How To Swing a Golf Club

When you go out to the links, having proper form and technique when swinging a golf club is essential to placing the ball where you want it on the fairway, or better yet, the green. The key is to start with confidence, and by following the steps below you will be a success.

1. First, you need to square yourself in front of the tee, your legs about shoulder length apart.
2. Place the club end near the tee, and set your grip.
3. Your left hand should be below the right, with the thumbs one above the other, gripping the club firmly. This grip allows you to freely move your wrists for a smooth motion when you connect with the ball.
4. Standing slightly bent, bring the club up above your head, holding it straight as if you were a waiter holding a tray of food.
5. Your legs should bend naturally at the knee as you bring the club up, your eyes staying continually on the ball.
6. Staying in position, bring the swing down, still watching the ball, and make solid contact.
7. Now, surprisingly, the most important part of the shot is still to come - the follow through. Continue the club through the swing, your right leg turning as the club finishes its arc. Complete the swing all the way, watching the ball as it climbs through the sky. If you have kept the club head square on the target, it should go near or right where you aimed it.

Watch out for twisting the club slightly when you bring it down to meet the ball, as a slight turn to the left or right can bring the ball into the trees, water, or a nasty sand trap. It is essential to keep your posture square, relaxed, and to follow through entirely to ensure that your swing is solid and true. This is often the one thing that kills a good swing, or by taking your eye off the ball. Also, make sure that your position is solid, but relaxed. If you rise up too high, you could completely miss the ball, or if you stoop too low you will do nothing more than knock a chunk of grass down the fairway.

The key to a great golf swing is your grip, keeping a good position, watching the ball, and completing the follow through. With time and practice, your swing will get you where you want to be on the green.