Anyone who plays or has played golf on a regular or not quite so regular basis knows that it is not exactly a simple sport. Plenty of factors have an impact on your game including your kit, the weather conditions and, of course, your skill and technique. What’s more, it’s important to have a good grasp of the rules, which depend on the format of play, to avoid mistakes, penalties and disqualifications. We have therefore decided to put together this post listing ten top golf tips that will be helpful for both new players and more experienced golfers. Keep reading.
1. Learn the basic rules
There are different golf guides that can be of use both whether you are starting out in the sport or have been playing for some time. Play better golf by Steve Newell and Paul Foston, which is published by Omega, is a practical guide. With golf tips and photographs that serve as a visual aid, the book is suited to all types of golfers. At the end of the day, how are you going to play golf well if you don’t even know what a drive or a birdie is?
2. Play with comfortable kit
One of the golf tips that you might already know is that you don’t need to buy all the kit in one go: ideal for if you’re just starting out in the sport. Of course, playing with comfortable, quality kit is a plus, but you don’t need all of it from the off. Golf equipment can be costly so ask to borrow someone else’s or hire it for your time at the practice tee. When you are ready to buy your kit, make sure you have a golf fitting to find out what types of clubs you need and get the right ones for you.
3. Analyse the course
Study the course you’re going to play, get to know the holes, the obstacles you will face along the way and the no-visibility points to give you confidence throughout the game. One of the best golf tips out there is to not go in blind, as is stated on Mijas Golf Club’s list of top tips.
4. Warm up on the practice tee
Many of the golf courses in the Costa del Sol have practice tees, which are great for both new players and golf fans. We recommend warming up at the practice tee before making your way to the course, and for the first few times not leaving the practice tee at all. The good thing about this area is that you are free to wear whatever you like (there are often stringent dress codes for the course) and the fairways are clear of obstacles.
5. Adapt to the weather
This is important not only for when it comes to what you’re wearing, but also with regards to your technique. Playing golf on a sunny spring afternoon is nothing like being on the course on a blustery autumn day, which is sure to affect the direction of the ball. Even the movement of your swing will change with the weather. If you’re looking for a destination with the perfect weather conditions for the sport, the Costa del Golf is for you.
6. Tone your muscles and work on gaining flexibility
Stretching, doing warm-up exercises and toning your muscles will help you play good golf. Though it might not seem so, golf is a physically demanding sport in which you can injure yourself through poor technique. Your physical fitness is therefore very important. Work on your lower body – as your legs support the weight of your swing – and your core, which is essential throughout your swing.
7. Master your grip
Another golf tip is to get your grip right. Your grip has a big impact on your stroke as it affects the physics of the movement, comfort, the swing and the backswing. The aim is for your grip to be able to give the greatest freedom to your wrists. To do so, use either an interlocking, baseball or overlapping grip and practise until you start naturally incorporating it into your game.
8. Always respect the order of play
In line with our first tip (know the rules) you must always respect the order of play. If you fail to demonstrate manners, respect and etiquette on the golf course, you may be penalised or disqualified, depending on the format of play and the championship.
9. Prioritise safety
No list of golf tips is complete without reminding you of the need to prioritise safety before all else. Golf is not exactly a contact sport, but the ball does reach speeds on its trajectories that may put other golfers’ and the general public’s health at risk. Our advice is to make sure you have a licence with a federation (which will protect you in the case of any incidents or accidents), make sure nobody is near your club before you hit the ball, and shout a warning if you see people in the direction of where you want to hit the ball.
10. Relax and enjoy the game
Hitting the ball when your muscles are tense, when you’re feeling anxious or lacking in confidence is not good for results or your handicap. Our tip is to relax and enjoy the game: not only is golf an excellent sport when it comes to technique and sportsmanship, it will also treat you to incredible moments out in the great outdoors. Taking care of your mind means that your golf experience will be a healthy and unforgettable one.
So let yourself go and put all our tips into practice as you play golf in the province of Malaga. This is an exceptional destination with dozens of golf courses, practice tees and pro shops where you can get all the kit you need. What are you waiting for?
