Below we outline the basic tips all golfers should take note of. Click on the links below for tips on all aspects of the game. If you have a more specific question for us, why not click here to ask it?

Driving
Approach Shots
Short Game
Holing Out

Driving

Over the years there are several pieces of advice which have evolved, which simply aren't true.
The main three are:

FALSE ADVICE - Keep your head down
Doing this will actually restrict your swing, leading to erratic striking, duffed shots and lack of power. You should in fact turn your head slightly on the backswing - letting it move with your shoulders so you are looking at the ball out of the corner of your left eye at the top of your backswing.

FALSE ADVICE - Swing slower
To hit the ball any distance you need to generate clubhead speed, this means swinging quickly. Slowing your swing down can cause you to lose rhythm and timing. Always look to swing smoothly yet aggressively.

FALSE ADVICE - Keep your left arm straight
It is not a bad thing to keep your left arm straight, as long as you hinge your wrists and keep your arm loose. Many people think they should keep their left arm rigid with no wrist movement. The left arm should be at right angles to the club - straight but not rigid.

GOOD ADVICE - Pick a specific spot
Don't simply pick a big target like the clubhouse or a large tree. Pick a particular spot. The more specific your aim, the more accurate your driving.

GOOD ADVICE - Tee high and watch it fly
To make the most of large faced modern drivers, you must tee the ball up high. These clubs are designed to send the ball high and long. Teeing it high should help increase your distance.

GOOD ADVICE - The light touch
Gripping the club tightly and tensing all your muscles will actually slow the clubhead down and lead to weaker shots. The key is to grip the clubhead lightly.

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Approach Shots

GOOD ADVICE - Fairway Woods
1. Your right shoulder should be lower than your left when you address the ball. This helps you catch the ball with the up-part of the swing and sends it soaring into the air.
2. Position the ball an inch inside your left heel. This also helps you hit the ball on your upswing.
3. When taking away the club, swing low to the ground. This helps you sweep the ball of the turf, as opposed to taking a divot as with an iron shot.
4. Accelerate to a full finish to ensure a precise, clean shot.

GOOD ADVICE - Take enough club
Most holes are designed with all the trouble at the front of the green, as players tend to under-club. Hitting it to the back of the green helps avoid this.

GOOD ADVICE - Use the right club
There's no point in trying a three wood from an awful lie! Be sensible and use a club which will help you get out of trouble.

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Short Game

GOOD ADVICE - Bunkers
1. Before you enter the bunker, see what kind of shot you would play from outside the hazard, i.e. a high lob, or a low running chip. Whatever you decide on, make sure you focus on this type of shot in the bunker.
2. Always accelerate through impact. If you don't commit to the shot you will leave it in the bunker.

GOOD ADVICE - The Chip and Run
This shot is especially useful during summer months when the ground is hard, making it difficult to get under the ball and play a high pitch to the pin. By sending the ball in low, you help avoid any unpredictable bounces off the hard ground.
1. The set-up - Take a 7 or 8 iron and grip down the club. Place the ball at the back of a narrow stance, with your hands in front of the ball. Take a few practice swings to get a feel for the shot - distance is everything.
2. The swing - Make a smooth swing, accelerating through the ball. The ball should bounce a few times and then roll onto the green.

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Holing Out

GOOD ADVICE - Choose your putter well
You use the putter more than any other club in your bag. So make sure you have a putter you are happy with.

GOOD ADVICE - Line up the logo
Pointing the logo on the golf ball towards the hole can help you to line up your putt.

GOOD ADVICE - Loosen up
Gripping the putter loosely helps improve your touch. Holding it too tightly will cause you to tense, making it difficult to judge the pace correctly.

GOOD ADVICE - Do keep your head down
This is the only time you need to keep your head down. As you hit the ball keep your eyes focussed on the spot the ball was. Don't look up too quickly - just listen for the satisfying noise of the ball rattling into the hole!

GOOD ADVICE - Practice with a friend
Not only will this make practising more fun, but if you have a competition, it will help you get used to putting when there's a bit of pressure on it.

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