Struggling to Get Consistent Golf Shots? You Might Be Making These Mistakes…
Let’s be real—golf is one of the hardest sports to master. But here’s the good news: most beginner struggles come from a handful of common mistakes. Fix those, and you’ll start hitting straighter, longer shots in no time.
If you’re tired of slices, fat shots, and wasted strokes, keep reading. I’ll walk you through the biggest mistakes new golfers make—and simple, proven fixes to help you level up your game fast.
1. Poor Grip = No Control
Your grip is your only connection to the club. Get it wrong, and you’ll struggle with consistency, accuracy, and power.
Common Grip Mistakes:
❌ Holding the club too tightly (death grip = no clubface control).
❌ Positioning hands too weak or too strong, leading to hooks or slices.
❌ Overlapping fingers incorrectly, causing tension.
How to Fix It:
✅ Hold the club with a relaxed, but firm grip—like you’re holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
✅ Make sure you see two knuckles of your lead hand when looking down at your grip.
✅ Try the interlocking or overlapping grip for better control and consistency.
Quick Drill: Grab a marker and draw a small line on your glove’s thumb. That line should point toward your trail shoulder when gripping the club correctly.
2. Bad Stance and Posture = Inconsistent Shots
A shaky stance leads to bad contact and missed shots. The goal? Create a stable, athletic base to support a powerful, repeatable swing.
Common Posture Mistakes:
❌ Standing too upright or too hunched over.
❌ Feet too narrow or too wide.
❌ Weight too far on toes or heels.
How to Fix It:
✅ Stand shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
✅ Bend at the hips, not the waist, keeping a straight back.
✅ Distribute weight evenly on both feet—no leaning forward or backward.
Quick Fix: If you feel off-balance at setup, wiggle your toes. If you can’t, you’re leaning too far forward.
3. Swinging Too Hard = No Distance or Accuracy
Every beginner wants to crush the ball. But swinging harder doesn’t mean more distance—it actually makes your shots worse.
Why Swinging Too Hard Hurts Your Game:
❌ Loss of balance = inconsistent ball striking.
❌ Overuse of arms = weak, off-center shots.
❌ Bad tempo = no control over clubface.
How to Fix It:
✅ Focus on smooth, controlled swings (imagine a 75% effort swing).
✅ Let the club do the work—speed comes from good mechanics, not force.
✅ Use the “1, 2” Drill: Say “one” during your backswing and “two” at impact to slow things down.
Bonus Tip: Watch the pros—none of them look like they’re swinging out of their shoes!
4. Bad Ball Position = Chunked or Topped Shots
Where you place the ball in your stance directly impacts ball flight and contact.
Common Ball Position Mistakes:
❌ Ball too far forward with irons = topped shots.
❌ Ball too far back with driver = slices.
❌ Inconsistent positioning = unpredictable ball flight.
How to Fix It:
✅ Wedges & Short Irons: Play the ball in the middle of your stance.
✅ Mid & Long Irons: Position slightly forward of center.
✅ Driver: Align with your front heel for maximum launch.
Pro Tip: Use an alignment stick to ensure consistent ball position every time you set up.
5. Using the Wrong Clubs = Wasted Strokes
Many beginners try to hit difficult clubs too soon—leading to frustrating rounds.
Common Club Selection Mistakes:
❌ Trying to hit long irons (3-5 irons) instead of easier hybrids.
❌ Using a driver before learning solid contact.
❌ Playing clubs that are too stiff or too long.
How to Fix It:
✅ Start with hybrids instead of long irons—they’re easier to hit.
✅ Use shorter clubs (like 7-iron or pitching wedge) to build confidence.
✅ Get fitted for clubs—wrong shaft flex can destroy your swing.
6. Ignoring the Short Game = Too Many Putts
New golfers spend all their time at the driving range but neglect the short game.
Why That’s a Huge Mistake:
❌ 65% of shots happen inside 100 yards.
❌ Poor chipping & putting = high scores.
❌ Lack of touch around the greens leads to wasted strokes.
How to Fix It:
✅ Prioritize putting—try the “Gate Drill” (place two tees a ball width apart and practice rolling putts through).
✅ Spend at least 50% of practice time on chipping & pitching.
✅ Learn basic wedge shots—bump & run, pitch, and flop.
Want to drop strokes fast? Master your short game.
7. Lack of Course Etiquette = Frustrated Golf Partners
Golf has unwritten rules—and breaking them can ruin your reputation on the course.
Etiquette Mistakes Beginners Make:
❌ Talking during someone’s backswing.
❌ Standing too close to another player’s line.
❌ Taking forever to hit your shot.
How to Fix It:
✅ Be ready to hit when it’s your turn.
✅ Stay quiet when others are swinging.
✅ Fix your divots and repair ball marks on the green.
Pro Tip: Respect the game, and people will respect you.
8. Skipping Warm-Ups = Poor Performance
Would you sprint full speed without stretching first? Probably not. Yet, most beginners hit the course without warming up—leading to stiff swings and poor shots.
Simple Golf Warm-Up Routine (5 Minutes):
✅ 1 Minute: Arm circles & shoulder stretches.
✅ 2 Minutes: Bodyweight squats & hip rotations.
✅ 2 Minutes: Slow practice swings with a wedge.
Bonus Tip: Always hit a few putts before your round to get a feel for the greens.
Final Thoughts: Fix These Mistakes & Watch Your Game Improve
If you’re struggling with consistency, check if you’re making any of these classic beginner mistakes. Fixing just one or two can make a huge difference in your scores.
Your next steps:
✅ Practice a smooth, controlled swing.
✅ Master your grip, stance, and ball position.
✅ Spend more time on short game drills.
Want more game-changing golf tips? Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly—enjoy the game!
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Q: How often should I practice to improve?
A: 2-3 times a week, with at least one session focused on short game.
Q: What’s the best club for beginners?
A: Hybrids and cavity-back irons—easier to hit and more forgiving.
Q: How do I stop slicing the ball?
A: Check your grip, stance, and clubface alignment—90% of slices come from these.