Golf Faults & Fixes: Top 8 Mistakes All Amateurs Make
Amateur golfers have their work cut out for them if they expect to develop good golf skills. While some mistakes will go away overtime with practice, others may seem like common sense even non-golfers can understand. Amateurs can help themselves by learning about common mistakes and how to avoid them. New players may be making mistakes and not even know it. At least this is a good time to review where you stand so goals can be set and accomplished. Here are 8 mistakes amateurs make you should know.
- Trying to hit the ball at the flag. Instead, look to hit at the middle of the grass (green). This can be just as bad as hitting the ball at nothing. It helps to have an aim that is realistic instead of trying to hit straight to the hole.
- Neglecting to fix divots and sand bunkers. This can come off as being disrespectful. This is actually an etiquette element golfers should know. It makes things easier for other golfers and yourself in the future.
- Keeping the golf bag clean or at least getting rid of things you don’t need. Don’t lug around items you don’t need when on the course. Keep your bag up to date with essential equipment and accessories.
- Forgetting to shout “Fore!” It is policy on many courses to do this for safety. Some may think this is unnecessary but there is a reason and purpose for doing this before sending the ball flying down the fairway.
- Playing the ball too far back. Some golfers know when they play the ball too far back because the result is often something they don’t want such as hitting the ground before the ball or missing the ball entirely.
- Lack of golf course etiquette. If you are on the course and you let your cell phone ring, this is poor etiquette. Other actions that fall into this include loud talking, wearing inappropriate clothes, or getting mad and exploding when a play doesn’t go your way.
- Getting mad when you don’t perform well. Exploding on the course during bad shots shows lack of acceptance. Learn to make peace with your errors and move forward to try again.
- Not using or carrying the right clubs. There are times a golfer may have the wrong club in hand, and then wonder why their shot was off the mark.