Struggling with inconsistency in your swing? You might be making one of these mistakes…
Golf is a game of precision, and even the smallest swing flaw can cost you strokes. If you’re slicing drives, chunking irons, or losing distance, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
The good news? Most swing issues stem from a few common mistakes, and fixing them can dramatically improve your game.
Below, we’ll break down five of the most common golf swing mistakes and, more importantly, how to fix them fast.
1. The Death Grip: Holding the Club Too Tightly
Why It’s a Problem:
Tension kills your swing. A tight grip leads to poor clubface control, restricted wrist movement, and a lack of power. It’s one of the biggest reasons golfers struggle with slices and weak shots.
The Fix:
✅ Grip the club with light pressure—think of holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
✅ Let your wrists stay loose and relaxed for better feel and control.
✅ On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being a death grip), aim for a 4 or 5.
Quick Test: Grip your club tightly and try to waggle it—if it feels stiff, you’re holding too hard. Relax your hands and try again.
2. Poor Posture: Setting Up for Failure
Why It’s a Problem:
Your posture dictates your swing’s balance, rotation, and consistency. A bad setup often leads to fat shots, thin shots, and loss of power.
The Fix:
✅ Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for a stable base.
✅ Bend from your hips, not your waist, keeping your spine straight.
✅ Let your arms hang naturally, avoiding tension in the shoulders.
Pro Tip: A good checkpoint is to feel athletic and balanced at address—like a shortstop ready to field a ground ball.
3. Swinging Too Hard: Speed Over Control
Why It’s a Problem:
Trying to crush the ball often leads to poor balance, bad tempo, and mishits. Remember, golf is about efficiency, not brute force.
The Fix:
✅ Dial back your effort—aim for a 75-80% swing speed instead of 100%.
✅ Focus on smooth acceleration through impact rather than jerky power.
✅ Work on your tempo with a simple drill: say “one” on your backswing and “two” at impact to maintain a steady rhythm.
Pro Tip: The best ball-strikers make the game look effortless—because it is when done right.
4. Over-the-Top Move: The Slice Killer
Why It’s a Problem:
An over-the-top swing path is the #1 cause of slices. It happens when the club moves outside the target line before cutting across the ball at impact.
The Fix:
✅ Work on an inside-out path by keeping your trail elbow close to your body during the downswing.
✅ Feel like you’re swinging to right field (for right-handed golfers).
✅ Try the towel drill: Place a towel under your trail arm and keep it tucked during your swing to prevent the over-the-top move.
5. Early Extension: Losing Power and Control
Why It’s a Problem:
Early extension—when your hips move toward the ball instead of rotating—leads to inconsistent contact and loss of power.
The Fix:
✅ Focus on keeping your chest over the ball during the downswing.
✅ Work on hip rotation, not forward movement—imagine your belt buckle turning toward the target.
✅ Use the chair drill: Stand with a chair behind you and keep your glutes lightly touching it as you swing to maintain proper posture.
Final Thoughts: Small Fixes, Big Results
The key to fixing common golf swing mistakes isn’t a total swing overhaul—it’s small, focused adjustments.
Start by:
✔ Loosening your grip for better control.
✔ Improving your posture to set up for success.
✔ Swinging with control, not brute force.
✔ Fixing your swing path to eliminate slices.
✔ Staying rotational, not jumpy, in your downswing.
Master these, and you’ll see immediate improvements in your consistency, distance, and accuracy.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Q: How do I know if I have a bad grip?
A: If you struggle with slices, hooks, or wrist tension, check your grip pressure and hand positioning.
Q: What’s the best way to practice good posture?
A: Stand in front of a mirror and check your setup. You should feel balanced and athletic.
Q: Can I fix an over-the-top swing without lessons?
A: Yes! Try drills like the towel drill and focus on swinging from the inside.
Want more game-changing golf tips? Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly—enjoy the game!
