Golfing is one of the best sports to play. It relieves stress and helps you become more in tune with yourself.
Research indicates that aside from boosting your confidence, golfing improves heart health. That’s why we’ve written this article to offer you the best tips for women on how to play better golf.
So, whether you’re brand new to the green or dabbling with the idea of giving golfing a try, you’ll find something here that can give you the skill set to score a hole-in-one (or better).
Read on!
Master the Proper Stance and Posture
To play better golf, women need to master the proper stance and posture. This includes finding the proper ball position for the club being used, keeping the setup square to the target line, setting the feet parallel to the target line and shoulder width apart, and keeping the arms, shoulders, and core connected.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the weight is balanced on both feet and the head should be kept still throughout the swing. Proper posture and positioning are essential for creating a consistent and controlled swing.
Keeping the upper body muscles relaxed is important so one can keep the arms and body naturally connected throughout the whole swing. All of these points will help take off shots and improve consistent accuracy.
Develop a Grip Technique
It is important to find a comfortable grip that allows you to control the club and release your shots well. First, you should hold the club in your hands so that the V created by your thumbs and index fingers is facing your right shoulder if you are right-handed or left shoulder if you are left-handed.
Second, your left hand should be positioned slightly lower than your right hand and pressure should be more in the fingers of your left hand. Lastly, your thumbs should point at the center of your chest.
From here, you can adjust your grip to execute various golf shots. Practicing your grip can help you become a consistent and precise golfer.
Work on Your Swing Mechanics
In hopes to take your golf game to the next level, it’s essential to have an understanding of the proper swing mechanics. To help you get there, consider taking some lessons from a golf professional, as they can help you understand your swing and the required mechanics to play better golf.
Additionally, ensure that you understand the basics of your swing:
- grip
- stance
- posture
This is because each can help determine how well your swing will turn out. Aim to hone in on the right timing and correct footwork, as well as learn to create an “L” shape blast throw to drive the ball further. Think ahead to the next stroke and don’t think too much about the last one, as this will help you stay focused on improving your game.
Dedicate Time to Practicing Your Short Game
Developing the proper techniques for your short game will help to lower your scores and increase overall confidence. To begin, find an open area and start with a soft short game ball. Start off focusing on developing a consistent stroke with a variety of clubs.
Start by making 3-5 practice swings and hitting the ball 10-15 yards. As you get more comfortable you can increase your distance making sure to aim for a specified target each time. Once you have the basics down, move on to pitching techniques like lob, bump & run, knockdown, etc.
Take a few minutes to practice putting from different distances to ensure you are making the necessary adjustments for more consistent putts.
Pay Attention to Course Strategy
Knowing how to play the course smartly is essential to success and can help you become a better golfer. For example, take note of the hazards on the course to ensure you avoid them. Identifying alternate opportunities can help eliminate the possibility of a bad outcome.
Additionally, be aware of the position and shape of your next fairway shot. This will help you determine the best clubs to use to get the most accurate results. Always be observant of the green. This will help you read the break and select the right club to reach the pin.
Incorporate Exercises and Stretches
Before tee-off, try a dynamic stretching routine which consists of stretching arms, legs, and torso in swinging motions. Other exercises to incorporate before golfing include:
- lateral hops
- step-ups
- squats
These can help enhance movement efficiency and power. During the game, put some low-intensity work into your warm-up and pause at certain intervals for stretching.
At the end of the game, be sure to stretch out your chest, shoulders, back, and hips to reduce the risk of injury. All of these exercises and stretches can help women golfers in improving their performance on the golf course.
Get the Right Equipment Fit
Women need to make sure their golf clubs fit their bodies. If possible, have a professional fitting to help find the right size shafts, grips, and head design. When you have a custom fit, it is important to practice and get used to the weight of your brand-new clubs.
Once you are used to the weight of your golf clubs, you will be able to learn how to use them to their fullest potential. Additionally, certain shoes have thicker soles or are designed specifically for golf which can help your posture and stability and help improve your golf game.
Wear the Right Apparel
When playing golf, the fundamental ground rule for every golfer is to wear the right apparel. This is especially important for women because the right gear helps us to perform at our best. To get started, necessary items include breathable, moisture-wicking golf shirts for women, a thin zip-up jacket for days with unpredictable temperatures, and athletic pants or golf shorts.
Other essential pieces of apparel are a wide-brimmed hat or visor to shield the face from the sun, golf shoes made of breathable mesh material with a soft spike bottom for excellent traction, and sun sleeves or gloves to protect from harmful UV rays.
Learn How to Play Better Golf
Golf has come a long way in recent years in terms of gender equality. With the right technique, determination, and commitment, women can become exceptionally good golfers.
Implementing the tips discussed on how to play better golf in this article can provide a real advantage. Take the time to practice and soon you’ll be on your way to happier and more rewarding experiences on the golf course!
Should you wish to read more aside from learning golf, visit our blog.