How to Become a Better Golfer: 11 Tips

So you want to be a better golfer. That’s a lofty goal but one that’s not unique to you. Pretty much every golfer feels the same way.

Fortunately, for that very reason, this is a topic that’s been plumbed before. With that said, here are 11 tips that may be able to help you make that goal a reality.

Practice Consistently (and Not Just Driving)

This one doesn’t need too much exposition or clarification. You will never be better at something if you don’t do it a lot.

And this does not just mean visiting the driving range frequently. Yes, you should do that, but the short game is where most golfers suffer, not the long game.

So practice putting - on the green, on the rough, uphill, downhill, close, far, and everything in between, if you really want to be better.

Try Over and Underspeed Training

You should play with a golf driver shaft that’s well suited for your abilities (more on that in a moment) but you should also try over and underspeed training.

Overspeed training is when you intentionally swing a driver that’s lighter than what you play with, so your swing will be faster.

Underspeed training is when you intentionally swing an outfit heavier than what you usually play with, so your swing is slower.

They both benefit you: underspeed training builds strength and overspeed training builds explosiveness. You need both to hit those long drives.

Identify and Rectify Clubface Orientation

Whether or not your clubface has caught up with the shaft and is perfectly square at impact will significantly affect shot shape and is a direct cause of shot errors.

Learn to read the signs; if the clubface is angled away from the ball at impact, it will result in a push; angled in, and you get a pull. Know this and make adjustments.

Engage in Strength Training

The best way to get better at golf is to golf. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways, and strength training is one of the best ones.

Lifting weights at the gym is a good place to start (as is taking up exercises that will expressly benefit you as a golfer) but there are other avenues, too. For instance, GolfForever Swing Trainers help you build strength and flexibility, are highly portable, and specifically desired to target the muscles you need most for golf.

Stretch Before Training or Playing

Stretch before playing to get the widest range of motion from your muscles, but you should also stretch far on the backswing, so you’ll be able to create a greater, wider arc on the downswing that should translate to a higher swing force - and therefore, more energy transferred and longer drives.

Aim Small, Miss Small

In shooting, there is a saying: aim small, miss small. If what you’re aiming at is tiny, you won’t miss by a wide margin if all else falls into place.

To translate this to golf, don’t aim for the green, aim for the hole; or, if you’re putting, don’t just align your stroke with the hole, but with the conceptual center of it.

That way, even if you’re slightly off center, you still sink the putt.

Be Wind Aware (and Temperature)

First, mind the wind. A stiff crosswind will throw your drive off course, and a particularly strong wind can adversely affect a putt, too.

But temperature also impacts ball flight. Colder temperatures result in a denser ball that doesn’t fly as far; warmer temperatures make the ball springier, so it flies farther.

Play with a Driver That Suits You

Some drivers produce a lot of launch and spin; some don’t. Others are designed for forgiveness, whereas some are designed for precision.

Play with a driver that works for your unique abilities - and work with a fitter to find out what that means.

That Goes for the Shaft Too

Before you buy golf shafts online, the first thing you should do is work with a fitter, and this is the reason why: the shaft, perhaps more than the driver, will impact your proficiency.

Some shafts produce a lot of launch and spin, and are too flexible for players with stronger, faster swing speeds and tempos. Some players need just that to generate appropriate launch and carry distance.

Be Aware That Loft Is Linked to Spin

It’s easy to remember the spin profile of a driver or a shaft, but  it can be hard to remember that loft is indelibly tied up with spin.

The more loft a driver (or iron) manifests, the higher its spin profile will be - remember this as it can impact shot disperson.

Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust Tee Height

Playing with a driver shaft that’s too long or short can result in fat or topped shots, respectively. But you can also make minor adjustments through the tee to prevent these errors, too.  

For instance, raising the tee height encourages a more positive contact through the driver and encourages higher ball flight.

The bottom line is proper tee height adjustment can add or subtract as much as 25 yards to your shot, so don’t be afraid to tinker with the tee if you’re not getting the performance you’d like to see.

Before You Buy a Golf Shaft Online (or a New Club) Contact Us

Thinking about getting a new shaft for your favorite golf club, like an Autoflex golf shaft, that might offer you greater carry distance without requiring any additional input from you? Or maybe you’re looking for better steel shafts for your irons?

Don’t buy golf shafts online without consulting a fitter first, unless you have specific, personal experience with those shafts yourself. For our part, our fitters are here to help. If you need a personalized recommendation, have a question about a specific shaft or club, or just want some more insight into the tips offered here, get in touch with us.