Think of a golf swing as a simple six-step process. If you learn each phase and the feel it should produce, you’ll build a repeatable motion you can trust.
Grip
– Use a light, neutral grip. Don’t death-grip the club.
– Left hand: grip with fingers, the V formed by thumb and forefinger points toward your right shoulder.
– Right hand: sits on the grip with the lifeline across the left hand’s fingers. The palms should face each other.
– Feel connected, not forced. The hands work with the body, not against it.
Stance
– Feet shoulder-width apart; knees softly flexed.
– Ball position: just forward of center for short to mid clubs; a touch forward for longer clubs.
– Posture tall but relaxed, chin up, eyes level with the ball.
– Weight balanced, not leaning back.
Backswing
– Turn your shoulders and hips, not just your arms.
– Left arm stays connected to your chest; wrists loosen naturally.
– Club travels on a comfortable arc; aim for a smooth coil rather than “hitting.”
– Keep your head steadier and eyes on the ball.
Downswing
– Start with the hips rotating toward the target, then the torso, then the arms.
– Maintain your spine angle as you unwind.
– Hands and club should follow a natural inside-out path; be deliberate, not rushed.
– Transfer weight to the lead foot as you approach impact.
Impact
– Clubface square to the target; strike the ball first, then the ground as needed.
– Ball contact centered on the clubface; feel a clean contact.
– Chest opens toward the target; weight finishes toward the front foot.
– Eyes stay on the ball through impact; body should feel stable, not jerky.
Follow-through
– Complete the turn: chest facing the target, belt buckle toward the target.
– Front knee firm but not locked; weight fully on the lead foot.
– Balance is key; finish tall with a relaxed, confident finish.
3 common swing mistakes and how to fix them
– Early release / casting (wrists release too soon): fix by feeling lag and starting the downswing with the hips; keep the wrists light and the arms connected.
– Swaying off the ball or losing balance: fix by keeping your center over your feet; practice with a slight knee flex and a quiet head to help your spine stay tall.
– Over the top path (slice tendency): fix by feeling an inside-out path; practice with a small gate or alignment sticks to guide the club on a more inside path.
1–2 simple practice drills
– Pause at the top drill: go to the top of the backswing, pause 1 second, then rotate through to finish. This builds tempo and sequencing.
– Two-club path drill: place a second club on the ground along your target line to cue an inside-out path. Make slow swings, focusing on hips first and a smooth arc.
Keep it fun and consistent. Confidence comes from clear steps and repetition.
