The golf axiom, "Drive for show, putt for dough," pretty much sums up the most important factor for success in golf: Ball control trumps all. It doesn't matter if you hit the ball far off the tee or fairway, or with perfect backspin, if your balls end up in the water, sand or woods. Learning to control your swing and ball flight is the most important thing you can do to improve your game.
Swing Path
Before you begin working on individual aspects of your swing, such as your grip, stance, backswing or wrist snap, learn the correct swing path for accuracy. Take the club to the top of your backswing, then slowly move it forward toward the ball. See if your current swing technique allows the club to come in a straight line from the top of your swing to the ball, with the clubface pointing at your target at impact. If you see that your clubface is pointing to the left or right when it contacts the ball, or is traveling across the ball instead of coming at it directly from behind, this will help you determine your swing path error.
Address
To create a swing path that lets you hit with control, you must address the ball correctly. Standing too close to the ball with create an inside-out swing path, which creates slice. If you stand too far away from the ball, your club will travel from outside your shoulders to inside them, creating a hook. Practice standing over the ball until you find a position that lets your club come straight forward.
Practice standing with your feet in different positions. Placing your back foot slightly forward creates an open stance, which can result in your ball traveling left to right, if you're right-handed. Spread your feet farther apart on longer shots to lower your center of gravity and increase power. Play shots with your feet closer together on delicate shots, such as pitches, chips and putts.
Ball Placement
Even with the proper address and swing path, you'll slice or hook balls if you hit them too late or too early. Placing the ball too far forward in your stance may make you reach for the ball, ending up with your clubface pointing to the left, if you are a right-handed golfer. This will create a hook shot. If you place the ball too far back in your stance, your clubface might be open, creating slice.
To further complicate matters, different clubs require different ball placements, based on the angle of the clubface. A good rule of thumb for ball placement is to start with the ball in the middle of your stance, moving it slightly forward, or toward your front foot, when you use low-number clubs, and moving it back in your stance when you use higher clubs.
Backswing
A proper backswing is key to helping you control your swing and create a straight forward line to your ball. If you take the club back with your arms, pulling your torso back, you might lose control and end up with your body out of alignment for a straight forward swing. Push your club back by turning your shoulders and upper body backward. Move your arms away from your body only after you have finished your upper body rotation. Start your forward swing with your hips, pulling your club forward with your shoulders to maintain a straight swing path.
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