5 Common Mistakes to Avoid As An Amateur Golfer 

“No matter how good you are, you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.” 

- Tiger Woods

Golf sounds simple in theory, because realistically, all you have to do is hit a small ball into holes amid open space with rolling hills, surrounded by trees and little sand pits. Playing golf feels like heaven, being in your own space with a clear mind. But when you're the one holding the golf club, it's far more difficult than you assume. As an amateur or beginner, golf lessons are crucial to developing your confidence and talent. You know that every great golfer started somewhere, and they also needed lessons. We’re not saying you need lessons to go pro, but the better you play, the more you’ll enjoy your time on the course. The best golf lessons houston are a fantastic way to begin your golf career or amateur journey, but like with any sport, it all depends on how you learn it. 

Many beginners make blunders that can hinder their progress or lead to bad golf habits that are difficult to break later. Don’t be like them. As an amateur, you might also be making some common mistakes, and we’re here to help you fix them if you’re worried about embarrassing yourself on the course. 

Improper Grip

Most beginners believe that the harder you grip the club, the better swings you can make, but it’s a mistake. Holding the clubs too tightly while you move weakens your wrists and upper torso, making it difficult for you to move freely, which reduces your swing accuracy. Before you begin your practical golf lessons, your golf instructor should demonstrate the correct technique and gripping pressure you should apply. 

Poor Swing Speed Control

Amateur golfers usually accelerate their strokes, which results in an uncontrollable swing, poor ball contact, and balance problems in a hurry to hit the ball as far as possible. A good golf swing is not dependent on speed, but rather on the proper rhythm, timing, and movement of your club, all of which are improved if you take professional golf lessons. 

Skipping Warm-Up

Skipping a proper warm-up before playing is another common mistake made not only by beginners by veteran golfers, too. Warming is important as it gets your blood flow and muscles ready for when you play golf. Everything goes more smoothly once you get going, and it also improves your flexibility and performance while reducing the risk of injury. A solid warm-up will also help you enter the zone on a mental level. 

Bad Posture

Beginners and amateurs typically ignore or don’t prioritize posture while golfing, but bad posture is another mistake that adds to poor performance on the greens. Improper golf posture means unequal weight distribution, which can lead to problems that can hamper your handicap progress. Always maintain a straight back, relaxed arms, shoulder-width distance between your feet, slightly bent knees, and a focused gaze on the ball to play better.

Overusing the Driver

Although the driver is an essential club in your bag, golf is a complicated game that requires a lot of skill, and if you focus solely on your driving, it could hinder your progress in other areas. Practicing the short game will accelerate the development of your overall scoring abilities. Your pro golf coach will go over the various game strategies and swings with you. 

One of those games that is simple to learn yet takes a lifetime to master is golf. And if you've been having trouble with accuracy or consistency, or if you want to improve, golf lessons are the way to go. Houston Golf Lessons provides both individual and group golf lessons, helping golfers reach their full potential.