3. GO ONLINE
The Internet is full of useful information and instructional tips on how to play golf, from message boards to coach's pages, as well as how-to articles and simulation modules. With the right site you can have a full golf lesson without ever leaving your computer monitor. An excellent site is http://www.hpga.net, the home page of the Higher Performance Golf Academy. This site is full of helpful information, including a step-by-step guide on how to swing a golf club. There are also plenty of articles to read and even radio broadcasts to listen to. Another site that is worth the time to check out is http://www.golflessonsonline.com, where you can find information and answers on every aspect of the game.
Practice Really Does Make Perfect
As much as you may hate to admit it, there really is no better way learn to play golf than by going out to greens and doing it. After all, practice really does make perfect. Whether you opt to practice by taking swings with a friend or heading to a driving range, the more swings you take the better you'll get. Once you learn the rules of the game from the books and videos, the only other step left is to work on your swing. When learning how to swing a golf club, be sure to keep these fundamentals in mind:
Set a Target: Obviously the goal is to hit the golf ball as near to the hole as you can, but you can't just swing and hope that it gets there. Before you do anything you need to find the target. Start by standing behind the tee and lining your sight up with the green. Then find a mark just ahead of the ball that lines up with your target. This is where your swing should meet the ball.
Get a Grip: Once you're all lined up, the next step is to grip the club and take several practice swings. Your grip should be comfortable and relaxed so your arms can follow through with the swing. Put your dominant hand directly below the other hand.
Stance: Stand a little less than arms length away from the tee, facing the ball and your target, with both feet together. Then shift your feet slightly so your left foot is slightly ahead of your right foot, making your feet about shoulder-width apart.
Swing Away: Start your swing by drawing the club forward and ahead of the ball. Then pull the club straight back until it is parallel to the ground. When you swing, the club should come follow this same path. Remember to never pause at the top as the swing should be one fluid movement. As you swing, keep your head down and watch the club strike the ball. Once the ball is hit, follow through with your swing until the club hits your back and your head is drawn up to follow the ball's path.
Now that you've practiced your swing at least once, you can go to a driving range, or your back yard, and practice perfecting it. By starting in the books and then following up with practice, practice and more practice, you'll soon be on our way to the pros, or at least regular evenings spent chasing balls out of sand traps.
And now for a quick laugh, check out this funny article about theUS Open .
