Golf is not just a sporting discipline, but an art that requires a combination of precision, strategy and physical endurance. For beginners, the process can seem difficult and even frustrating as they encounter a number of common mistakes. These mistakes can affect their confidence and desire to continue playing. But it’s important to realize that this is a completely normal part of learning, and every mistake is a step towards improvement. In this article, we’ll look at seven of the most common mistakes beginner golfers make, along with tips on how to avoid them.

1. Improper setup and posture

One of the most fundamental mistakes that beginners make is improper setup. Body position at impact is the foundation of a successful game. Improper positioning can lead to many problems, such as failed strokes, discomfort and even injury.

What happens when the setup is incorrect?

• Too wide or too narrow of a stride: Improper strut width can throw off your balance and reduce the accuracy of your kick. If your feet are too wide, you will have difficulty maintaining stability, and if your feet are too narrow, you will lose control.
• Bent knees: If your knees are too bent or not bent enough, you will lose flexibility and may not use force effectively.
• Uncomfortable hand position: Your hands should be relaxed, not tense, to allow you to control the club.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Check your stance: Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. Your knees should be slightly bent and your weight should be distributed evenly between the front and back of your feet.
• Do not overstretch your arms: Your arms should be relaxed to avoid strain that will affect your ability to control the club.
• Keep your chin up: Your eyes should be directed at the ball, not your chin, which should not interfere with your movement.

2. Skipping the warm-up

For most beginners, it seems unnecessary to spend time warming up, especially when they want to start playing as soon as possible. However, this is one of the most serious mistakes beginners make.

What happens when you don’t warm up?

• Risk of injury: Golf involves sudden movements and turns, which can lead to sprains and injuries if your muscles are not ready for the strain.
• Lack of flexibility: Without a warm-up, your muscles will be less flexible, reducing your ability to hit accurate shots.
• Poor fitness: Not warming up can lead to fatigue and poor performance throughout the game.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Spend at least 10-15 minutes warming up. Simple stretching exercises will help you prepare your body for the game.
• Warm up your shoulders and back. Use arm rotations and torso bends to warm up your upper body.
• Use the club as a warm-up. Light strokes on the ball will allow you to gradually get into the rhythm of the game.

3. Choosing the wrong equipment

Equipment is more than just accessories that add personality to your playing style. Choosing the right clubs and ball is critical to the effectiveness of your game.

What happens when equipment is selected incorrectly?

• Loss of control: Using a putter that does not fit your playing style or physique can reduce your shot accuracy.
• Uncomfortable play: The wrong equipment can cause fatigue and can also lead to injury.
• Poor performance: Improper equipment will make it difficult to perform even basic strokes.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Consult a professional: Consult a coach or equipment specialist to choose the right clubs for you.
• Customization: Many golf clubs offer customization of equipment. If you have the opportunity, customize your equipment to suit your requirements.
• Check your equipment regularly: Periodically check the condition of your clubs to avoid breakages and inconsistencies.

4. Trying to hit the ball too hard

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to hit the ball too hard. Many people think that the power of the shot determines its effectiveness. However, in golf, power is not always more important than accuracy.

What happens when you try to hit the ball too hard?

• Loss of accuracy: When you try to hit the ball hard, you lose control of the trajectory and direction of the shot.
• Uneven ball trajectory: Excessive force can cause the ball to fly in the wrong direction or not reach the desired distance.
• Risk of injury: Trying to hit the ball hard can cause strain on the back and shoulders, leading to injury over time.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Focus on technique rather than power. The best way to improve your results is to refine your technique rather than trying to make a powerful punch.
• Control shot. Use force moderately, depending on the situation, but always try to control the ball.
• Take your time. Success can be achieved through smooth and precise movements, not through intensity.

5. Ignoring strategy on the course

Golf is not just a series of ball strikes. It is a strategic game in which every choice is important to achieve the best result. Mistakes in strategy are one of the most common problems among beginners.

What happens when you don’t plan your strokes?

• Loss of balance: When you don’t think about your next move, it can lead to unnecessary mistakes, bad strokes and ineffective fielding.
• Choosing the wrong shot: Without analyzing the situation, you may choose a club or shot angle that is not appropriate for the situation.
• Mistakes that can cost you points: Neglecting strategy can result in a loss of points, which ultimately affects your game.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Plan every shot. Before you take a shot, think about which club and with what force is best to approach the ball.
• Study the course: Pay attention to course features such as slopes, obstacles, wind conditions and other factors.
• Adapt to the situation: Don’t be afraid to change your strategy as the game progresses, depending on the conditions.

6. Worrying about other players

Beginners often worry about how their game will be perceived by others. This can cause stress and can even worsen their results. It is important to remember that golf is an individual process and each player goes through different challenges.

What happens when you worry about other players?

• Stress: Constantly worrying about your game in front of other players can greatly reduce your confidence.
• Nervousness: Fear of making a mistake causes you to make unsure strokes, which can lead to more mistakes.
• Wrong focus: When you think about other players, you are distracted from what is most important – your game.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Play for yourself, not for others. Realizing that all players make mistakes will help you reduce your stress levels.
• Focus on the process. Concentrate on each stroke and its technique, not on what is going on around you.

7. Neglecting rest and recovery

Golf is a physically demanding game, especially on long courses. The many strokes and long walks on the course can be exhausting, and without proper rest, your body will not be ready to continue playing.

What happens when you don’t rest?

• Fatigue: Without proper rest, your performance decreases and your shot accuracy deteriorates.
• Decreased concentration: Fatigue can lead to a loss of concentration, which is especially important in golf.
• Risk of injury: Without proper recovery, the likelihood of injury increases.

How to avoid this mistake?

• Rest regularly. Take breaks to rest and regain energy.
• Hydration and nutrition: Remember to drink water and eat light snacks to keep your energy levels up.
• Monitor your body: Listen to your body, if you feel tired, take a break.