Learn to Play Golf

Golf is a very popular sport that you can play for many years. It is great to do in your leisure time as well as with business colleagues. You can learn to play golf by learning to hit the ball correctly, understanding the basics of the game, and practicing your skills. The game of golf takes a lot of practice and determination to see success.

Steps

Learning to Hit the Ball

  1. Align your body with the ball. Your face, shoulders, hips, and feet should all be facing the ball before you swing. Your body should be parallel to the hole. Make sure that your feet are shoulder width apart for maximum balance. Lean forward slightly as you position the club to the ball.[1]
  2. Position your hands correctly on the club. Place your dominant hand below your non-dominant hand. Keep your arms straight. Since you are leaning forward, your arms will be hanging down below your chin.[1]
    • For example, if you are right handed, your right hand will be closer to the ground.
  3. Perfect your backswing. Move the club back away from the ball. If you are right handed, you move the club backwards to the right. Your right elbow should bend slightly, but your left elbow will remain straight. Your shoulders will twist slightly. Raise the club until it is somewhere between hip and shoulder height. This should feel comfortable. Do not force your body to swing the club high.[1]
    • If you are left handed this will be reversed. You will bring the club backwards to the left, bending your left elbow and keeping your right elbow straight.
  4. Hit the ball. Swing the club forcefully towards the ball. If you are right handed, you will swing the club to the left. Once you hit the ball, follow through with your club. Allow the club to continue to swing over your left shoulder. At this point, both of your elbows will be bent.
    • Keep your eye on the ball the entire time. Look where you want the ball to go before you swing.
    • If you are left handed you will swing the club to the right.
  5. Shorten your backswing with putting. As you get closer to the hole, you will want to change your swing slightly. When you putt, use a shorter backswing. Lightly tap the ball. The ball should roll on the ground instead of flying through the air. Continue your follow through and keep your eye on the ball at all times.[2]
  6. Use the correct club. There are several different types of clubs in a set of golf clubs. The driver is the club that is used for long distance. This should be used on your first hit. The putter is the club that is used for short distances. An iron is used for hits that are less than 200 yards away. Hybrid clubs have been developed recently to be used in place of drivers and irons.[3]

Understanding the Game

  1. Respect the rules of the course. While there are specific golf rules that are followed on every course, there are often course specific rules as well.[4]
    • For example, course specific rules indicate where the boundaries are on the course.
  2. Determine the order of play. Each player in the game should hit their first round. In this first round, it does not matter who hits the ball first. However, once all of the players have teed off, the player who is closest to the hole should hit first.[5]
  3. Keep score. One point will be awarded to each swing that it takes for you to get the ball into the hole. An additional point will be added if the ball goes out of bounds. These boundaries vary from course to course. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.[6]
  4. Be conscious of your time. Remember that there are other people on the course. Don’t rush the people in front of you. Also, pay close attention to how long the course is taking you. If you are taking a long time, allow the people behind you to move in front of you.[4]

Practicing Your Skills

  1. Take a golf lesson. Learn golf from people who know and understand the game. This can be in the form of a formal, paid lesson or informal lesson with a friend. Your coach will show you the proper way to hit a ball and which clubs are best to use in certain situations.
  2. Golf regularly. Once you have a good grasp on golf basics, you should practice regularly. You can practice specific steps, like teeing off, over and over until you perfect it. Be intentional about your practice.[7]
  3. Watch others golf. You can learn a lot by watching others. Watch golf videos online or tournaments on the television. Go to live matches. Take note of the golfer’s body positions and technique. Try to adopt these techniques the next time you play golf.

Tips

  • Take golf lessons from a reputable golf teacher.
  • Watch professional golfers and take note of their technique.

Warnings

  • The game of golf takes a while to learn. Be patient.
  • Failing to practice your golf technique will result in poor golfing.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://golftips.golfweek.com/proper-way-hit-golf-ball-20176.html
  2. ↑ http://www.golf.com/instruction/how-putt-tour-pro
  3. ↑ http://www.pinemeadowgolf.com/golf-clubs-101/1-basics/
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.dummies.com/sports/golf/golf-rules-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/
  5. ↑ http://www.barryrhodes.com/2010/09/rule-10-order-of-play-who-plays-first.html
  6. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/how-does-golf-scoring-work-1560492
  7. ↑ http://www.golf.com/instruction/deliberate-practice-key-improving-your-golf-game
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