What do you really call a good golfer? Dig deep into the habits, mindset, skills, and secrets behind that elusive label—plus actionable advice to level up your own game.
Improve Golf: Quick Tips to Play Better Now
Want to hit longer, straighter shots without spending hours in a gym? You don’t need fancy equipment or a pro coach. A few small changes to your grip, stance, and practice routine can make a noticeable difference. Below are easy, real‑world ideas you can start using on the range or the course today.
Simple Swing Adjustments
First thing to check is your grip. Hold the club so you see two knuckles on your left hand (for right‑handed players) and the “V” formed by thumb and forefinger points to your right shoulder. If the grip is too tight, your wrists will feel stuck and the clubhead will slice. Loosen the pressure a little and feel the club swing more freely.
Next, look at your stance. Your feet should be shoulder‑width apart for most full swings. If you’re fighting a slice, try opening your stance just a touch—point your front foot slightly toward the target. This encourages the club to come from the inside and reduces the side‑spin that pushes the ball left.
Finally, focus on a smooth tempo. Count “one‑two” in your head: “one” for the backswing, “two” for the downswing. Rushing the downswing makes you lose control and can lead to mishits. A steady rhythm helps you keep the clubface square at impact.
Practice Drills That Actually Work
Spending three minutes on a simple drill beats an hour of random hitting. One of my favorites is the "tee drill" – place a tee just outside the ball’s line and try to hit the ball without touching the tee. This forces a clean, inside‑to‑outside swing path and improves contact.
Another easy drill is the "pause at the top." Swing back, then pause for two seconds before starting the downswing. The pause helps you feel a full shoulder turn and prevents early release, which often causes slices.
Don’t forget short‑game practice. Set up a 10‑yard circle around the hole and try to get at least eight balls within that circle in 20 putts. That builds confidence and helps you read greens faster, which saves strokes on the course.
When you’re on the range, use a training aid like an alignment stick or a headcover placed just outside the ball. It gives a visual cue for an inside swing path and stops you from slipping out to the right.
Remember, consistency beats power. Hit the same club, same ball, and same routine every time you practice. The muscle memory you build will translate directly to better scores when you play.
Finally, keep a short journal of what you worked on and how you felt. Write down any changes in distance or direction. Over a few weeks you’ll spot patterns, know what works for you, and stay motivated.
Improving your golf game doesn’t require a major overhaul. Small, focused tweaks to grip, stance, tempo, and practice habits can add up fast. Try one or two of these ideas this week, and you’ll notice the difference on the next round. Happy swinging!