Mid-20's guy here who is the definition of a casual golfer (play 4-5 times a year, shoot 105 on a good day and 120 on a blowup round). Looking to really start investing in my swing this summer and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for simple drills or ways to get the basics of swing technique down.

Seems like there are thousands of youtube "swing trainers" out there now who all have different opinions, so was also considering biting the bullet and just paying for lessons. Looking forward to this inevitably frustrating journey, any tips would be appreciated!

My two words of advice aside from the obvious of getting lessons from a pro....

Video your swing a lot. For me, aside from direct instruction, the best way to get better.

When you are on course... play the most forward tees (or forward if you are little longer, consistently in the fairway 200+), until you are regularly breaking 90. You will learn more about course management, get more course practice with your short irons, and just have a better time. Plus you won't make the people behind you miserable. I am super patient with new players, we've all been there, but there is nothing more frustrating than having a new golfer playing from the blues.

Go to the range. A lot. To be any good at golf, you have to hit the ball with the middle part of the club face consistently. The only way to do that is muscle memory, and that is built by hitting a bunch of balls. Mixing in a lesson is a good idea so you don't engrain bad swing habits, but hitting the ball is most important. You're young, go grab a couple tall boys and get a medium bucket a night or two each week.

arlington_ag23 said:

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Mid-20's guy here who is the definition of a casual golfer (play 4-5 times a year, shoot 105 on a good day and 120 on a blowup round). Looking to really start investing in my swing this summer and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for simple drills or ways to get the basics of swing technique down.

Seems like there are thousands of youtube "swing trainers" out there now who all have different opinions, so was also considering biting the bullet and just paying for lessons. Looking forward to this inevitably frustrating journey, any tips would be appreciated!

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1) Have a pro show you a proper setup (grip, stance, etc) and be very strict about this. Don't deviate and recognize the variations in different shots (driver setup vs wedge). You can have a perfect swing with a bad setup, and the result is a poor shot.

2) Again, get some lessons, but after that, really pay attention to your takeaway and where the club head is when the shaft is parallel to the ground in your backswing. Watch Nelly Korda or Justin Thomas in their pre shot routine. They check this position. All the guys out there that say "I'm swinging over the top!!!!"…it all starts with that takeaway. Most guys wrap the club around them way too soon and it's impossible to salvage the swing if you miss the correct spot in your takeaway.

I'm at the range a lot - the above could cure almost 90% of bad swings I see (including mine). There is obviously way more, hence the push to see a pro.