Basics Of Golf For The Golf Beginners

There are many elements to the game of golf and specifically to the golf swing. You have the rules, the equipment, what to wear, where to play, the list goes on and on. But what are the core golf basics of the basic golf swing? What are the essential basics tips to make successful contact with the golf ball and get it airborne? This article covers the basics of the golf swing including grip, posture, stance, backswing golf basics and downswing golf basics.

Golf Basics: The Grip

The recommended golf grip is what is known as the Vardon Overlap grip. It is used by the vast majority of golfers. Here are the basic tips for the Vardon Overlap grip (for right handers):

Take the little finger of the right hand and place it between the index and middle finger of the left hand (leading hand).

The left-hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the right hand.

When looking down at grip, knuckles of the left forefinger and middle finger are visible.

Check that the creases of thumbs and fingers point to the right side of the face and right shoulder.

Golf Basics: Posture and Stance Checkpoints

Body weight in the middle of feet.

Tilt from hips approximately 30 degrees to achieve proper spine angle.

Knees slightly flexed.

Keep back straight. Visualize an “axis line” down the spine. Rotate around this axis line throughout the swing.

Arms hang freely.

Chin up and off the chest.

Stance: shoulder-width for mid-irons; slightly wider for longer irons and woods; slightly narrower for shorter irons and wedges.

Golf Basics: Ball Position

Driver – three balls forward from the center (aligned with the heel of the left foot).

3, 5 Wood & Hybrid (also 1-4 Irons) – two balls forward from center.

5,6 & 7 Iron – one ball forward from center.

8, 9 & Wedges – ball in the center of stance.

Golf Basics: The Backswing

1. Shift body weight to the inside of right leg as the club is taken back.

2. As hands approach the waist, the wrists start to hinge/cock.

3. At the top of the backswing, the left arm is straight and 80% of weight is on the right leg; keep right knee flexed.

4. Shoulder turn—90°; Hip turn—45°.

Golf Basics: The Downswing

1. The first movement of the downswing is weight shift of body to left, then hips, arms and shoulders unwind to impact.

2. At impact, the club is released by unhinging wrists and delivering club square through ball—keep head behind the ball at impact.

3. As body turns to target through impact, arms and club extend down the target line.

4. At the finish, belt buckle faces the target; the club is wrapped around shoulder; with 90% of the body weight on left leg with right foot on toes.