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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
INSTRUCTION
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Golf is a game filled with decisions. Even before you start to play, a decision must be made regarding the learning process. Do you want to do it on your own or learn the fundamentals from an instructor? The latter is the best option for people who want to build a solid foundation. Some of the building blocks include: The Grip Ben Hogan once said, “Golf begins with a good grip.” I agree. Your hands are the only part of your body connected to the club, so it makes sense that you know what to do with them. For many beginners, the grip feels unnatural. Repetitive gripping and re-gripping is important so it becomes second nature to put your hands on a club. Using a “formed” grip, which uses a mold of the proper hand position, can be a helpful tool. It will keep your hands comfortably on the club. Grip pressure is as important as hand positions. On a scale of 1-10, grip pressure should be a 4 or 5. It’s common for beginners to squeeze the club too tightly, but if your hands aren’t relaxed throughout the swing, the club won’t release or rotate properly. There are three common ways to grip the club: overlap, interlock and 10-finger. Your instructor will tell you which grip is best for you. Set up and posture The golf swing is an athletic motion and needs to be executed from an athletic position. This means your body weight and balance should be evenly distributed, with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart and your chin over your hands. Your knees should be slightly flexed and your spine should be straight and tilt from the hips to shoulders. If possible, stand in front of a full-length mirror to check your posture. Other training aids include a video camera or balance board, which helps maintain your posture. Alignment Something as simple as a club on the ground can help get your feet, knees, hips and shoulders parallel to the target line. Using two clubs — one along your toes and another on the other side of the ball — will help you check your body’s alignment in relationship to the target. You can do the same thing for putting and chipping. Heidi Richardson is a PGA professional at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. |
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