Golf is a difficult game and sometimes the advice that gets tossed around makes it even harder. For beginners, distinguishing between valuable tips and harmful ones can be a challenge. Here are seven beginner golf myths that are likely making your entry into the sport more difficult than it needs to be.
Myth 1: Start with the cheapest clubs you can find
Being smart with your money when purchasing a beginner set is a great idea. However, if you go out and simply find the cheapest set available, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
In my teaching career, I saw this exact mistake cause golfers to quit.
I’d much rather see you play with a set of used clubs, fitted to your needs and of decent quality. A brand-new, shiny bargain set that will never help you succeed.
Myth 2: You need all 14 clubs to start
Speaking of cheap clubs, I’ll go ahead and add this statement as well.
I’d rather see a beginner with five or seven clubs that work for their game than a full set of 14.
All 14 clubs won’t come into play until you’re making consistent contact with the ball. To be honest, I still only carry 13 clubs, and that’s enough for my game.
Myth 3: Practice makes perfect
In reality, bad practice can make you much worse at golf. Repeating the same flawed motion over and over only locks in the problem.
The key is to take your time on the driving range. Focus on fundamentals and practice with a purpose. Taking a few lessons and asking your instructor for a specific practice routine is one of the smartest moves you can make.
The biggest mistake many beginners make is rushing through practice time and not allowing themselves time to learn in the process.
Myth 4: You can figure it all out on YouTube
I love YouTube as a tool for getting better at golf.
But you need to be smart about what you’re watching. One video will tell you to keep your head down and your left arm straight, the next will say that’s a mistake.
The problem is that YouTube isn’t tailored to your swing, at least not yet. Early on, you don’t even know what would be tailored to your game. A few in-person lessons can help you identify your real issues. Once you know, for example, that weight shift or an open clubface is your main problem, you can find targeted videos that help.
Myth 5: Any old golf ball will do
When you lose three balls in the woods off the first tee, it makes total sense to just grab the cheapest balls you can find. I get that.
As your game improves, consistency matters. The right golf ball can add several yards off the tee and give you more control around the greens. When you’re ready, take the time to find one that fits your swing and style of play. There are still reasonably priced golf balls that offer strong performance on the course.
Myth 6: Keep your head down
Focusing on the golf ball is good but as your shoulders rotate through impact, your head has to move with your body. If your only swing thought is “keep your head down,” you’ll limit your rotation and hurt your contact.
Instead, maintain your posture through impact, keep your spine angle steady and let your head move naturally as part of the turn. Watch professional golfers and then take a video of yourself. You’ll notice that they are rotating around a fixed center but none of them looks like their eyes are glued to the ground from start to finish.
Myth 7: Scratch golf should be the goal
Chasing a single handicap number too early takes the fun out of the game. Golf is a lifelong journey and just when you think you have it figured out, the sport will humble you. Don’t get so caught up in the numbers at this stage in the game. You’ll miss the point of what we all love about the game.
Instead, focus on skill-building and small wins. The scores will come naturally.
Final thoughts
As a new golfer, what were some other myths that you heard that made your learning process harder than it needed to be?
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