Golf Swing – Build a Strong Foundation

 If you’re new to golf, getting your swing right is one of the most important things you can do. It’s the heart of the game – and learning good technique early will make golf way more enjoyable and help you improve faster. In this post, I’ll walk you through key golf swing basics and beginner tips to help set you up for success from day one.

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Start with the Fundamentals

Before we get into swing mechanics, you need to understand the building blocks: grip, stance, backswing, downswing, and follow-through. These elements work together to create a solid, repeatable swing.

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Grip and Stance – Your Foundation

Your grip connects you to the club – and there’s no one-size-fits-all. Here are the three most common grips:

• Overlapping Grip: Pinky of your bottom hand overlaps the top hand’s index finger – a favourite among pros.

• Interlocking Grip: The pinky and index finger link together. Great for players with smaller hands.

• Baseball (10-Finger) Grip: All fingers on the club, like holding a bat. A good option for beginners or players with less grip strength.

Try each and stick with what feels most natural while giving you control.

Stance Checklist:

• Feet shoulder-width apart

• Knees softly bent

• Weight balanced – slight pressure on the balls of your feet

• Tilt from the hips, not the waist

• Keep your spine straight – no slouching

This balanced posture is the base for a smooth, athletic swing.

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Swing Mechanics – Keep It Simple

Backswing

• Start slow and stay in control.

• Rotate your shoulders, don’t just lift your arms.

• Keep your lead arm (left for right-handers) straight.

• Keep your eyes on the ball – but don’t lock your head in place too rigidly.

Downswing

• Start the motion with your hips turning toward the target.

• Let your arms follow naturally.

• Keep the wrists cocked until just before impact – this “lag” creates speed and power.

• Swing through the ball, not just at it.

Follow-Through

Don’t stop at contact – a full, balanced follow-through matters.

• Finish with your weight on your front foot.

• Chest should face the target.

• Club should finish over your shoulder.

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Debunking a Common Myth:

“Keep your head down.”
You’ve probably heard this – but in reality, trying to keep your head locked can limit rotation and hurt your swing. A natural turn of the head and body toward the target in the follow-through is key to generating power and clean contact.

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Common Beginner Mistakes (and Fixes)

1. Over-Swinging
Trying to hit too hard usually leads to a loss of balance and control. Instead, focus on smooth tempo and solid contact.

2. Bad Alignment
Even a great swing won’t work if you’re aiming in the wrong direction. Use alignment sticks or a spare club on the ground to check your feet, hips, and shoulders are square to the target.

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How to Build a Consistent Swing

• Practice regularly – a few minutes each day beats one big session a week.

• Work on your grip and setup every time – even without a ball.

• Film your swing or check it in a mirror.

• Start small – focus on chipping and short shots to build control before jumping into full swings.

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Starting with good habits will pay off big time. Stick with the basics, stay patient, and enjoy the process. Golf’s a game you can play for life – and it all starts with that first swing.