Golf Made Simple

Buy golf clubs that fit you. That is one of the most basic pieces of advice a golfer can get. The clubs don't have to be the most modern, titanium-shafted clubs with extra-large heads. They just have to be the right length and feel comfortable in your hands. You can't swing the clubs comfortably if they are not the right length.

Swing the club at a reasonable pace. Most new golfers want to hammer the ball down the fairway with their driver when they get on the tee at the first hole. To do so, they draw the club back and swing the club as hard as they can. This is a mistake. Instead, the swing should be steady and smoothly paced with the golfer's focus remaining on the back of the ball. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your left (front) shoulder should be facing the target.

Learn how your clubs differ from one another. Know that you use a pitching wedge, 9-iron and 8-iron for approach shots to the green. Use your 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-irons for shots from the fairway or short rough. Use your driver or 3-wood from the tee box.

Read the green before you stand over your putt. Get about 10 feet behind your ball on the putting green, and look for the angle of the breaks of the green. Sometimes the slope of the green will be obvious, but other times the breaks will be subtle. Do not stand over your ball for more than 10 seconds once you have read the green. Take one practice swing and putt the ball. Standing over the ball longer than that can give any golfer an attack of nerves and cause you to grip the club too tightly or start shaking. This is known as getting a case of the yips.

Go to the practice range to develop a smooth and cohesive swing. This is one of the most important aspects of the game. Your swing becomes your signature, and it takes time to develop a good one. Try to get to the range at least twice a week if your schedule will allow it.