For starters, hold the putter in a relaxed manner giving your shoulders room to move back and forth. Don’t get to uptight about it or else you’re going to impede the smooth flowing motion that should emanate from your shoulder stroke. Make your grip loose enough to hold the putter comfortably. You can tighten it up on the backswing. Set up your stance to the area where you can see the putting line best, but make sure you aren’t too far away from your ball.

Keep your shoulders square to the putting line. Ideally, your shoulders, feet and hips should be square to the line but since not all see the line the same way, there are various (and successful) ways of setting up to sink the putt. You can slightly open your feet or set up with your hips open to the target line. What’s important, however, is to keep the shoulders square to the line.

Even on longer putts, such as those 35-footers, don’t get tempted to add more movement to your stroke as doing so would not only make your shot inconsistent, it would not also give you a maximum degree of control for your putt. Make sure that your arms are in place all throughout the stroke and hold your finish until the ball has sunk in.

Practice with other targets than the golf hole itself. For example, you can use two tees so you create a gate in which to shoot your golf ball. Only a ball that’s hit perfectly will make it through. On the putting green, the hole will appear immensely bigger so you can target it with ease. Moreover, don’t commit the all-too common mistake of flipping your right hand at the ball upon impact. This makes you miss the putt by a long shot.

A final piece of advice: Thoughts count. Don’t sink the putt unless you’re thinking that it will go on in. Your thoughts are very powerful. Unless you believe that you can sink the putt, then you can’t sink it.

However, there are a few pointers to guide you in choosing the right golf club, and they do not have anything to do with brand.

One of the first things to consider is shaft flex. This refers to how much flexibility you need in the shaft of the club. The various degrees of shaft flex will allow a golfer to either have a powerful swing and more stability or a less powerful swing with more flex. To know which shaft fits you, you need to figure out your speed in hitting the ball. Golf shops can measure your speed swing for you and then convert it to the proper flex so you are guided on your golf club purchase. The types of shaft flexes available in the market today are the ladies flex, senior flex, regular flex, stiff flex and x-stiff flex.

The next step is to honestly assess your ability. Knowing how well you play golf gives you the chance to carry around a lighter golf bag since you’ll know which clubs you’ll really need and not have to lug your whole collection around. Experienced golfers with low handicaps may carry one wood, a driver, lower numbered irons and at least three wedges. Those whose abilities fall somewhere between the beginner and advanced levels can carry a 7-wood, 3-iron and a 9-iron in addition to the clubs mentioned above. If you’re a total newbie, add a 3-wood for tee off together with the previously-mentioned clubs.

Hybrid clubs are also available in the market today. Hybrids are a cross between a fairway wood and a long iron and using them enables you to eliminate other clubs in your bag. Besides that, these clubs can launch a ball into the air for long distances and can take a ball out of near-impossible situations.

Finally, all golfers should use the standard length of golf clubs. This allows you to hit the ball most of the time. An exception can be made for short or tall golfers who might need to use different club lengths.

New golfers tend to grip the golf club the same way they’re gripping anything. That is, they use their palms more. In golf, the most powerful and accurate shots begin with a grip that’s correctly placed in the fingers.

To correctly grip a golf club, a right-handed golfer uses his left hand as the top hand and the right hand as the bottom hand. A left-handed golfer, meanwhile, uses the right hand is the top hand, and the left hand as the bottom hand.

Hold the club up in front of you, about three feet in the air. Make sure that the clubface is square. Then, put the club at an angle through the fingers, following a diagonal line. The club should touch the base of the little finger and rest just above the first joint of the index finger, again in a diagonal position. If you’re right-handed, your left thumb should be placed toward the back side of the shaft. When you’re ready to hit the ball (at address), check that the knuckles of your index and middle finger of your top hand are plainly seen.

Your grip should be made with your fingers and not with the palms of your hands. By holding the club this way, you are allowing more leverage for your wrist so you can swing further. This also allows you to keep your arms extended during the swing so your club head can generate more speed upon impact.

A grip that lets the palm do the holding results in a weak shot and slices. This is one of the most common errors among first-time golfers that you should try to avoid at the outset if you want to have a powerful swing and consequently, a great golf game.

But the truth of the matter is, golf scoring is a very simple matter. For every whack you take at that golf ball, that’s considered a stroke and you give yourself one point. Count the number of strokes you make in every hole and write that down. That’s your score for a particular hole. Add up all your strokes for all the holes and that’s your total score for the entire round.

If you go strictly by the rule book, you will have to take penalty strokes for certain cases (when you choose not to play the ball that has landed in a water hazard, for example). Of course, this will increase your score which is not a good thing in golf. Remember, you want to make as few strokes as possible for you to win the game.

Now, a hole in golf is not just any other hole. It’s classified by its par or the number of strokes it takes a skilled golfer to complete the hole. Simply, a par-3 hole takes 3 strokes to complete. A golf hole can be classified as a par-3, par-4, par-5 and rarely, a par-6. In a par-4 hole, for example, a golfer is expected to reach the putting green in two strokes, and then sink the putt in two strokes, for the score or the par. A hole in one is when you sink the putt with only one stroke.

What if you make a par-4 hole in 3 strokes? Then, that’s a one-stroke under par, otherwise known as a “birdie.” Two strokes under par is known as an “eagle,” three strokes under par an “albatross,” four strokes under par “a condor” and five strokes under par an “ostrich.” If the opposite happens and he finishes a par-4 hole in 5 strokes, that’s known as a “bogey” or one stroke over par. Two, three and four strokes over par are known as “double bogey,” “triple bogey” and quadruple bogey,” respectively. You’d certainly want to keep your score under par as much as possible since again, in golf the lower your score is, the better off you’re going to be.

That’s how to keep score in golf. Time to tee-off!

If you’re new to the course, it can be very tempting to buy the best set of golf clubs that you can afford. Unless you’re very rich, it would be wiser for you to put your money in something that’s modestly priced. You’re still learning the ropes of the game, and there’s no sense in buying something super-expensive your first time out. You can buy a new set of good quality golf clubs for a little over $100 at many retail outlets. You can also try scouring online or looking out for garage sales for used ones that experienced golfers want to get rid of. The initial buy cost them hundreds of dollars and chances are, you’ll be able to get a good bargain for much, much less. When you’re still getting the feel of the game, it’s best not to go overboard with your spending.

Closely related to golf clubs is the issue of golf apparel. As long as you have comfortable, decent cotton collared shirt and slacks or even Bermuda shorts and golf shoes, you’re good to go. Many designer brands offer golf clothing lines with sky high prices. You don’t really need these unless you can really afford them.

Instead of buying top-of-the line golf clubs or buying costly apparel, it’s better to fork out some amount for golf lessons. A local golf pro can give you individual lessons that can cost you anywhere from $30 to $100 for 30 minutes to an hour. This way, you’ll be able to get the basics down pat and you’ll get to appreciate the game even more. Golf classes offered in some local colleges are also another option, but instead of individualized instruction, they cater to groups. No doubt about it, getting instruction is the fastest way to learn. And you’ll have a basic idea of the rules right at the start, too.

Finally, there’s no other way of getting better with golf except to practice, practice, practice. Find a driving range nearby where you can carry out your shots. If you feel that you’re ready to play in a real golf course, opt for a par-3 course, usually with nine holes.

Follow these tips and you’ll definitely find golf truly engaging.

However, driving a golf cart is no joyride. Just because you’ve paid your cart fee doesn’t mean that you can drive your cart anywhere you wish on the golf course. All golfers must observe some basic safety regulations where golf carts are concerned. Doing so prevents accident that could harm yourself and others. It also avoids damage to the golf course.

1. Make sure you know how to drive before getting into the driver’s seat. Common-sense dictates that you don’t turn on the ignition of an automobile if you don’t know how to drive it. Read, understand and follow the safety guidelines and other warnings posted in each cart before you speed up.
2. Don’t drive the cart where they’re not supposed to be driven. These places include hazard boundaries, about 50 yards of greens (unless you’re on a designated cart path), tee-off areas, fairways, casual water, trees or rough terrain on any part of the golf course. Golf carts aren’t trucks but they can damage the soil and vegetation in these areas. A damaged golf course won’t do any good for your game.
3. Don’t go golf-cart joyriding. Maintain the designated speed. These vehicles are open at the sides and most in use aren’t equipped with seat belts. Turning corners at top speeds have been known to throw bodies off the cart, injuring some and killing others.
4. Keep your body parts inside the cart at all times. Passengers for one crazy reason or another hang their feet outside the cart when it is in motion heedless of the dangers. The soles of golf shoes can easily be caught in a tree branch that can lead to twisted ankles and other injuries.
5. Stay on the cart path. Cart paths are areas designated by the golf course so that grasses on the turf are protected. This also prevents accidents that could otherwise stem from driving off the path.

The safety regulations you observe when driving a golf cart is similar to what you observe when you drive your own car. Bottomline: Don’t do anything in a golf cart that you wouldn’t do in your own automobile.

Golf may look easy compared to other sports. After all, it does not require a lot of running and hustling compared to basketball or football. However, it does not mean that this does not exert the body at all. On the contrary, the repetitive twisting and rotation of the trunk puts tremendous stress on the spine that makes it prone to injury. Flexibility exercises do a lot to reduce this kind of stress and your chances of injury. Besides, the more flexible you are, the better your golf swing is going to be.

Here are some stretching exercises that you can do before tee off:

1. Arm Swings
   Begin in a standing position then hold out your arms to your side. Repeatedly swing out your arms back and forth across the front of your body in a deliberate manner for 30 seconds.
2. Trunk Rotations
   Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Hold a club on your shoulders with both your hands (one hand on each end). Then, slightly bend forward from the waist. Get one end of the club directly in front of you by turning from side to side. Do 20 rotations.
3. Side Bends

Begin in a standing position with your feet shoulder width apart. Put a club on your shoulders and bend to one side. Make sure that you keep your upper body straight as you do so. Hold for a couple of seconds before repeating to the other side. Do 10 stretches on each side.

1. Shoulder Stretch

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Hold the club vertically with both hands, one on top of the other, some distance in front of you. Then bend forward from your waist, making sure that your back is flat. Feel the stretch in your shoulders as you hold the position for 10 counts before straightening up again. Repeat for two more times.

1. Leg Swings

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, with one hand holding your club for support. Look forward and keep your body straight as you swing one leg forward and backward. Do 10 swings before switching the club to the other hand and swinging your other leg.

If you do these exercises before you tee-off, you will not only be preventing any injuries, you should be improving your game as well.

The answer to this is a resounding “Yes!” Read on to find out why.

It’s a known fact that golf is an expensive sport. From gear to golf wear to golf club membership, this game can easily become cost-prohibitive. If you want to truly make the most of your game and want to keep playing it for life, it only makes sense to really take the time to learn all about the sport and learn to play it well.

For starters, taking lessons is the only way to learn the game more quickly. Your golf stance, driving tips and putting are just some of the aspects of the sport that simply cannot be self-taught. The rules themselves are a bit complicated, too. And while you can certainly read them, applying theory to an actual game can be a bit challenging if you don’t have a teacher to guide you through the process.

Another reason why you ought to take lessons is that it gives added enjoyment to your rounds. Once you know how to drive the ball far or learn techniques for sinking the putt, then golf becomes more of an enjoyment than a frustrating experience. Only teachers who have made golf their passion can help you in this regard.

Finally, it makes the game much safer for you and for everyone else on the range. Golf is not only a matter of swinging the club, there’s a whole set of body mechanics and ways and strategies to observe to ensure that you do not hit yourself or anyone else with a golf club or a ball.

Golf lessons can either be individualized instruction or in group settings in schools or golf clinics. One session can typically last for 30 minutes to an hour and can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 depending on the qualifications of the instructor or the kind of school you enroll in.

Golf tips and strategies you read in books or online can certainly help improve your game. However, nothing beats golf instruction if you’re still beginning. Sign up!

The basic golf attire that can get you in on most courses is a collared shirt and golf pants or Bermuda shorts. Some will even allow denim shorts, however denim or spandex isn’t really considered appropriate golf attire. This goes the same for ladies, too. However, for those who so wish, golf dresses or skirts are available as well. Choose fabrics that are made of 100% cotton so you are kept comfortable as you play your game and not be bothered with sweat trickling down your back. For cooler days or an early morning round of golf, an argyle sweater worn over your shirt is also a good idea. While there’s no color code for golf apparel, lighter colors are recommended during warm days and darker shades during breezy times so you are kept cool as you play.

To complete your basic golf attire, golf shoes are needed. They used to be made with metal spikes on them, but now, most golf courses have a “no metal spikes on shoes” policy and shoe manufacturers have responded accordingly. If you still have this pair, it’s time to get new ones. Newer shoe models for the course are even waterproof so you can play even when conditions are less than ideal.

While they’re not really necessary for your attire, golf accessories like gloves and caps do a lot to improve your game. Gloves can protect your hands from calluses brought about the numerous swings from the club. Caps or visors keep the sun from your eyes so it’s easier to sink the putt during extremely bright days. Of course, socks and wristbands can definitely pull your look together.

Now that you have the basics of golf attire down pat, you can concentrate on getting a hole-in-one!

1. Know the official rules of the game, especially if you’re a beginner. If you’re playing in a particular course for the first time, check for local rules they may have.
2. Make sure that you have the right equipment. Official rules dictate that you have no more than 14 clubs in your bag. Etiquette dictates that you don’t pester other players by borrowing their clubs.
3. Do your best to arrive at least 30 minutes before your set tee time. It is advisable for you to schedule one ahead so you or your group do not have wait for other groups during busy days. Most golfers even arrive an hour before tee time to stretch and warm up.
4. “Play the ball as it lies.” This is a famous quote that underlies golf etiquette and it simply means what it says. Play the ball in the position that it has landed. Don’t move or touch it. There are exceptions to this in the putting green when you can get the ball (especially if it is in the line of someone’s putting line) after you’ve marked it, but you don’t pick up a ball and reposition it to suit your advantage, even if it has landed on a bunker.
5. Maintain a consistent pace of play. Slow play keeps the group behind you from moving on in the same manner that it keeps you from advancing if you happen to follow up a group that’s moving like a turtle.
6. On the green, never stay in between a player and his putting line (this refers to the imaginary line that connects his ball to the hole). If your ball is in a player’s line, volunteer to mark the ball.
7. Show consideration to other players by not making unnecessary noise or making too much movement. Also, don’t take a hit when there’s any chance that you could hit other players.
8. Always do your part in taking care of the golf course. Replace any divots. Rake the area you played from in the bunker or any footsteps you might find there. Repair any pitch marks you may have caused when you hit the ball in the green. But you can only do so after you’ve putted.
9. Be nice to caddies. You’re helping shape future players of the sport. Besides, they can also give you tips so you can better understand the layout of the course.
10. Congratulate everyone for a nice game. Accept your wins humbly and your losses gracefully.