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golf fundamentals
Golf Fundamentals
Playing golf requires every player to adhere
to the fundamentals before they can excel at
the game. There are just certain things that need to
be up to par in order to play golf at any other level
besides weekend hack. These are the following golf
fundamentals that need to be addresses before playing
golf.
Ball Position - It is
important to know where the ball is with respect to
the bottom of the swing. This spot will vary from player
to player. In all full shots from a good lie the ball
position should be placed slightly ahead of center to
about 3 inches ahead of center depending on the club
length.
A proper swing requires excellent
balance. Placing your feet together take some controlled
short swings letting your body twist as the club swings
throughout your motion. With your feet together now
lengthen each swing until the club does not go back
any further. Take a few practice strokes and keep your
feet together.
Now widen your stance to about shoulder width and feel
the increased balance. Take a few full strokes and notice
how your weight moves back and forth with each motion.
Remember to follow through as good balance is required
in all three phases of the swing (address, back swing,
follow through).
Without a good grip you cant
really swing the club. Since the only part of your
body that touches the club are your hands it only stands
to reason that what you do with your hands will determine
where the ball is hit. Maintaining a neutral, balanced
grip, is key to consistent play and solid golf shots.
If you're a golfer just
starting out, your number one priority is to learn
the proper grip. It won't feel comfortable at first,
but the results of sticking with it far outweigh the
struggle.
A solid stance is critical
to develop a good golf swing. Standing upright with
your feet about shoulder width apart, lean forward a
bit keeping your back straight. Your arms should be
hanging down by your side. Keep your chin off your chest
and look at the ball out of the bottom part of your
eyes.
Your right shoulder (right handed golfers) should be
a bit lower than your left. Balance your weight equally
on both feet. Keep your center of gravity slightly forward
and off your heels.
Now, bend your knees slightly making sure to keep your
posture. The chin should be off the chest, back straight
and rear end sticking out. Memorize how this position
feels and practice it frequently.
Develope a ball striking routine.
Have you ever noticed how good golfers have a ritual
they go through before they hit the ball? It's called
a pre-shout routine and is necessary to have one of
your own.
It's totally up to you to create your routine. Whether
it's walking up to the ball, marking a target, scoping
distance, a waggle, and the swing or some other variation.
It does not matter as long as it's performed before
EVERY shot made. Doing this instills confidence, trains
your mind, and makes the game much more fun.
Do you know where you are going
to hit the ball? Some golfers just hit the ball
and hole it goes where they want. Others pick a target
and aim.
 Look
over your left shoulder and point it to your target.
Position yourself in front of the golf ball with your
left shoulder still pointing to the target. Position
the ball in your stance according to the step above.
You should be able to follow draw an imaginary line
to your target across the front of your feet and one
from the ball to your target.
Once you have your target marked and your aim in line
trust your position and focus on the ball. The target
will not move and will not need any further adjustment.
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