You may be a seasoned professional or a miniature golfing amateur. The great game of golf challenges players of all skill levels. Before hitting the links, check out the following tips for a little insight to give your game an edge.

Get more from your time on the course by walking it instead of driving. This helps you get much more exercise so that you can improve your health. Walking is also a good way to warm up before and during play.

When you putt, have your left hand in front of the ball. Maintain proper posture and hand position throughout your swing. If you do not incorporate this technique, you run the risk of having the ball bounce off of the club, greatly reducing your chances for an accurate putt.

If possible, play with golfers who are better at the game than you are, and study their techniques. You should always make the most of any opportunity that allows you to learn something from a seasoned golfer. You need not engage a pro to benefit from the company of a superior player. Paying attention to the way they play will give you new ideas, and their presence may spur you to play stronger yourself.

Make sure you stretch and stay hydrated. Golfing proficiency can be acquired through proper self care.

A good stance is the foundation of every golf shot. Your ball will only go as far as your stance allows. The ball will not go very far if you are not slouching the right amount.

Mental preparation is as important as physical preparation in a golf game. Leave all the stress in your life elsewhere for just a while and concentrate on the game at hand.

Before you buy a golf club, you may want to think about getting custom-fitted for it. Everyone has different body types, heights, and strength. The club that works for one person may not work for another! A club which perfectly fits your needs will lead to a perfect swing.

Inspect your golf clubs before buying them. The club head is especially important; don’t buy clubs without checking the heads for wear. If there is a shiny, worn spot on the club, it means it’s been used too much. This means the club will not make good contact with the ball as it should.

A lot of people think that you should move your ball around, but you should really keep it in one place. Doing so makes your stance mentally ingrained for physical consistency. 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 lets you always pick the right club.

Before hitting the golf ball, take a nice, deep breath. By doing this, you will help yourself calm down and be able to focus more on how to properly address your ball. Take time to imagine where you desire the ball to be then take a swing. Breathe deeply to take the pressure off if you find yourself playing in a competitive setting.

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.