1. Swaying
One of the most common mistakes golfers make is swaying during their golf swings. Swaying occurs when a golfer excessively moves their hips or shoulders away from the target, causing them to lose balance, accuracy, and power.
Fix: To fix a sway, make sure that your feet are positioned shoulder-width apart. The weight should be equally distributed between both feet. Also, keep your hips and shoulders aligned with your feet. To practice this, try to hit some shots while standing with your feet together. This will teach you to use your core and legs for balance and power.
2. Slicing
Slicing occurs when the clubface is open at impact, causing the ball to curve to the right (for a right-handed golfer) or to the left (for a left-handed golfer). It is one of the most frustrating faults in golf.
Fix: There are several ways to fix slicing, but the most effective is to strengthen your grip. This means positioning your hands more to the right on the club’s handle (for right-handed golfers). You can also try keeping your left arm straight during the golf swing or reducing your backswing. Practicing these tips will help you close the clubface and straighten your shots.
3. Casting
Casting is when the golfer prematurely releases the wrist before impact. This motion produces a weak shot with little power or distance.
Fix: The best way to fix casting is to work on your tempo and timing. Try to keep your hands in front of the ball during the downswing. You can also practice the ‘delayed-release’ drill: in this drill, you delay the release of your hands’ wrist as long as possible to encourage a smoother and more powerful swing.
4. Over-the-Top Swing
The over-the-top swing is when a golfer moves the club from outside the target line to inside during the downswing. It leads to a pull or a slice.
Fix: To fix the over-the-top swing, you need to focus on your backswing. Try not to bring the club too far inside or outside your target line. Practice taking the club back along the same line as your target, then loop the club down to the inside during the transition. Practicing this will help square the clubface and produce a more powerful shot.
In conclusion, golf swings faults are common and are frustrating to deal with. However, with the right approach and practice, you can fix them. Keep in mind that each swing fault has specific fixes, and it’s crucial to identify which one you are dealing with before applying the appropriate solution. Always focus on the fundamentals of your golf swing, including grip, stance, and alignment. Most importantly, be patient and consistent in your practice. Eventually, you will develop a smooth and powerful golf swing that will help you improve your game.
