If you’d like to relax and have fun playing a sport, golf is a great choice. Golf can be a difficult sport to learn at first, but if you have the right tips on how to play, such as the ones presented below, it can be a great starting point.

Stand so that your left hand is in front of the ball when preparing to putt. Maintain this position while you complete your swing. This technique will give you a smooth stroke instead of striking the ball too hard.

Make sure your grip is neither too loose nor too tight. If you hold the club too tightly, your golf shots are going to probably go off towards the right. However, if a golf club held too loose the shot will veer to the left. Correct your grip by using the direction of the shots.

Think about packing a small snack chock full of protein on the course, like a bag of nuts. Golf demands both physical and mental effort. However, the calories and protein in your snack can help you remain alert and prevent your muscles from becoming fatigued, so you can stay on top of your game throughout the 18th hole.

Before you take your shot, make sure that you align the rear of your forward facing foot with the ball. During any other swing, the golf ball should be almost dead center between your feet when you swing. If you are hitting while on a slope, you will want to avoid centering the ball.

If you’re going to treat yourself to a golf club, have it custom-fitted. Your various dimensions, such as height and weight, will reflect differences in how the club should be shaped. Getting the perfect club for you is half of the battle, the rest is just learning to use it properly!

Check your club’s head prior to buying a used one. An overused club will have a shiny spot on the head. This kind of wear can seriously affect your shots.

Refrain from using a unnatural stance. Practice concentrating on the ball without using a club. Stand with your knees slightly flexed and bent at the waist, let your arms fall in the front of you naturally. Clap your hands together, as if around a club. All these elements comprise natural positioning, and if you feel discomfort, you are probably compensating for something too much.

A lot of people think that you should move your ball around, but you should really keep it in one place. This helps solidify your stance, and helps it be consistent. When you need to allow for more loft in your clubs, you can bring your trailing foot towards the lead and increase the loft, but maintain that ball position while doing so. This helps you have a club that is appropriate in every situation.

Move your hips quickly as you swing to shift your weight from back to front. This will strengthen your swing and increase the distance your ball will go.

Boost your confidence by playing with people who are on your level or slightly higher. Don’t try to play with people who are far more skilled than you, as you’ll get frustrated. Similarly, playing with people who are far less skilled than you makes for a boring game. As a beginner, you should play with others of the same skill level on easy courses. While it is healthy to challenge yourself, starting out in a highly competitive environment may cause you to become discouraged.

The tips provided here will help you to feel confident about your golf skills and become a better golfer. As with any other skill, practice makes perfect. Take what you’ve learned here today, and swing your way to victory.