Whether you play golf casually with friends or compete at a higher level, small mistakes in your swing can throw off your entire game. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re playing your best every time you step on the green. Here are some helpful tips to improve your swing.

4 Ways to Fix Your Golf Swing

1. Focus on Your Backswing

Proper shoulder rotation on your backswing can make or break your shot. When you reach the height of your swing, your back arm should be bent upwards at the elbow, so that your forearm is parallel to your spine. Your front wrist should not be bent. If someone were to take a picture of your swing, they should see a neat triangular shape formed in the space between your arms. 

2. Add Power With Your Core

When you’re golfing, it’s tempting to use your arms to try to increase the power behind your swing. While this might add a little distance to your shot, it’s inefficient, fatiguing, hard to do consistently. Instead, swing through the golf ball with your entire body, including your torso and legs. Lead through your swing with your hips. Your arms should move up into your backswing from momentum rather than muscular exertion. 

3. Position Your Rear Leg Correctly 

The golf world is divided about whether you should stiffen your back leg mid-swing or keep it slightly bent. Straightening the muscle may make you feel like you’re hitting a stronger, harder shot, but for some, it may actually cause a loss of balance. Instead of tightening your muscles, try bending your knees gently and leaning slightly forward at the waist to see if this improves the quality and comfort of your shot. 

4. Drill to Improve Your Aim 

If your golf club is following an outside-in path when you swing, your ball will curve in the air and land in a spot you weren’t aiming for. If you’re right-handed, it will curve dramatically to the right, and if you’re left-handed, the opposite is true.

An easy way to correct your swing path is to practice using the box drill. To complete the drill, bring an empty shoebox or a similar container to the golf course. Position the box along the line you want to swing, and practice swinging your club as close to the box as possible without hitting it. When you get comfortable, place the ball on the side of the box nearest to you and take a swing. If you hit the box instead of the ball, you’re still swinging outside-in and should keep practicing. 

If you’re looking for a place to practice your golf swing, visit Coulee Golf Bowl. The top-rated recreation facility in Onalaska, WI features a restaurant with an array of delicious dishes and a bowling alley in addition to their 18-hole course. Visit them online to book your next round, or call (608) 781-1111 for more information about the services they offer.