The Most Common Mistakes Golfers Make and How to Fix Them
Whether you’re new to golf or have been playing for years, every golfer picks up a few bad habits along the way. The good news? Most of them are easy to fix, especially with the right awareness and a bit of expert guidance.
We asked our coaching partners and PGA professionals to share the most common issues they see on the range and course and how to fix them before they become a permanent part of your swing.
1. Gripping the Club Too Tightly
The mistake:
White knuckles? You're not alone. Many golfers, especially beginners, hold the club far too tightly, which restricts movement and kills your natural rhythm.
How to fix it:
Relax your grip. You want firm but fluid think holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing anything out. A proper grip improves swing speed, consistency, and control.
2. Swinging Too Hard
The mistake:
More power = more distance, right? Not quite. Over-swinging throws off your balance and tempo, often leading to mis-hits and inconsistent shots.
How to fix it:
Focus on rhythm, not brute strength. A smooth, balanced swing often sends the ball further than a rushed one at 110%. Let the club do the work.
3. Poor Alignment
The mistake:
You aimed for the flag... but your feet, shoulders, and clubface were all pointing elsewhere. Alignment is one of the biggest silent killers in golf.
How to fix it:
Before every shot, check your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are all aligned parallel to your target line (or slightly open for certain shots). Use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground during practice to train your setup.
4. Ignoring the Short Game
The mistake:
Spending 90% of your practice time on the driver and wondering why you keep three-putting.
How to fix it:
Work on your putting, chipping, and pitching. These shots make up the majority of your round and improving them is often the fastest way to lower your score.
5. No Pre-Shot Routine
The mistake:
Inconsistent shots often come from inconsistent setups. If every shot starts differently, the results will be all over the place too.
How to fix it:
Create a simple pre-shot routine and stick to it. This could include visualising the shot, taking one practice swing, checking alignment, then stepping up. It calms nerves, builds confidence, and creates consistency.
6. Trying to Copy the Pros
The mistake:
Yes, Rory makes it look effortless but what works for a tour pro with years of training doesn’t always work for the weekend golfer.
How to fix it:
Focus on your fundamentals. A golf lesson with a qualified coach will give you feedback tailored to your game, body, and goals which is far more effective than copying swing videos on YouTube.
7. Letting One Bad Shot Ruin the Next One
The mistake:
You chunk a chip… and carry that frustration into your next tee shot. Golf is mental as much as it is physical.
How to fix it:
Learn to reset. Take a breath, re-focus, and treat every shot as a fresh start. Even the pros make double bogeys it’s how you bounce back that matters.
Every Golfer’s Been There
Every golfer makes mistakes that’s part of the game. But with a bit of awareness, practice, and guidance, most of them are easier to fix than you think. If you’re ready to clean up your swing, sharpen your short game, or just build some consistency, a one-to-one golf lesson is one of the fastest ways to improve.
