For the best golf swing tips to improve your golf game, it can often feel like an uphill battle full of insider secrets. What works for some doesn’t work for others. Meanwhile, you’re chipping and chunking away on the course, just wanting to get closer to the dream of breaking 100 or 90, or 80.
From beginners to advanced players, having a consistent, effective swing that meets your shot selection is one of the hardest parts of the game to master.
We’re bringing you our definitive golf swing guide so we can build your swing from the ground up and have you making noticeable progress in your golf score.
The best tips for golf swing excellence are now at your fingertips; let’s dive right in.
6 Best Golf Swing Tips
Let’s improve your golf swing by reverse engineering it and going back to the fundamentals.
1) Mastering The Proper Alignment
Where you’re aligned is where your ball will go, so it’s kind important to incorporate these simple golf tips into your game. Your golf swing position and the swing itself aren’t all about the arms: correct posture provides the optimal power source for a harmonious and effective drive.
The Difference Between An Open And Closed Stance
An open stance swing is when the feet and hips are positioned away from the target line. The front foot is farther from the target line than the back foot, while the hips are open to the sky. This type of stance encourages an outside-in swing path, which can reduce distance and produce the dreaded slice.
A closed stance swing is when the feet and hips face the target line or cross paths with it. The back foot is further away from the target line than the front foot, and the hips are closed. This stance encourages an in-out swing path, which can help create draws or hooks.
Alignment Checklist
| The What | The Why? |
| Straight Back | An arched or bent back will set you off balance and lead to mishits |
| Feet Slightly Wider Than Shoulder-Width Apart | Aids in proper hip rotation |
| Bend The Knees | Keeps your spine in a neutral position while keeping your weight centered; your knees act as a stable base to generate power |
| Push Out Your (P)utt | Pushing out your butt offsets your upper body’s weight |
2) Mastering The Proper Mechanics Starts With A Solid Grip
It’s your only connection to the club, so let’s make it a good one that will be versatile and dependable.
The Vardon Grip
An overlapping Vardon grip is perfect for swing technique golf because of increased accuracy and fluidity. You’ll be able to work on and improve your shots with steady control and a smooth, fluid swing in the most comfortable way; ideal for beginners and a great jump-off point for golfers looking to improve.
Begin with your top hand (or left hand if you’re a right-handed golfer) on the club with a firm grasp; this is your anchor. Your right hand then fits around your left with your right pinky finger finding a comfortable spot in the crease made by your left index and left middle finger.
If done correctly, your hands should create a V shape that runs between your thumbs and forefingers on both hands.
Interlocked & 10-Finger
For golfers with smaller hands than those who lean on the Vardon grip, you can opt for an interlocked and/or a 10-finger grip
Interlocked—The little finger of the right hand is interlocked with the index finger of the left. Interlocked grips are known for reducing club slippage while providing stability.
10-Finger— Generally used among first-time golfers, the 10-finger (or baseball grip) is where all ten fingers are on the club. A 10-finger grip restricts the ability to rotate your hands and wrists fully, which can impact the consistency and quality of your swing.
Golf Grip Strength
Strong—The stronger the grip, the more closed the clubface upon impact, resulting in a draw or hook because your hands turn over. The hands are positioned further up the club where the bottom hand palm points more towards the sky.
WhenTo Use A Strong Grip:
- Hitting For Power (ex. swinging with your driver).
- Hitting A Draw Or Hook—golfers who are prone to slicing the ball may rely on a strong grip to encourage a draw.
Neutral—A neutral grip is where the hands are positioned evenly on the club, with neither hand overpowering the other. Both palms facing each other.
When Should You Use A Neutral Grip?
- Finesse—where accuracy and control are more important than power.
- Beginner Golfers—anyone new to the game looking for a grip style that works for them and to improve their shots.
Weak—A weak grip is where your hands are turned more to the left (for a right-handed golfer) with the bottom hand palm pointed towards the ground. This is the opposite of a strong grip as it leans more towards the non-dominant side of the golfer.
When Should You Use A Weak Grip?
- Slicing—If you’re a right-handed golfer and need to hit your ball at a higher trajectory to the right.
- Reducing Hook Shots—the clubface closes less rapidly through impact, which can help neutralize a swing that’s too inside.
3) Every Great Swing Starts With A Solid Takeaway
A correct golf swing begins with the takeaway, and any flaws or imperfections there will carry over into the rest of your swing mechanics.
- A good takeaway should be smooth, controlled, and follow the proper path. Start by turning your torso to the right while keeping your lower body still; focus on coiling your shoulders to build up the force you need for an effective downswing.
- From there, your takeaway should be long, with your hands and arms as still as possible: this sets you up for an effortless follow-through when swinging your golf club.
- Your shoulder should turn first, followed by your arms and hands. As you turn your shoulder, your arms and the club will naturally follow.
- Let your arms and the club swing away from your body, but don’t swing too far back; keep your club on the correct swing plane.
- Finish your backswing with your weight shifted on the inside of your back foot and your arms in a fully-extended position; your left arm can be slightly bent at the elbow.
4) A Smooth Transition Is Crucial
The transition is the slight delay between the backswing and impact. If you’re jumping right into your downswing from the backswing, you’ll be hurrying your contact and making—at best—an inaccurate shot.
Pausing at the top of the downswing allows you to cohesively synchronize all the mechanics and moving parts that will go into your downswing. Here, you’re creating a pocket for rhythm, proper golfing form, and an accurate point of impact; don’t rush it.
5) Harness The Power Of Your Downswing
Your downswing naturally builds momentum as you initiate speed to the point of contact with your ball.
The key to an effective downswing is to start with your hips. Your hips should be the first part of your body to move during the downswing. This will help you generate power and create a proper path to the ball.
Have your right shoulder and right hip drive downwards towards the ball, which will rotate your torso to the left; remember to engage your arms, not your shoulders, at the top-most part of your backswing.
The hands are the last part of your downswing and the grand finale. To generate more power and control and keep your arms in sync with your body, your hands should be the final part of your body to move.
Point Of Impact
Ah, the moment we’ve been waiting for. Once you’ve transferred your weight to your back foot and fixed your hands in place ahead of the ball, you are ready to make impact. Your club shaft should be tilted in the direction of your target.
6) Follow-Through For Consistency
Proper golf form is rooted in the follow-through, though many golfers believe their job is finished once the ball is struck. Just like baseball, stopping at the impact point will decelerate the head when, really, this is the moment where acceleration should be at its highest rate.
At the finishing position, your body should be twisted nearly 90°; your hips facing the target, your club curled behind you, and all while your weight is balanced between your lead foot with the trailing foot’s weight resting on your big toe.
How To Put These Golf Swing Tips Into Action
Practice At Home—Practicing at home before hitting the course will help you ingrain these tips into your subconscious. Do this by utilizing:
- A mirror to make sure you’re maintaining proper form
- The Ball Return Method (i.e. using a mat and a net)
- Setting up targets in your backyard
- Trying a golf simulator
Take Your Time—Allow speed to develop gradually while ensuring you’re affording yourself the appropriate amount of time in the transition. It’s not a race; it’s about consistency and swinging a golf club effectively, correctly, and comfortably.
Know Your Target—Pick out a specific target you’re aiming to hit; specificity will likely have you commit all the way through your shot rather than being indecisive and slowing down your momentum. This can help you build confidence, and a confident golfer is a consistent one at that.
Cater Your Golf Swing To You—As a golfer, you should focus on playing to your strengths and finding the right swing. Every golfer is different based on their skill level and everything from their mobility needs down to superstitions.
Find the stance, balance, grip, backswing, downswing, impact, etc., that’s right for you. Ensure your improving golf swing has a comfortable, steady, and repeatable process that upholds proper form and bodily alignment.
See The Club Hit The Ball—Keeping your head down throughout the swing helps ensure a full and powerful turn, generating more club head speed and distance. Instead of looking to see where the ball is going, keep your eyes on the contact between your clubface and the golf ball.
FAQs
What Is The Secret To A Good Golf Swing?
The secret to a good golf swing is practice and staying consistent. It’s important to develop your swing step-by-step and from the ground up to avoid reinforcing or building any bad habits. Working with a golf instructor is always recommended for the most informed, supported instruction in finding and implementing the best golfing tips.
What Is The Most Important Move In The Golf Swing?
The golf swing’s most important move is the backswing transition to the downswing. This transition is the point where the power of the swing is generated and is key to achieving a successful shot. Without a proper transition, you could face an inefficient swing, poor contact, inconsistencies in ball flight, and an inability to generate power and distance.
Is It Okay To Sway In A Golf Swing?
No, it isn’t okay to sway in a golf swing. Swaying during your swing can lead to several problems, including decreased power, decreased accuracy, and an inability to make consistent contact with the ball. Instead of swaying, you should rotate at the hips while your feet transfer weight into the follow-through.
Conclusion
It won’t be easy: you’ll need a lot of dedication, practice, and the ability to identify and break bad habits. But learning how to correctly swing your club is imperative in staying competitive out there on the green while keeping out of the rough. So get your bag and get to work on these golf swing tips; see you on the fairway!
Clint became the Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto’s busiest golf academies and was featured on Canada’s National Golf TV program, “Score Golf Canada,” twice. He now tests and reviews golf equipment and gets to enjoy the game he loves whenever he wants while helping people lower their scores.
