New golfers often face challenges in determining and finding a suitable golf training method for themselves. To assist golfers in gaining a better understanding of the golf training process for beginners, this article compiles valuable and practical information from the reviews of over 60 coaches at the GGA Academy.
Training Methods for Beginner Golfers Golf is consistently regarded as one of the few sports with a high level of difficulty. In golf, physical strength or confrontation skills are not required; instead, golfers need various skills such as observation, measurement, patience, and composure. Therefore, golf is often seen as a sport for successful business professionals. However, this perception is gradually fading as golf becomes more accessible to a wider audience while still retaining the essential values of green sports.
3 Fundamental Golf Training Techniques for Beginners
For new or high-handicap golfers, mastering fundamental techniques and practicing diligently is crucial during the initial 2-3 months of entering the world of green sports. The following are basic skills to focus on:
1/ Grip Technique
Simply holding a golf club doesn’t immediately translate to hitting the ball. Learning how to grip the club is an essential aspect of beginning golf.
Basic steps for gripping a golf club for beginners:
Step 1: Start with the left hand, with fingers wrapped around the handle so that the grip force is concentrated on the fingers. Step 2: Next, place the right hand on the club, with the right pinkie finger close to the left index finger. Step 3: Position the left thumb over the lifeline of the right palm.
Holding the golf club with the correct technique is a crucial foundation for future success in playing golf. Let’s explore the proper grip with the engaging series from the Golf Secretary’s Guide below.
Points to note in the golf club grip technique:
- There are various ways to grip the club. However, beginners can flexibly grip the club for maximum comfort.
- Avoid gripping the club too tightly.
- Do not hold the grip too high or too low.
After mastering the club face technique, ensure that it is square to the ball.
2/ Basic Golf Swing Technique
The golf swing is a challenging stroke that is difficult to achieve with precision and high efficiency for those new to this sport. It is challenging but indispensable, and everyone needs to practice basic swing techniques to conquer the game of golf.
Here are 8 steps to execute the standard golf swing technique like a pro:
Step 1: Setup The setup posture determines over 50% of the effectiveness of the shot. Begin with feet shoulder-width apart, grip the club square to the ball, and slightly bend your knees for balance.
Step 2: Takeaway Initiate the golf swing by lifting the club. Distribute force to the shoulders and back, ensuring a stable swing path compared to focusing force on the hands or wrists. Beginners may tend to use arm strength, leading to short distances and challenging control, requiring more practice initially.
Step 3: Backswing Rotate the shoulders and lift the club as high as possible. Extend the arms to create a wide, circular swing path with maximum force. Imagine the body as a compass with the torso as the central pole. This step allows golfers to generate optimal force for a long and accurate shot.
Step 4: Top of Swing At this point, the club is ready to move straight toward the ball and make contact. As the club approaches the ball, golfers rotate their shoulders fully to transfer striking force to the club. If executed correctly, the club stops at the midpoint between the shoulders and ears. Incorrect execution may lead to a faulty downswing and potential club injuries.
Step 5: Downswing This is a crucial and challenging step for those new to golf. As the downswing begins, body weight shifts to the left foot, gradually transferring to the right foot upon impact. This step demands smoothness, concentration, and reflexes, ensuring a balanced body as the weight shifts from the left to the right foot.
Step 6: Impact As the club contacts the ball, players must rotate their hips toward the target, and both hands on the club should point towards the ball for a powerful, decisive shot with increased distance.
Step 7: Follow Through After the club face makes contact with the ball, the golfer maintains the swing momentum, rotating the body. The arms remain straight, rotating across the body, with full weight on the left foot and balanced right foot. Therefore, players need to control force and balance their center of gravity for optimal balance.
Step 8: Finish For a visually appealing finish, golfers complete the swing when the back trouser pocket button points toward the target. A well-executed golf swing results in precision and elegance.
3/ Basic Putting Technique
Putting is a technique used frequently in golf matches. The act of gently guiding the ball into the hole is not as straightforward as many believe.
To achieve an accurate putting stroke, golfers need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Observation and Measurement Firstly, observe the terrain and the direction the ball needs to roll towards the hole. This step helps golfers assess and calculate the force required for the stroke. For instance, if the terrain is downhill, short, and the ball is soft, a gentler stroke is needed, and vice versa.
Step 2: Stance Setup Position the body parallel to the direction of the stroke, with a slight weight shift to the front of the feet. Keep the head steady to stabilize the body. It is crucial to maintain the club face square to the direction of the stroke, with the main force coming from the shoulders, arms, and chest for optimal club control.
Step 3: Proper Club Grip When practicing putting, players don’t need to exert excessive force. The grip should be relaxed, but firm enough to guide the club evenly upward, maintaining a stable rhythm. The speed of bringing the club up should be half the speed of bringing it down.
Step 4: Adjusting the Stance Review the stance and the ball’s trajectory before swinging the club. At this step, golfers may consider making a few imaginary strokes to visualize the ball’s path and trajectory.
Step 5: Execute the Putting Stroke Adjust the force applied to the ball just right to make it roll slowly and steadily towards the hole. When executing a putting stroke, the club’s striking face should remain on the ground.
Mastering these fundamental techniques in golf, from gripping the club to executing a proper swing and putting stroke, is essential for any golfer, especially those new to the sport. Regular practice and attention to detail will contribute to a more enjoyable and successful golfing experience.
Above is the most detailed synthesis to help golfers gain a better understanding of the most fundamental techniques and training processes.
