Golf Trip Tips for Beginners: Your Swing

It is just about the only action in a game of golf that you make -- and therefore the only part you can improve on! Your swing will be the focus of many sunny, relaxed days if you are a beginner golfer -- but before you can improve it, you need to understand it. If you are going on a golf trip or golf vacation, it's the perfect time to brush up on your technique -- we get you started.

A good golf swing is…

There are several criteria to make a good golf swing -- in general, not singularly. The main criteria of success is how close to the hole you get, obviously! Your golf swing should also:

• Be comfortable -- you shouldn't make any movements that might injure you
• Be strong -- you should slowly learn how to hit the ball further and further
• Be consistent -- you should have a system for ensuring that your swing is the same every time, when you are in the same situation
• Be flexible -- if you are in a different situation, you need to be able to adjust your swing accordingly

Practice time

Experts recommend that you hit at least 50 balls twice a week, or two buckets of 50 once a week. If you are going on a golf trip, you'll obviously get much more intensive practice in a shorter amount of time.

The basics of a good swing

• If you golf right handed (which can be different to being right-handed in general life), stand with your left shoulder facing the ball. Other way round for a left-handed golfer.
• Your shoulder should be parallel to where you are aiming
• Feet should be shoulder-width apart, and you should bend your knees slightly to help your body rotate
• Grip-wise, your left hand should be ¼ inch from the top of the club, with your thumb going down its length. The little finger of your right hand should be between your middle and forefinger of your left hand, and the other fingers slotted in between. Right thumb should go down the shaft also.
• Hold the club firmly but not tightly -- firm handshake tightness will be fine
• Keep your arms loose on the backswing, with your weight on the right side
• The apex of your swing should be shoulder height
• Watch the center of the ball on the way down
• Rotate your hips left (if you are right handed)
• Your hips should clear the hitting zone before your hands
• Snap your right wrist on impact to get the best distance

Keeping these tips in mind should ensure that your golf trip is a time for improvement, not frustration!