The Ultimate Guide to Golf Swing Basics

Golf can be a frustrating sport to get into.

There is a lot that goes into a single swing. The slightest movement could make the difference between a good shot and a lost ball. While you won't become a pro overnight, it doesn't hurt to start learning.

But before you start swinging away, you need to learn how to grip the club. Read on for everything you need to know about the golf swing basics.

Golf Swing Basics: Adjusting Your Grip

One of the most important aspects of your golf swing is your grip.

Understanding how hand placement affects where the ball goes is vital to perfecting your swing. Your grip can alter the strength and direction of your shot.

The three main grips popular with golfers include:

• 10 Finger grip - A basic grip where all 10 fingers are wrapped around the club, similar to how you would hold a baseball bat.
• Interlock grip - In this grip, your pinky on your right hand is linked with the index finger on your left hand.
• Overlap grip - While similar to an interlock grip, the pinky on your right hand is placed between the index and middle finger on your left hand.

Interlock and overlap grips are popular among professional golfers because of the support and strength they give your swing.

But how you hold the club is only the beginning of strengthening your golf swing basics. How you posture your body is just as important as your grip.

Keeping Good Posture

The next factor to consider is body posture. Not only can poor posture affect your shot but it can even lead to future health issues.

Good posture means you're relaxed. Some basic tips to keep in mind as you're practicing are:

• Keep your knees slightly bent and shoulder-width apart
• Keep your arms relaxed
• Keep your hips back and spine angled toward the ball

Make sure you settle into a comfortable position before you swing. Small adjustments during your swing can affect the control of your shot.

While posturing your body is important, it's only half the battle. In the end, it all comes down to how you make contact with the ball.

Going For the Swing

Now that your posture and grip are relaxed, you're ready to hit a killer shot.

The first step is knowing where to strike the ball. For irons, the ball should be placed just in front of the club's center. For drivers, you should keep it aligned with the outside of your left foot.

Ball positioning can affect the consistency of your shot.

While you swing, keep your right arm close to your right side. As the club passes your right leg, your weight should follow from left to right.

As you swing back, the club should be at a 90-degree angle with your hips and shoulders coiled back. At the peak of your swing, keep your shoulders pointed toward your target and begin shifting your weight forward.

After making contact, guide the club through the shot. Your weight should shift in the opposite direction, like swinging a baseball bat.

If all goes well, the ball should be off the ground and moving towards the hole. Whether you're playing on turf or grass, good form will keep the ball moving where you want it to go.

Practicing the Golf Swing Basics

Congratulations -- you've learned the basics to perfecting your swing! While everything won't come together instantly, practice will pay off in the end.

But no one likes to learn on a bad course. Contact us to schedule lessons and to find out how we can make Verandah the place to hang out.