Common Beginner Mistakes in Golf (and How to Fix Them)
Golf can be an exciting but frustrating game for newcomers. Personally, I remember how discouraging it felt when I would drive the ball beautifully for 15 holes—straight, long, and consistent—only to have everything fall apart on the final few holes. One minute you’re striking it pure, and the next, you can’t figure out what went wrong. This rollercoaster of highs and lows is something every golfer, especially beginners, can relate to.
I also think back to watching my father-in-law, who’s in his 70s, play round after round. He doesn’t use a fancy stance, special grips, or even wear golf shoes—no glove, no frills—yet he hits the ball straight off the tee box 90% of the time. Why? It comes down to one thing: time and repetition. Golf rewards patience and practice, not gimmicks.
The good news? Most beginner struggles come down to common mistakes—and the best part is they’re fixable. Here’s how to identify and correct them so you can stay consistent and enjoy the game more.
1. Gripping the Club Too Tightly
The Mistake:
Beginners often strangle the club with a death grip, thinking tighter equals more control. In reality, it reduces fluid motion and can cause slices or hooks.
The Fix:
Hold the club like you’re shaking someone’s hand—firm but relaxed.
If your knuckles turn white, you’re gripping too tightly.
Trust the club’s design to do the work rather than muscling the swing.
2. Improper Stance and Posture
The Mistake:
Standing too tall or bending too much at the waist leads to inconsistent contact. Poor posture also affects balance and power.
The Fix:
Bend slightly at the hips, not your back.
Keep your knees flexed and weight evenly distributed.
Think “athletic stance”—like you’re ready to catch a ball.
3. Trying to Swing Too Hard
The Mistake:
Many beginners equate power with distance and end up over-swinging, sacrificing control and accuracy.
The Fix:
Swing at about 70–80% effort for better control.
Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact over raw speed.
Distance will naturally improve with proper mechanics.
4. Ignoring Alignment
The Mistake:
Misaligned feet or shoulders can sabotage an otherwise solid swing, sending the ball off target even when contact feels good.
The Fix:
Use alignment sticks or a club on the ground during practice.
Make sure feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.
Develop the habit of checking alignment before every shot.
5. Neglecting Short Game Practice
The Mistake:
Spending all your practice time on the driver while ignoring putting and chipping is a fast way to rack up strokes on the course.
The Fix:
Dedicate at least half your practice sessions to the short game.
Work on 3–6 foot putts, basic chip shots, and simple bunker escapes.
A strong short game can save more strokes than any driver swing.
6. Not Using the Right Equipment
The Mistake:
Hand-me-down clubs or the wrong shaft flex can make learning the game harder than it needs to be.
The Fix:
Get fitted for clubs or check that your current set matches your height and swing speed.
Choose forgiving clubs like cavity-back irons or hybrids.
Lessons are often more valuable than rushing to buy expensive gear.
7. Skipping Warm-Ups and Stretching
The Mistake:
Heading straight to the first tee without warming up leads to stiff swings and early-round mistakes.
The Fix:
Spend 5–10 minutes stretching shoulders, hips, and back.
Hit a few short wedges before grabbing your driver.
Warm-ups help prevent injuries and improve consistency.
Final Thoughts
Every golfer makes mistakes, especially when starting out. The key is recognizing them early and practicing with purpose. By focusing on fundamentals like grip, posture, alignment, and short game, you’ll build a solid foundation and enjoy the game more quickly.
Pro Tip: Even one or two lessons with a PGA professional can make a huge difference. A small adjustment early on can save months of frustration and help you enjoy your time on the course.
