting and chipping.
- Practice putts from different distances to develop feel and control.
- Learn how to use various clubs for chipping instead of relying solely on a wedge.
Improving your short game will have an immediate impact on your scores.
5. Using the Wrong Clubs
Beginners often use clubs that are too difficult to hit or rely too much on a single club. This makes the game unnecessarily challenging.
How to Fix It:
- Get fitted for clubs if possible—many golf shops offer free fittings.
- Use cavity-backed irons, which are more forgiving for beginners.
- Consider hybrids instead of long irons, as they are easier to hit.
Having the right equipment makes golf much easier to learn.
6. Poor Stance and Setup
Many new golfers either stand too close or too far from the ball, leading to balance issues and inconsistent shots.
How to Fix It:
- Stand so that the clubhead sits flat on the ground when addressing the ball.
- Let your arms hang naturally without being too stretched or cramped.
- Keep a slight bend in your knees with even weight distribution.
A proper stance provides better control and consistency.
7. Skipping Warm-Ups
Golf may not seem physically demanding, but starting without warming up affects performance and increases the risk of injuries.
How to Fix It:
- Stretch your shoulders, legs, and back before playing.
- Take a few slow swings to ease into your rhythm.
- Start with short shots before moving on to full swings.
A good warm-up prepares your body and mind for a better round.
8. Trying to Self-Learn Without Guidance
Many beginners rely on YouTube videos or imitate experienced golfers without understanding proper technique. While these can help, they don’t replace structured coaching.
How to Fix It:
- Take a few lessons from a professional to build solid fundamentals.
- Consider group lessons if private coaching is too expensive.
- Record your swings to analyse and track progress.
Professional guidance fast-tracks improvement and prevents bad habits.
9. Losing Patience Too Quickly
Golf is a game of patience. Many beginners expect rapid progress and get discouraged when results don’t come quickly.
How to Fix It:
- Set realistic goals and focus on gradual improvements.
- Celebrate small wins, such as making cleaner contact or reducing mishits.
- Remember that even professionals constantly refine their game.
Golf rewards consistency, so persistence is key.
Conclusion
Every beginner makes mistakes, but the key is recognising them early and making the necessary adjustments. By focusing on fundamentals, practicing regularly, and seeking professional guidance, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and enjoy steady progress. Golf is a challenging sport, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The more you understand and correct these mistakes, the more enjoyable and fulfilling your golfing journey will be. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll not only improve your skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the game.
So, if you’re serious about improving, consider taking structured golf instruction in Singapore. A good coach can help you build strong fundamentals and develop confidence in your game. With time and effort, you’ll soon find yourself hitting better shots and having more fun on the course.
