Some Serious Help For Golfers

Ever watch golf on TV -- or perhaps a tourney in person? You see crowds of people watching the game, but very few actually playing. And even if you look at those playing the game, most would admit they would like to improve their game.

Why such a poor performance? I believe that it's because most golfers realize that if they are going to improve - really improve - they will have to make some significant commitments. And most are unwilling to do that. But if you are, here are some of my opinions on the game.

First of all, lay aside all the hype. You don't need to buy the latest golfing video. What you MUST do is master the fundamentals. What are they? You already know: your stance and posture, your backswing and downswing - and your putting game. Master those things before anything else.

Again I repeat, stay away from your golf pro shop - if you have your heart set on buying merchandise, that is. But you CAN get something good at your golf pro shop - buy some lessons from your club's golf pro. Those lessons will do you more good than anything else. How can you hope to master the fundamentals of the game when you are off the course, watching a video or reading a book?

When the time comes for you to buy some golfing accessories, a good thing for you to purchase would be a golf swing teaching aid. These consist of a set of straps and ropes that fasten around various parts of your body (knees, legs, arms, hands), that direct or restrict your movements as you swing. When you practice with these, you will actually be training your body in the way it should move - and after a while, when these movements have become ingrained, you can take your training aid off.

Well, what's after that? I would recommend some further lessons at this stage. You need him/her to look you over carefully as you play the game, and tell you about things that you were already told about but have forgotten. In addition, your pro can give you some advanced lessons on distance putting, chip shots, playing in the rough, etc. After all, you weren't ready to learn about those things earlier - you just needed to learn how to hit the ball straight.

Let me take a moment to take about golf clubs. This is probably the area where more money is wasted than anywhere else. If you are a newbie to the game, don't even bother buying a set until you have played at least 5 games. Until then you can rent a used set. And when you buy your first set, buy a good used one - take the money you save and get some more pro lessons. At that point in your game you will benefit more from the lessons than that $1,000 set of pro clubs.

And my final recommendation? Unless you are trying to go for the Masters or the U.S. Open, try -- please try -- to keep the game on a FUN level. When you are having fun you will be more apt to keep on playing, even on those days when your score is not what is should be. And consistently returning to play is the key to becoming a great golfer. Here's to your success!