Author: David Dunlap

Article:
Golf is definitely a sport with a difference. The similarity
between golf and other sports, such as track and field, ends at
the need for a proper technique. Though professional golf may
require some basic minimal physical training, the weekend golfer
can achieve high degrees of success in the game without
following a fitness regime at all. Concentration on a suitable
technique, diligent application, avoiding common mistakes and
having a positive attitude can produce excellent results in the
golf swing and overall game.

When looking for golf instruction, even though someone may want
to observe and imitate professionals, the fact is that though
spectacular movements can be noticed, the subtle ones mostly
skip even the careful observer unless you know what you are
specifically looking for. The irony is that it is these subtle
movements that are critical in dictating a style and perfecting
the art of a swing.

This peculiar aspect of golfing has given rise to many fallacies
or myths about the mechanical principles that are used in golf.
It is thus imperative to know which ones to avoid. Here we will
address a few of the most commonly heard today.

1. "Relax" and "Use a Light Grip"

A very natural combination of a 'relax' and 'light grip' is
often used by instructors teaching the golf swing today. Even
though 'light grip' relates naturally with 'relax', the
admonition to 'relax' actually became standard with golf
instructors in order to loosen up their students who were self
conscious and frightened to the point of rigidity. Over time
these instructions seem to be issued to anyone who starts a
training session. However, inability to use these techniques in
the correct perspective can do more harm than good.

2. "Be Loose"

Another common instruction, 'be loose', may sound the same as
"relax" yet is very different. The swing can be loose even if
you are not totally relaxed. A loose swing is the outcome of a
big hip turn on the backswing or a sway, bad wrist and foot
movement and a certain type of grip.

3. "Stop at the Top of the Swing"

Another fallacious instruction given is with regard to stopping
at the top of the swing. It is an established mechanical
principle that any object moving in one direction must come to a
complete stop before moving in the opposite direction.
Consciously stopping at the 'top of the swing' results in
freezing of the body movement thus disrupting the rhythm that it
significantly contributes to the swing.

4. "Turn Your Hips To The Left"

Don't try and 'turn your hips to the left' on purpose. Hip
turning does take place during a swing but more often than not,
it is a natural turn after the golfer has moved laterally to the
left. When golfers make an actual effort to do nothing more than
turn their hips, it results in a ruined swing and poor shot.

5. "Keep Your Head Down"

This is a commonly quoted directive given by most weekend
golfers. However, the head needs to instead be kept back through
the golf swing and the subtle movements that occur will do so
naturally. It is actually completely unnatural to try to fix
your head in a locked position throughout the golf swing. By
concentrating on this one point too much, you lose focus from
the rest of the golf swing that actually helps to generate the
power needed to drive the ball forward.

You need not be a professional golfer to improve your golf swing
and scores quicly. Better and more consistent golf can be played
by the weekend golfer by simply heeding some good advice and
practicing sound discipline. The important thing to note is to
follow the modern techniques that have evolved over the years,
avoid fallacious outdated instructions and learn to manage the
game properly.

About the author:
Are YOU a "Weekend Golfer"? "The Weekend Golfer's Guide To
Winning Golf" How to Eliminate Golf's Fatal Flaws, Perfect The
Golf Swing and Manage
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