How to Start Golfing // Being Basic with Paige Beginner Golf Series
Here are the core beginner golf basics typically covered in a “Part 1” style lesson, so you have a clear starting point:
**1. Grip (How You Hold the Club)**
Your grip affects everything-direction, contact, power. Three common versions:
– **Neutral grip setup**
– Clubface square to target.
– Lead hand (left for rightโhanded golfer) placed so the grip runs diagonally from the base of the pinky to just under the index finger pad.
– Close the lead hand so you can see 2-3 knuckles from address.
– Trail hand “fits” over the lead thumb.
– **Connection styles**
– Overlap (Vardon): trail pinky rests on top of gap between lead index and middle finger.
– Interlock: trail pinky and lead index finger interlock.
– Tenโfinger (baseball): all 10 fingers on the club, no overlap or interlock (often easiest for beginners).
**2. Stance & Posture**
– **Feet & alignment**
– Feet about shoulderโwidth apart with irons; a bit wider with driver.
– Body parallel to target line: toes, knees, hips, and shoulders all aimed slightly left of target (for rightโhander).
– **Athletic posture**
– Stand tall, then hinge forward from the hips (not the waist) until the club reaches the ground.
– Slight knee flex, weight centered over the arches of your feet.
– Back relatively straight, arms hanging naturally from shoulders.
**3. Ball Position**
– For most irons: roughly **center** or slightly forward of center in your stance.
– For hybrids/fairway woods: about **2-3 inches inside your lead heel**.
– For driver: just **inside your lead heel** (most forward position).
**4. Basic Setup Checklist (Before Every Swing)**
From the ground up:
1. Clubface square to target.
2. Grip the club in front of you, then lower it to the ball.
3. Set your feet so the clubhead is behind the ball.
4. Check ball position for the club you’re using.
5. Assume posture: hip hinge, relaxed knees, arms hanging.
6. Quick alignment check (club on ground at toes to see if you’re parallel to target line).
**5. Simple Swing Thought for Beginners**
Instead of thinking about a lot of technical pieces, use one or two basic ideas:
– Take the club back low and smooth.
– Turn shoulders away from target.
– On the way down, brush or lightly strike the ground after the ball (with irons).
– Finish with your chest facing the target and most weight on your lead foot.
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If you tell me:
– whether you’re right- or leftโhanded, and
– what clubs you own (e.g., just a 7โiron and a driver),
I can give you a very simple, tailored “Day 1 practice routine” based on these basics.
