How to Break 70 on the Golf Course

Analyze your golf swing. Have someone take video of you playing golf and hitting from the practice tee. Contact the golf professional where you play at and have him review the video (expect to pay a fee for his services). Have the pro review all aspects of your swing and game and listen to any tips he gives. Review the video on your own if paying for advice is not an option. Look at all parts of your game: tee shots, fairway shots, rough shots, bunker shots and putting and see where common mistakes are occurring and work on correcting those issues.

Take lessons from a golf pro. Find out who the best golf pros are in the area by talking to fellow golfers or doing research on the Internet. Seek a golf pro out and work with that person to improve your game and lower your scores.

Choose the right clubs for your body type and style of play. Visit a pro shop and have yourself measured to ensure that your clubs are the proper length for your body. Purchase replacement clubs if necessary.

Develop an exercise regimen aimed at improving your golf game. Add length to your drives by working with free weights in your swing motion; never use too much weight as you could damage muscles or tendons used in your swing. Add cardiovascular training exercises, such as running and bicycling, to strengthen your legs, which will improve your stamina and add length to your drives. Do stretching exercises to keep your muscles limber.

Watch instructional videos that are geared to improving all parts of your game. Pay close attention to the tips offered and employ them every time at the practice range and on the golf course.

Work on creating fluid motion in your swing every time. Adjust the ball position in your stance so that it matches your height (taller golfers should have the ball back in their stance, while shorter golfers should play the ball more forward.

Settle on a comfortable stance. Select a stance that is about 1 inch wider of your shoulders on either side. Adjust your alignment with your target area. Always aim your forward shoulder so that it points parallel to the target area to ensure that your downswing follow-through is more fluid.

Properly distribute your weight. Adjust your weight so that the majority of it is behind your swing as it reaches the top part of your downswing.

Move your shoulders correctly during your swing. Turn your shoulder into your chin during your swing, not the other way around; this will keep your stance pointed in the right direction and keep you from hooking the ball.

Visualize every shot that you have to make before hitting the ball. Adjust your shot-making process to adapt to course conditions, such as wind or wet ground. Think about your next shot in relation to the shot that you will make immediately afterward. For example, there may be times when you don't want to hit your longest drive off the tee, when a shorter drive will leave you better placed for the next shot.

Use the correct club for a particular shot. Become comfortable with every club in your bag; golf clubs are designed to strike the ball a certain way and send it a certain distance every time -- the only variable is the human factor.

Take everything you have learned about your swing and hit the practice range. Practice every chance you get, at least three times per week. Work on all aspects of your game. Practice tee shots and fairway shots at the driving range. Use different clubs so you learn how you hit each club every time. Move to the putting green and work on your putting skills, such as address, club speed and reading the green. Move to the side of the putting green and work on your chip and bunker shots. Remember what you did on the good swings and putts and try to match them as often as possible.