Golf Basics

What is Golf?
◦ Golf is a sport in which a group of 4 people or less play through an 18 or 9 hole course. The object of the game is to hit a ball from a tee, down each fairway, and hole the ball in the least amount of shots possible. A driver is usually used off tees of par 4’s and 5’s. On par 3’s an iron or wood is used. The player uses an iron or wedge in the fairway to eventually hit the ball onto the green. The player then putts out on the green. The lower the score the better. To tell whether a player is up to snuff, it can be seen how many over or above par the individual is for the certain course.

Golf Grip
◦ First, place the golf club with the squared clubface in your left hand. The pads of all fingers except the thumb should be wrapped around the grip. The thumb protrudes down the front of the grip. This forms what seems to look like a v between the thumb and index finger. Next, place our right hand below the left, in the same manner as the left. The only difference should be that the thumb of the left hand fits into the pocket under the palm of the right hand. The thumb of the left hand also goes slightly left (If you are right handed).

Stance
◦ Driver/Wood - Line your feet parallel to the flight line which you intend the ball to have. Put your ball in line with the heel of your left foot if you are right handed. Keep your head down, and arms extended. There should be the width of a hand in between your body and golf club.
◦ Iron - Same as driver. Feet a shoulder width apart. Play the ball in the middle of your stance.
◦ Wedge - Feet angled slightly left if you are right handed. Stay over the ball, and down on it.
◦ Putt - Stay over the ball, watch it until you see it move off the putter face. Use shoulders, not elbow or wrist movements.

The Swing
◦ Align your feet with the target at which you intend the ball to go towards.
◦ Use correct golf stance as listed above.
◦ Make sure club is positioned naturally.
◦ Grip the golf club.
◦ Turn hips to back to begin swing.
◦ Keep left arm stiff, and right should fold up.
◦ Cock hands slightly.
◦ Shift weight right to left.
◦ Arms come down keeping right arm stiff.
◦ Turn hips so you face your target.

Chipping
◦ Keep arms stiff
◦ Loose grip
◦ Flatten club face for flop shot
◦ Backswing should be knee height for near green chips

Punch Shot
◦ Position ball in the back of your stance