Golf is a very difficult game to master. Not only does the form of a golfer vary daily but infuriatingly from hole to hole.
One minute you can feel on top of the world after a par or even a birdie, the next moment, you struggle to keep control of your temper as another topped shot runs along the fairway into a bunker.
Try following these simple tips to hit the ball more consistently and start to lower your scores.
But first, here are a few reasons why golf is so hard.
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Why is golf so hard?
Numerous factors make golf a difficult sport to play. The physicality of the sport can be demanding, as golf requires repetitive coordination of different muscle groups.
The mental game is also key in golf, as players must control their emotions and stay focused throughout a round. Finally, golf is often difficult to learn due to the lack of proper instruction. Many people who perceive golf to be too difficult give up before they even give themselves a chance to improve.
The mental game is tough
Golf is hard because it’s a sport that is mentally challenging, physically demanding, and emotionally draining. The mental game is tough because players have to be able to stay calm and composed under pressure.
They also need to harness their emotions and not let them get the best of them. Golfers will hit poor shots every time they go out and play, but the mental game makes this sport so difficult. It’s hard to stay positive and focused when constantly making mistakes.
The physical game is also very difficult. Players need a lot of stamina and strength to play for long periods. They also need good coordination and balance to swing the club properly.
Lastly, the emotional game can be draining. Golfers often get frustrated and angry when things don’t go their way. It’s important to keep your emotions in check to succeed in this sport.
You have to use so many different muscles
You have to use many different muscles when doing an activity. It is amazing how many muscles we have in our bodies and how they all work together to help us move. When doing an activity, your muscles work together to provide power and motion. They also generate heat and help with breathing, circulation, and digestion.
The ball doesn’t go where you want it to
If you’re frequently finding yourself in a position where the ball doesn’t go where you want it to, it’s time for a change. Many things can impact the direction of your shot, from your posture to how you hit the ball.
However, one of the most important factors is simply having a go-to shot that you can rely on. Tiger Woods is known for his 9-shot drill, but having a single shot that you can execute consistently matters. By finding and perfecting your go-to shot, you’ll be able to take control of your game and start hitting the ball exactly where you want it to go.
It’s a slow game
Golf is a notoriously slow game. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that it’s a difficult game. It’s hard to play with someone that gets on your nerves, and it’s easy to overswing and lose control if you’re not careful. Many people seem to have forgotten that golf is a difficult game, and it takes time to play it. So be patient, take your time, and enjoy the challenge.
It’s an expensive hobby
Golf is one of the most expensive sports to get involved in because of the high equipment cost.
Other costs include club fees and membership dues, which can quickly add up.
However, golf is a very difficult game to master. It’s almost cliché to say, ‘Retire With Golf,’ but golf can be an extremely challenging and frustrating game.
Many people give up on golf because they cannot improve their game or lower their scores.
Golf is also time-consuming, which can be a deterrent for some people.
All of these factors make golf an expensive and challenging sport.
You have to walk a lot
Golf is hard because it’s a sport that is mentally challenging, physically demanding, and emotionally draining. Golf requires consistent practice and precision to master the mechanics of the swing, as well as the mental game to control nerves and maintain focus.
If you’re riding in a cart all the time, you might move faster than you should between shots. This can lead to tension and fatigue. People find golf difficult because it is a target sport. It requires precise swing mechanics and calculations to get your ball from one point to another.
The course is always changing
Golf is hard because the course is always changing. The operators are constantly changing the course to make it more challenging for the players. This makes it difficult for the players to adjust their game and play consistently well.
The weather can be a factor
Golf is difficult for many reasons, but one of the biggest factors is the weather. Hot and humid air can reduce the golf ball’s density, making it harder to hit. Cold temperatures can also reduce the distance the ball travels.
Wind, rain, and thunder can all make it difficult to play a round of golf. Even typical weather conditions can make it challenging to get a good game in. So next time you’re struggling to hit that tee shot in tough conditions, remember that you’re not alone—golf is just a difficult sport.
You have to pay attention to your form
Running is all about putting one foot in front of the other. Sounds easy enough, right? But if your running form is off, then you won’t be able to run as efficiently or effectively. That’s why paying attention to your form and ensuring that you’re running correctly is important. Here are a few tips to help you out.
First, make sure that you’re standing up straight with your shoulders back and your chest open. This will help you breathe more easily and prevent you from getting tired as quickly.
Second, ensure you’re looking ahead and not down at your feet. This will help you to stay focused and avoid tripping over obstacles. Finally, make sure that you’re taking long strides. This will help you to cover more ground with each step and will also help you to maintain a good pace.
Tips to play better golf
The Golf Address Position
Standing well to the ball is crucial for consistent hitting, yet most golfers who struggle have poor posture. Not only is aiming important, but good posture is a key ingredient when building a simple swing, as it helps the golfer turn the shoulders correctly.
Fundamentally golf involves turning round the spine, but if the spine is bent at the address, it is almost impossible to have an efficient swing.
- Make sure your spine is straight when standing to the ball, which promotes a good shoulder turn.
One-Piece Takeaway
From a good address position, the takeaway should be a smooth movement where the shoulders, arms, and hands work together. This is a critical move as it sets up the arc of the swing, the swing path, and the overall timing of the swing.
The first foot away from the ball is vital, but most golfers rush the takeaway, and by the time the club has moved a few feet, control has already been lost.
- Make sure the takeaway is carried out slowly and smoothly – the slower, the better.
Straight Left Arm on Backswing
The more constant the width of the backswing and downswing, the easier it becomes to deliver the club squarely back to the ball.
One of the ways to keep constant width is to ensure the left arm remains relatively straight as the club swings back.
Most golfers who struggle to hit the ball into the air have poor posture at an address that affects the shoulder turn, and a poor shoulder turn means there is no alternative but to break the left arm during the backswing.
- Complete the shoulder turn and keep the left arm relatively straight
Finish Position
If a golfer achieves a relatively good position at the top of the backswing, as long as they swing right through to a finish position, then they do not have to worry too much about the downswing.
Most golfers try too hard to hit the ball rather than simply swinging the club through impact to a full finish. In essence, the ball should get in the way of the swing – there should be no deliberate hit at the ball.
- Swing to a finish – trust the club to get the ball into the air – a golfer should never try to ‘lift’ the ball up.
Conclusion
Although these tips seem quite basic, by incorporating them into your game, the swing will become more consistent, and that will make the game of golf much more enjoyable.
Golf is only hard because most golfers never practice the swing basics. Keep it simple. Master these four simple tips, and golf will become much easier.
