It does not matter if you are an amateur that confuses birdies for pigeons or an expert, long-time golfer. No matter how talented you are, golf is both rewarding and challenging. Before teeing up, look through this set of handpicked tricks and tips to get insight about this sport.

By experimenting with different feels while on the driving range, you will have a better chance to find a stance that allows you to swing comfortably. While appropriate stance is important, you must remember that what is considered proper for one golfer may not work for another. Perfecting your stance is the first step to improving your overall game.

Test your posture when preparing to swing by wiggling your toes. If you can do this without difficulty, you are probably leaning too far back from the ball. You should lean into the ball so that your feet can move just a little bit, but not excessively.

Sweet Spot

Every club contains a “sweet spot,” which is where the face will strike the ball with greatest accuracy. Get familiar with each club’s sweet spot. When you practice, experiment with each of your clubs to find this spot. Hit the ball with the sweet spot as you swing your club down.

Make sure that you maintain 100% of your focus on your next shot. Don’t let the success or lack thereof from previous shots or upcoming hazards break your focus. Thinking about past mistakes or future actions takes your mind off the swing, so do your best to just move on and forget about them.

As you putt, you should strive to keep your left hand in front of the ball. Maintain this position as you follow through with your swing. This will help you maintain the appropriate grip on the club during your stroke, and will make it less likely that the ball will dart off of the face of the club during contact.

If you’re faced with a long putt, you need to focus your concentration to speed when hitting the ball. Instead of aiming for the hole, read the putt and aim for an intermediate target. This ensures you don’t overshoot the hole and your next putt is simple to make.

To maximize swing strength, you need to involve your whole body, from your torso all the way down to your legs. 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.

Grip your golf club in a neutral fashion. Don’t squeeze the club too tightly; this makes your shots go further right than you want. Conversely, if you hold your club too loosely, the ball will go off to the left. Use the direction of your shots to correct your grip.

You probably want to bring a nice healthy snack to fuel your body and mind while you’re on the course. Golfing can tire you out physically and mentally. You can get some extra protein from the snacks and you will be sharper and less tired throughout your golf game.

Now that you have taken the initiative to learn something new about the sport of golf, you can impress your golfing buddies (or that gorgeous pro shop attendant) with the information you’ve just picked up. Look for new ways to apply these skills to your current game, to make the game even more challenging and engaging.