5 Common Pitfalls In Golf

Golf is a many faceted game and anyone who thinks it can be solved is in for a disappointment. You can only improve and play better golf, your only aim for your golf game should be to enjoy it. We all know the phrase it’s a great game when you are playing well but the other side of the coin is that when you are not playing well there is much to learn and the learning should be fun too. Remember when you were a kid and how much fun you got from taking something apart to see how it worked, well you can do that with your golf game as well and the experience will make you a better golfer and give you an insight into the game which will further enhance your enjoyment.

The first fault that we all have is comparing ourselves to another golfer, this is the path to dissatisfaction. We all have differing abilities and acceptance of that simple fact will put you on the right route to being a better player. In any event in the game of golf you are really only playing against yourself. No amount of practice will make the other guy drop his ball in the lake.

The second fault is one that again we all share, we expect too much from ourselves and any poor shot just shows what a poor player we are. It is this emotional baggage which will drag us down, so lose it. Everyone plays poor shot, you, me and Tiger Woods. It is how you deal with them that makes the difference between a good player and a bad one. When you make a duff shot, have a quick think about what caused it and make a mental note to correct it next time and move on. Needless fretting over a pulled drive or shanked iron shot will only spoil your game.

A fault that many people share in all walks of life including golfers is not preparing properly. Preparation makes you take stock of a situation and gives you time to deal with problems as they arise. Take the time to organise yourself before you even leave for the golf course, by sorting out your bag, having a decent meal beforehand and taking everything you will need.

When you arrive at the course, do it in plenty of time so you can have a bit of putting practice, slam a few drives on the range and chip some balls onto the practice green. This will help clear your mind and prepare your body for the game ahead.
Stretch, stretch and stretch, use a couple of wedges together and swing them back and forth, this will warm you up and relax the muscles and tendons so reducing the risk of a sprain.

Drink plenty of water. Costly specialist drinks are a waste of your cash. Dehydration causes the machine that is your body to malfunction giving fuzzy thinking processes and poor mechanical performance.

Combine these tips with a regular practice routine and you will play the best golf that you can and that is all any of us can do.