5 Common Golf Mistakes Beginners
If you’re new to golf, you’ve probably already realised it’s one of the most enjoyable yet challenging sports out there. Many beginner golfers struggle with the same problems—whether it’s keeping the ball straight, making clean contact, or avoiding those frustrating slices and hooks.
The good news? Most of these golf swing mistakes are easy to fix once you know what’s going wrong. Here are five of the most common golf tips for beginners that will help you play better, hit straighter shots, and enjoy your time on the course.
1. Gripping the Club Too Tightly
A lot of beginner golf players think they need to hold the club as hard as possible. This “death grip” creates tension in your hands, wrists, and arms, which makes it much harder to swing the golf club smoothly.
How to fix it:
Hold the golf club like you’re holding a tube of toothpaste—firm enough that it doesn’t slip, but not so tight that you squeeze anything out. A lighter grip allows for a more natural release of the clubhead, improving both distance and accuracy.
2. Trying to Hit the Ball Too Hard
New golfers often try to swing the driver like they’re in a long drive competition. But real golf swing power comes from technique, rhythm, and balance—not pure muscle. Overswinging usually leads to off-centre hits, slices, or even topped shots.
How to fix it:
Focus on a smooth, controlled swing at about 70% power. Practice making consistent contact with the centre of the clubface. You’ll be surprised how much farther you hit the golf ball with a clean strike.
3. Neglecting the Short Game
Many golf beginners spend all their practice time smashing balls at the driving range, but your short game—chipping, pitching, and putting—accounts for most of your shots in a round.
How to fix it:
Dedicate at least half your practice time to golf putting drills and simple chip shots. Even shaving one or two putts per round will lower your score faster than hitting your drives 10 metres farther.
4. Poor Alignment
If your aim is off before you even swing, the best golf swing mechanics in the world won’t save you. Many golfers think they’re aiming at the target, but their feet, hips, and shoulders are actually lined up incorrectly.
How to fix it:
Pick a small target a metre or two in front of your ball (like a broken tee or a leaf) that’s directly on your target line. Align your clubface to that spot first, then set your feet parallel to your target line. Think of your stance and clubface like train tracks—both running straight toward the hole.
5. Playing with the Wrong Equipment
The wrong golf clubs can make learning the game much harder. If your shafts are too stiff, grips too small, or clubs too long, you’ll struggle with golf swing consistency and ball control.
How to fix it:
Visit a golf store or pro shop for a beginner golf club fitting. You don’t need top-of-the-line equipment, but getting clubs that fit your height, strength, and swing speed will make the game far more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts for Beginner Golfers
Golf is a game of small improvements. Don’t try to fix everything at once—focus on one or two areas each round or practice session. Over time, your golf swing basics will improve, your confidence will grow, and you’ll start shooting lower scores.
Remember, the goal is to have fun. Celebrate the good shots, laugh off the bad ones, and enjoy the walk around the course.
Extra Tip: Before your next round, spend 10 minutes on the putting green and chipping area. It’s the fastest way to shave strokes from your score without changing your full swing.
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