Golf Swing Techniques For The Beginner Golfer

So you've just started to play the game of golf.  Congratulations, if you stick with it your in for a very enjoyable time even if it doesn't feel like it right now.  Being new to golf you probably are facing a number of frustrations trying to figure out what the secret to success is.

Well it's all in the golf swing technique.  Let me qualify that.  It's all in a great golf swing technique. 

Golf swing technique is more about education than physical ability.  Golf can be a very complex game to play.  After all, what other sport has 13 pieces of personal equipment required to play the game.  One analyst has identified 24 separate elements to the golf swing!  And then there's the mind games.  This sport is loaded with knee knocking shots that will screw with your confidence like no tomorrow.

So what's the secret to a good golf swing technique given all this complexity?  Just keep it simple.

Create a routine that's easy to remember and that is easy to repeat time and time again.

Here's the basics:

• Always take a practice swing or two to remind your muscles what you want them to do when you actually swing at the ball.  This gives you a chance to test the lie as well.
• Alignment is essential.  If your club head is aimed at one target and any part of your body, shoulders, hips or feet, are aimed somewhere else, where the ball lands will be a crap shoot.
• A straight spine is key.  When you address the ball bend from the hips not your back.  Your shoulders will be turning around your spine and if it isn't straight neither will your swing be.
• For iron shots lean a little forward keeping your head in line with your spine.  This allows you to hit down on the ball.  For metal shots its just the reverse as you want to hit the ball on the upswing.
• When you swing just keep this thought in mind "swing easy hit long".  The swing should be slow and smooth.  Club head speed is developed in the swing arc not by flailing away at the ball like you had a baseball bat in your hands.

These are great tips for beginners.  The more you learn the correct fundamentals the less you'll have to make up as you go.  If you don't know the correct fundamentals you'll try to compensate for your bad shots by adjusting the club face, grip or stance.  The deeper you get into this trap the harder it will be to get to a correct swing.

Educate yourself and keep the faith.  You're going to love this game.