Golf vets, what are the simple things that beginner golfers forget?

For example, If I’m having a really bad day striking the ball, I’ll just remember “hit down on my iron shots” or “keep your head still” and things typically get better.

Golf is fun. Have fun. Fin.

Briar said:
Golf is fun. Have fun. Fin.

This is the single most important thing with golf. No matter the level. Well if you’re a pro and getting paid I guess it doesn’t have to be fun.

Uneven lies.

If the ball’s on an uphill lie it will go higher and shorter.

Downhill lie ball will go lower and shorter.

Ball above your feet the ball will work right to left (for a righty).

Ball below your feet the ball will work left to right (for a righty).

@Darby
The side hill lies are more severe with more loft. Wedges will push/pull more than long irons.

@Darby
The trick I use to remember side lies is that the ball will curve in the same direction as rolling downhill. For example, a ball above your feet will roll downhill right to left and the flight path will go in the same direction (i.e., hook more).

@Arden
>The trick I use to remember side lies is that the ball will curve in the same direction as rolling downhill

Bingo.

I think the most important work is done before you hit the ball. Serious attention to alignment is important. You should make sure you’re square to your target and just swing your swing.

If you hit a cut, pick a target left of the fairway. Make sure you’re aligned, and hit that fucker.

Get all of the swing thoughts out of your head. No hit down on my irons, no keep your head still. Just do whatever you do naturally.

Course management. Don’t play hero shots. Aim for the middle of the green.

Uma said:
Course management. Don’t play hero shots. Aim for the middle of the green.

This one :point_up:

I like to aim at the halfway point between the back and middle of most greens.

Put extra weight on your lead leg when chipping to prevent hitting the ground behind the ball.

Setup and balance. In general, people never work on their setup.

Wade said:
Setup and balance. In general, people never work on their setup.

I came here to say just that.

That you won’t be good for a long time… and possibly never will be really good without some speed.

Also, learn to chip; it’s such low-hanging fruit that anyone can do and most people stink at. Chip every time you go to practice anything else.

Grip and alignment solve most problems. And then of course on the mental game side of the house… it’s golf, don’t get mad and whiney.

Pros are nearly perfect chipping with their 60 every time. We are not.

When your ball is on or near the green, don’t park your bag or golf cart at the front of the green. Either park it close to the flag or between the green and the next tee. After everyone putts out don’t be the guy walking 20 yards back to get your stuff.

Knowing when to pull the pin and when it’s on you to grab it and put it back.

Leaving wedges/putter in proper spots so you aren’t walking back and forth across the continent.

Fix your damn pitch mark and two others. Just because your ball isn’t on the green doesn’t mean you didn’t hit it.

You always stand in weird ass spots. On the tee and on the green you always seem to be in someone’s peripheral.

Having a tee. And a ball marker.

You only need one towel. And wash the crusty ass thing more than once a year.

Know when to play for bogey.

You aren’t good enough to get mad. None of it matters in the end.

@Thorn
I’ve thought about the standing on green but typically just stand a few feet back from my ball marker and read the green for my putt while I wait my turn.

Is the key to just stand far enough in front of them that they don’t see you until after the putt?

Keep the towel to clean tour clubs.