FROM THE LESSON TEE
BACK TO THE BEGINNING OR JUST STARTING
1 . Get good with the basic fundamentals You can spot a good golfer before they even hit the golf ball . Their key fundamentals of posture , grip and stance are all good , and they usually have a very specific order which they do these things ( known as a pre-shot routine ) which helps them repeat these each and every time .
2 . Understand how the ball gets into the air One of the greatest challenges beginners face is getting the ball in the air consistently . The basic concept is that in order to get the ball in the air , you need to hit the ground . Get into good posture , bending from the hips , and feel like your extending both arms into the ground during your swing , like you ’ re throwing a ball . Don ’ t be afraid to hit the ground on your practice swings to get this feeling . You ’ ll be launching beautiful shots in no time .
3 . Know how far your clubs go Even as a beginner , one of the golf basics you need to know is how far your clubs go . You may not think you ’ re consistent enough to know this , but you are . Write all the clubs you have on a piece of paper , and when you hit a shot reasonably well ( Track the yardages with a range finder or a golf app ). These numbers will change over time , but knowing your distances will help your consistency on the course .
4 . Have a reliable club from the fairway Once you tee off and your ball is on the ground in the fairway , new golfers may have a comfort level with one club over the other — you may prefer your hybrid over a fairway wood , for instance . The key is finding a club you ’ re comfortable with , and one that goes a reasonable distance to help build confidence and help you to have fun . A great choice for a reliable fairway club might be your most lofted fairway wood , like a 7-wood . A 7-wood would still travel a reasonable distance and be more consistent than a lesser lofted option . Find your “ go to ” club and build confidence and consistency .
5 . Be able to hit a basic golf chip As a beginner , you need to be able to hit a basic chip . This shot doesn ’ t need to be perfect and as a newer golfer , I would not expect you to have perfect distance control . Your goal is to have a go-to shot when you ’ re close to the green .
6 . Short game priority order Simply knowing how to manage risk by choosing the right shot can be one of those golf basics that will help you succeed as a golfer .
The smaller the motion the less the chance for error , so remember this short game priority order :
• Putt whenever you can .
• Chip when you can ’ t putt .
• Pitch ( a longer , higher chip ) only when you have to . Using this order will help you keep the ball in play even when you miss . eaglebrooke newsletter 7