Unlike most sports, golf is a game that can be played at virtually any age. Golf brings joy to those sneaking out of work early for a few holes to those waking up at sunrise to play back-to-back rounds. One aspect that can frustrate any golfer, however, is a bad swing. In order to succeed in this sport, you must have a good swing, or you'll find yourself hunting for balls rather than driving them.
Physics
The golf swing might seem easy to some. But, it can be very difficult to swing a club at a little white ball and have it go where you want it to go. To understand the golf swing, you must understand physics. The golf swing is a great example of angular motion. According to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, your swing produces torque on the club. That force changes the angular velocity of the club, causing rotation. The faster your club head is going at the bottom of your swing, the greater the amount of kinetic energy that will be transferred from club head to the ball.
Grip
Before the start of any golf swing, you must hold the club you are using with a proper grip. Three common golf grips include the interlocking grip, the hammer grip and the overlap grip, the most common grip used by golfers. For right-handed players, your left hand should be the first hand wrapped around the base of the club. According to golfswingfeeling.com, a gentle squeeze by the last three fingers of the left hand is the only pressure that is required. Your left thumb should go straight down the top of the golf club shaft. Your fingers from your right hand should wrap underneath the shaft, with your right pinky overlapping the index finger on your left hand. Palms facing each other give power and control over your swing.
Addressing the Ball
Once you know how to grip the club, you must know how to align your body when addressing the ball. According to the United States Golf Association, a player has "addressed the ball" when he has taken his stance and has also grounded his club. Stand over the ball so that your club head is flat on the ground behind the ball. Your feet should be shoulder length apart with the ball lining up on the inside of your left foot. Rest comfortably over the ball, with your head down and eyes on the ball.
Alignment
After addressing the ball, focus on your alignment. Alignment is how you line up your target. You must be able to focus on a target before performing your shot. Without proper alignment, your golf ball could end up anywhere. Your feet, hips and shoulders should run in a straight line parallel to the ball. According to the Purgatory Golf Club, your club face should point to and extend all the way through your target. Having a target in mind will help you visualize your shot.
Swing
After addressing the ball and knowing your alignment, it's time to swing. Whether you're swinging a putter, pitching wedge or driver, stay relaxed. Do not rush your shot. With the club face lying on the ground behind your golf ball, slowly start your back swing by bringing back your hands followed by your arms and shoulders. Once the club is over your shoulders start to go into your downswing by rotating your hips toward the ball. After your club makes contact with the ball, in one smooth motion follow through on your shot until the club is over your other shoulder.
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