Do you know what golf is? Does golf confuse you, seeming a little ridiculous? Golf is a wonderful sport, and learning more about it will help you to enjoy it even more. Read on to learn some golf basics so that you can understand the game better.

When just starting out, it’s important to learn how to properly grip the club. Many people mistakenly believe they should grip the club extra-tight to hit the ball further. Try gripping soft, yet firm. Some people suggest holding the club like you would a bird.

When you get ready to swing, check your posture by wiggling your toes. If you have no trouble moving your feet, then you need to reduce the angle at which you are leaning relative to the ball. Lean enough to allow your feet to move slightly. Leaning too far results in your feet moving too much.

When you are putting, you should address the ball with your left hand ahead of the ball. Maintain this position while you complete your swing. You will have more control over the club and direction of the ball.

Learning to keep score is a very useful skill as it pertains to golf. Many people live and die by their score, so messing it up will give you a horrible reputation. Every time you hit the ball, you want to count that in your total for that hole. Each hole is different and has different pars for it as well so make sure you take that into consideration as well. The idea is to get as few strokes possible!

If you wish to swing more powerfully, use the muscles throughout your body. The legs and your trunk are important to focus on. Try to use your body as if it where a whip while swinging, and obtain power from the legs as they push off of the ground.

Make sure that you line your feet up correctly. This is the best tip to help you to perfect your golf swing. Place your feet in a perpendicular stance to whichever direction you wish the ball to fly in. One common way to make sure your feet are in alignment with where you want to hit the ball is to lay your club in a way that it is touching the toes on both your feet.

Carry a snack which is high in protein on the course with you. The game of golf is exhausting, both mentally and physically. An infusion of additional protein and calories will restore your mental clarity and revitalize your muscles, which will help you play your best all the way to the end.

For a drive swing, align the ball with your front foot. But for other swings, the ball should be at a median point between your right and left foot. The only exception to this is when your ball lies on a slope.

Mental preparation is equally important to your physical preparations where golfing is concerned. Try to forget about other stresses you have and focus on your golf game.

As stated in the beginning of this article, golf can be quite confusing if you have never played before. You now have the information that you need about golf. Judge the sport on your own terms and give it a try, to see if this is a sport that you could get into!