How to Play Golf Like a Pro

Playing golf professionally requires equal parts natural ability and tireless hard work. Sufficed to say, not everyone can do it. Every professional also has their own unique style and manner of playing, but the one thing they all have in common is a comprehensive knowledge of golf swing fundamentals. These are points that anyone can learn and perfect if given the necessary practice time. Once learned, you can extrapolate certain motions that will allow you to work the ball to the left or the right.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf clubs
  • Golf ball
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Instructions

  1. The Swing

    • 1
      Address

      Walk up to address the ball on either the right or left side, depending on your dominant hand. Lay the club head behind the ball so that its grooves are perpendicular to your intended target.

    • 2

      Situate your feet in references to the ball and its desired position in your stance. The longer your club, the further forward the ball should be in your stance.

    • 3
      Takeaway

      Take the club back in a straight line, bending your dominant arm at the elbow and leaving your less dominant arm straight.

    • 4
      Mid-swing

      Bend your wrist into a 90-degree angle midway through your back swing. This angle will be held throughout the remainder of the swing and only be released after the point of impact.

    • 5
      At the top

      Take the club back over your dominant shoulder -- the length of the club and the distance you wish to hit the ball will dictate the extent of your back swing, but it should never go past being parallel to the ground.

    • 6
      Downswing

      Pull the club back down towards the ball in one fluid motion to ensure the Earth's gravity along with your own strength will combine to make a forceful impact. Remember to maintain your cocked wrists.

    • 7
      Contact

      Concentrate more on making a solid impact with the club face rather than worrying about the ball. In other words, don't focus on the ball, focus on the club and let the ball get in the way.

    • 8
      Follow-through

      Release the angle at your wrists and follow through over your less dominant shoulder, straightening your dominant arm and bending your less dominant arm at the elbow.

    Fade or Draw

    • 9

      Imagine a perpendicular line going across your toes towards your intended target.

    • 10

      Pull either your front or back foot one to two inches from that imaginary line. Pulling your back foot from the line will cause your hands to pull slightly across your body on your downswing and promote an inward spin that will create a drawing effect -- working the flight of the ball to the left for a right-hand swing. Pulling your front foot back will cause your hands to cut across the ball, spinning it outwardly and creating a fade -- working the flight of the ball to the right for a right-hand swing.

    • 11

      Keep the path of your swing constant; do not alter it. Never change the fundamentals of your swing plane, simply alter the position of your feet in accordance to your desired ball flight.

    Low Trajectory Punch

    • 12

      Position your feet so the ball is further back in your stance than it otherwise should normally be.

    • 13

      Close down the club face at address and keep your wrists cocked throughout the swing and follow-through.

    • 14

      Swing the club softer than usual -- excess speed will create force, which will translate into elevation. The most productive punch shots should not exceed half- to three-quarter-swings.

    Flop Shot

    • 15

      Stand with your feet closer together than usual. Your standard chipping stance should be fine.

    • 16

      Position yourself so that the ball is far forward in your stance and your wedge is opened as much as possible. Lob wedges have the ideal loft for these delicate shots.

    • 17

      Swing with necessary force, taking into account that a full swing only will translate into a fraction of your usual distance. Instead, the force you apply will translate into elevation and spin, allowing the ball to land softly on the green and stop abruptly.