Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Do you ever think about yourself as a beginner golfer and wonder if your path to playing golf could have been different? There are tips that you can learn early on that can make all the difference when you become a true golfer. I started playing as a young kid, but I wish I had known a few of these back then! Here are 10 game-changing tips I wish I had known as a beginner golfer.
People Care More About Pace of Play Than Score
Pace of play is so much more important than your final score. Prioritize learning to keep up with the group in front of you. Always make sure you are ready to hit when it’s your turn, and be aware of your pace of play. Nobody cares if you shoot 108 or 102, but they will care if you slow the entire group down.
Cheap Golf Balls Aren’t Worth the Money
Cheap golf balls don’t help you. Yes, it hurts a little less when you lose one of these cheap balls, but they could hurt your game. Invest in quality golf balls that match your golf game.
Instead of spending $15, you should probably spend $30 to $35 and get golf balls that have decent feel, spin rates, and good distance.
It’s worth the money.
Distance Matters, But Accuracy Comes First
Learn how to get the ball in the fairway first.
Once you know how to square the clubface, you can learn to increase speed and get closer to the green.
The mistake many golfers make is to try and hit the ball first without knowing how the clubface squares.
Course Management May Be More Important Than Anything
Learn to play the golf course strategically.
Instead of hitting the ball anywhere, start to plan out your shots. Even if you are still relying on a hybrid or a 7 iron as your go to club, be smart about where you are hitting the gofl ball.
Avoid hazards, know when to lay up, and play to your strengths.
This may mean laying up on a par 4, but it could still help your score.
Golf Grip and Setup Make All the Difference
Although grip and setup are boring to practice, they are the foundations of a great golf swing. Spend time perfecting your grip and stance so that you can play more consistent golf.
You’ll have to work on the driving range until you get comfortable and know how to adjust your setup depending on the club you have in your hand.
The key is ensuring grip and setup are always part of your practice plan.
Consistency Over Power
A consistent golf swing is more important than power.
Try to create a motion in your golf game that you can repeat.
When beginners try to add power, they often make erratic swings. Instead, focus on creating something you can repeat. This eliminates variables in your game and creates consistency over power.
Short Game is Key to Lower Scores
The short game, including chipping, pitching, and putting, requires regular practice. You have to work on your short game if you want to reduce your scores.
Short game practice should include everything from tight lies with your pitching wedge to sand shots with your lob wedge.
As a beginner, you can save 10 or more shots per round if your short game improves.
Lessons Can Accelerate Your Progress
You don’t need to take lessons every single week.
It’s not worth the time or money unless you are going to really invest a lot of time into your game. Instead, take lessons once a month or when you can afford them.
You’ll be able to correct bad habits early and improve faster.
In addition, you collect great advice you can take with you for years.
Stay Patient and Positive
Golf is a challenging sport. If you plan on becoming a great golfer in the long term, you will need patience and a positive mindset. If you don’t give yourself a little patience and a positive mindset, you may struggle to stick with the game. Just remember that golf is one of the slower sports to learn, and it takes time to become a great player.
Physical Fitness Affects Performance
Physical fitness was not always considered part of becoming a great golfer. However, that has changed. If you plan on becoming a great player, add regular exercise and stretching to prevent injuries and improve your game.
Get involved in a physical fitness program that will help you feel more confident on the course and capable of moving out of the “beginner golfer” category.
Final Thoughts
How many of these things did you know when you first started playing golf? It’s hard to understand these things as a beginner golfer but trust those who have been in the game for a long time. Don’t make the game more complicated than it needs to be.
