How To Be A Good Golfer

Becoming a good golfer, as in someone proficient at the game, can take up to two years of experience on average. If you want to speed up the process a little, here are some tips and tricks to be aware of that most great golfers have in their bag of philosophies about how to play.

Being a good golfer requires knowing the tools and techniques to use and when and having the time to invest in good old-fashioned practice on the course. This isn't just about getting better. It's about getting good! 

Let's learn how to improve as a golfer.

Firstly, the best golfers use a warm-up routine before swinging at high speeds. If you aren't priming your body to take those swings, you run a worse chance of swinging consistently, increasing the likelihood of injury. 

To warm up, use a foam roller, stretch, and hit the driving range. Start slow with wedges, irons, and then woods, working your way up to maximum swing speed.

Golf clubs are the most important. Most new golfers use a long iron for everything, but it's hard to hit consistently with one. Instead, use driving irons, hybrids, and fairway woods. These are lighter, easier to maneuver, and more forgiving. Likewise, pick your putting equipment carefully. You can choose either new or used putters.

However, play what suits your game. It's okay to mix, but ensure each club you have at the ready has a specific distance use in mind. Learning what golf clubs work for you will dramatically improve your game and increase your confidence in those tougher shots.

When you play a new course, use a rangefinder, golf watch, or golf GPS to preview your hole from a bird's eye view. This means there's no guessing where to aim, and all hazards are visible before you take your swing.

Golf is a game of strategy. Learn strategies for every shot. Define a tee box strategy to get to an optimal position off the tee. From there, look at how to attack the green and not be overly aggressive on approach shots. 

By looking at other golfers' strategies and gaining practice to see what works for you, you can further improve your golf game. You also educate yourself in ways others have not.

Don't curve it left or right. Play one shot shape every time. This way, you're consistent. So many golfers attempt to hit high cuts low draws, and use a half-dozen types of shots or more. You don't need to have all these mastered to be a good or even a champion golfer. 

Instead, fixate and master a one-shot shape. A one-shot shape will always work unless you're behind a tree or navigating another obstacle.

We usually talk about picking the right golf club for the job, but the type of golf ball you choose is equally important. The ball should match the clubhead speed. There is no reason to play a pro-level PGA Tour golf ball if you aren't swinging for the fences like the pros. 

Just know these two things. Firmer golf balls require higher swing speeds, and golf ball selectors can be very helpful in finding you the right type of golf ball for what you're playing.

Practice on an actual golf course. The driving range is fun, but it doesn't get you experience. A golf course won't present you with a ball sitting perfectly flat. You may have it in the rough, on a slope, or both, or facing complex conditions you must work around. Don't keep score when you're practising. Just get it done. 

Practice different shots, i.e. long bunker shots, hitting from the rough, hitting over water, playing punch shots from under trees, and putting from long range. Using the right golf clubs and playing on a real golf course is one of the best things you can do to help your golf game.

Yes, training aids are helpful. If they are used too often, however, you rely on them. A golfer who grows dependent on training aids won't be able to master a swing unassisted and will lack consistency in their performance. Try to use training aids only a quarter of the time of your practice sessions and leave the rest up to you.

Some golfers have played for over 50 years and are still learning, improving, and discovering new information about the game. Don't ever think your time as a student is done. If you can be a good golfer, you have a chance at being a great golfer, and it takes adopting a long-term student mentality to get there.