How to Improve Your Golf Swing Mechanics

By Teresa Justine Kelly

How to Improve Your Golf Swing Mechanics

Many golfers find the toughest thing about golf is maintaining a consistent swing. This results in sliced or hooked shots. To develop a routine you can trust, practice your golf swing mechanics at the driving range. This process takes time and patience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Grip the club in your fingers and not in the palm of your hands. On a scale from one to 10, with 10 being the firmest, hold the club with a grip pressure of about a three.

Step 2

Aim the club face toward your target, then set your body into position. Your feet, hips and shoulders should be parallel to the target line. Proper alignment is critical to achieving a straight shot.

Step 3

Stand slightly wider than shoulder-width apart at address. For a right-handed swing, place the ball just inside your left heel. Your hands should be placed about an inch behind the ball with the shaft in line with your hands. The extended club and your stance form a triangle.

Step 4

Begin the takeaway, or backswing, by maintaining the triangle you made at address. Your hands, arms and shoulders should all move together in one piece. Halfway back in your takeaway, your club should be parallel to the target line.

Step 5

Create the letter "L" with your right elbow at the top of your backswing. Make sure the club face is square at the top of your backswing.

Step 6

Stay on the same plane in your downswing. As you begin your downswing, the butt of the shaft of your club should be pointing at or near the ball. This will optimize your chances of squaring the club face at impact, providing a straight, solid shot.

Tips & Warnings

Keep the rhythm and tempo in your backswing and downswing smooth and steady. Finish in balance with a full follow through with about 90 percent of your weight on your front foot. Practice these six fundamentals at the driving range as often as possible, to groove a swing pattern that is consistent and reliable.

Slices and hooks occur for several reasons. Always check your alignment, slow down your tempo, release tension in your hands, and make sure your club stays on plane in your downswing. A club that is off plane will not be square to the ball at impact, creating a sliced or hooked shot.

About The Author

Teresa Kelly is an avid golfer, a well-known children's and golf author, having written many books and articles for various magazines and publishing companies. She is the President of Highview Press Inc., as well as the successful golf greeting card company, Golfing Lady. www.highviewpress.com

Write for GolfLink.com

Do you work in the golf industry or have a love for the game of golf? Share your knowledge and expertise by writing for golflink.com. Learn More

Not a Member?

Join Now - It's FREE!

Member Sign In

Email Address

Password

Keep me logged in

Forgot your password?

How to Hit a Golf Ball Out of Thick Grass

Playing golf is not always about hitting great shots and sinking ...

Cures for a Slice in Golf

The slice is the most common error in golf. It afflicts almost all ...

Golf Swing Tips

The golf swing is unique to each golfer. However, there are some basics ...

How to Hit a Driver Off the Tee

The driver is one of the most important and intimidating clubs in a ...

How to Become a Golf Professional

Having a career as a golf professional does not necessarily mean ...

View All Related Articles

Video of the Day

Wedge Distance Control

By Brent Franklin

Controlling the distance on your wedge is paramount to becoming a good player, go to the range and learn the exact carry distance ... Watch the Video Now