To start with, you need to learn how to imagine a shot before you hit and select a club that will give the best chance at executing it.
Develop a pre-shot routine that allows you to relax and focus on the shot at hand. Routine means something you do before every shot. Pre-shot routine will help you relax, focus and with ball striking consistency.
Learn how to grip a club. If you can't hang onto the club, you'll have a hard time hitting the ball with a square club face. Interlock or overlap are the most common. I've done both and they both worked, but I like the interlock more. I still use an overlap grip on some short, finesse type chip shots though.
Learn how to address the ball so you begin your swing in the proper position. If you don't, chances are you'll never complete a proper swing.
Learn how to start your backswing by rotating your hips and shoulders while keeping your spine straight and head still, not by using your arms and wrists. This is how you generate power and stay on plane during your swing.
You need to learn balance so you can keep your body and swing in control when your swing becomes more powerful.
Learn what it feels like to be in the proper top position so you can start your downswing correctly from the beginning. If you don't, there's hardly anytime to correct it and you'll be hitting inconsistently.
You need to learn how to get your body out of the way of your arms rotating through on the downswing. This is called a "post-up" and is when your weight shifts to your front foot. You have to "post-up" to prevent your body and head from sliding forward of the ball, which will allow you to attack the ball from the inside.
Learn how to release the club with your wrists so you can hit the ball with a square club face and generate more power. A release is when you wrists rollover at impact.
You have to learn how to follow through so you don't get injured. When you swing you generate a lot of power and if you don't unwind, something might break.
You'll need to learn how to make adjustments with your swing when it isn't working exactly how you want it to, which unfortunately is a lot of the time (at least for me). If you are able to identify problems in your swing quickly and make adjustments, you'll score more consistently and will probably develop a better short game.
You'll need a short game. Chipping, putting, pitching, san shots, all of it. Practice Practice Practice. Putting is fun when you can roll them nicely. It's a nightmare when you can't.
You have to make time to play. If you're serious about getting better, you can't wait around for your friends to join you all the time. You have to get out and play and practice.
You have to make a commitment to get better because it's not going to happen overnight.
Last but not least, you've gotta learn not to get pissed off when you shoot 70 over par :) And just get out there and have some fun...
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