To master golf, you need to master the swings, and this can feel like learning dance, where each move needs precision and balance. Most budding golfers find the swing daunting, imagining it requires brute strength or complex maneuvers; however, the key lies in rhythm and technique.
Mastering the swing basics can help you send the ball soaring smoothly through the fairway. This will ultimately lead to earning better scores and having more fun on the course. Here, we share a blog about mastering the golf swing basics that even the best golf instructors in Houston teach their students. Let’s begin.
Fundamentals of Golf Swings
First of all, we need to learn about the fundamental elements of a golf swing. So, let’s explore the following points for that.
The Grip (How to Hold the Club)
Your grip should be neutral, but some golfers need a stronger or a weaker grip. There are three types of golf grips you can have, like overlapping, interlocking, and the ten-finger grip. You should hold the club with your left hand across your finger, position the right one by interlocking, and ensure your grip is firm but not overly tight.
Weight Positioning (Keep it at Center)
The next step is distributing your weight, which should be positioned at the center of your foot, not towards the toe or the heel. Most swings will start with your weight balanced between your lead and trail leg. Keeping the weight inside your trail foot can help better utilize ground force and get more power for your shots.
Stance & Setup (Your Position Matters)
Time to work on your stance and setup. Ensure that your stance and setup are properly aligned and positioned to hit the ball with optimum accuracy and consistency, so it covers the required distance. Stand parallel to your target with your shoulder width apart. For longer clubs of challenging lies, you can slightly widen the stance, and for shorter clubs, narrow it.
Ball Position (Changes with Each Club)
Proper ball positioning helps improve consistency in striking and changes with each club. The ball should be in the middle of your stance for iron clubs and towards the heel of the lead foot when playing with a wood or driver club.
Aim & Alignment (Stand Parallel to the Target)
Aim and alignment are essential in golf, but tricky too, as you don’t face the target when swinging. Golfers stand parallel to the target; you can stand behind the ball and look at a spot between you and the hole to use as an alignment point.
Takeaway (Determines the Rest of Your Game)
How you take the club backwards for a shot can determine the rest of your game. Make sure that your club is going back because of a rotation in your hips and shoulders. Takeaway is best when it’s low and slow, as it helps you create extension in your backswing and ensure that the clubface is not opening or closing as it moves back.
Backswing (Your Body Turns and Rotates)
During the backswing, your body turns and rotates, and the club will swing further back and around you. During the backswing, do not add extension to the lead wrist; keep your left arm straight, but allow rotation, and maintain balance throughout the swing, and ensure that the upper and lower body are involved.
Transition and Downswing (Backswing Becomes Downswing)
The transition takes place when the backswing becomes downswing. The moves you make during this transition greatly impact your shot. You should start your downswing by rotating your hips towards the target. Your arm will follow the motion of your body, creating some lag in your swing. During this time, keep the left wrist flat and don’t allow it to open towards the target.
Impact (Position Differs Based on Club Type)
The impact position can differ based on club type, but you can nail it by flexing the lead wrist. This keeps the clubface square with the target. In this position, your head will stay behind the ball as you move towards impact. Your arms and forearms will start rotating, helping you encourage a square clubface during the shot.
Finish (Just Unwind Your Body Through Impact)
To perfectly finish the shot, just unwind your body through impact. Face your target with the club over your shoulder and lead your weight on your front foot. At this position, you should be able to watch your golf shot.
Expert Golf Classes in Houston
Are you looking for a professional golf coach in Houston who can help you improve your golf swing and make great scores? Then, we are Houston Golf Lessons, a team of professional instructors. We are led by Greg Boyd, the owner of this company, and one of the best golf instructors in Houston. Whether you need individual training or group sessions, we can help. All our golf classes are available at economical prices, so you don’t need to break the bank. Contact us and book your golf classes today!