How to Hit a Golf Ball Straight
By Steve Silverman
Golfers who want to hit the ball straight have learned the secret to enjoying their round of golf. Many beginners who get involved with the game have it in their mind that they are going to swing as hard as they can in an effort to see how far the golf ball will fly. However, new golfers learn that it's no fun to go tramping into the woods every other shot and search for an errant shot. On the other hand, hitting the ball straight--even if the shot could be longer--keeps a golfer on the course and helps him improve.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Line up properly, whether you are on the tee or hitting from the fairway or rough. Your left shoulder should be pointed directly at where you want the ball to go. Then look down at your left foot. It should be directly underneath your shoulder. This alignment will help you hit the ball straight.
Check your grip. When you look at your left hand, you should see the letter "V" formed by your thumb and your forefinger. If you can't see that letter, give your top hand a half-turn to the left and it should become plainly visible.
Do not squeeze the club too tightly. Most golf pros say that you should be holding the club at a level of "5" on a scale of 1 to 10. Any tighter than that will restrict your swing which will have a negative impact on distance and accuracy.
Keep a smooth, slow pace on your swing. Many golfers will try to rush their swing and lead with their hands because they are anxious to see where the ball ends up on the fairway. However, remember to lead with your hips and then let your hands follow in order to hit the ball accurately.
Keep your head down and eye on the ball. This simple and basic advise is as important to professionals as it is to beginners. Again, golfers are anxious to see where their shot will end up so they tend to pick up their heads too quickly and are not looking at the ball as the club makes impact with the ball. This leads to errant shots. Stay patient and keep your head down.
Tips & Warnings
Go to the driving range and pick out a target. See how many times you can hit your shot within 10 yards of your target.
Slow down your swing. Rushing your takeaway and downswing is the easiest way to lose accuracy with your shot.
About The Author
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.
