Common Golf Mistakes and How to Fix Them

30 October 2025

Golf can be one of the most rewarding games you'll ever play… or one of the most frustrating. One day you're on fire, the next you're wondering if your clubs are cursed. We've all been there. But before you start blaming your putter or thinking about chucking your wedge in the pond, let’s talk about something real—common golf mistakes and how to fix them.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a beginner trying to break 100, most of your golf woes come from a handful of recurring issues. The good news? They're fixable. So, grab your favorite beverage and let’s dive into the key mistakes that could be sabotaging your game—and the simple tweaks that can turn things around quick.

1. Poor Grip: The Silent Swing Killer

Your grip is literally your only connection to the club, yet it's often the most neglected part of the game.

What You’re Doing Wrong

Too tight? You’re choking the club like it owes you money. Too loose? You’ve basically got a noodle in your hand. And if your hands are rotated too far one way or another, get ready for slices and hooks all day long.

How to Fix It

Find the “neutral” grip.
- Left hand (for right-handers): The handle should run diagonally from the base of your pinky to the first knuckle of your index finger.
- Right hand: Let it sit naturally over the grip, like you're shaking hands with the club.

You should see two to three knuckles on your left hand when looking down. That's the sweet spot.

2. Bad Posture: Setting Yourself Up for Failure

Ever try hitting a ball while hunched over like Quasimodo? Doesn’t work.

What You’re Doing Wrong

Too bent over, too upright, knees locked, or slouching—it all throws off your balance, swing plane, and power.

How to Fix It

Pretend you’re an athlete getting ready to jump. Slightly bent knees, straight back, and tilting forward from the hips—not the waist. Feel balanced over the arches of your feet. That’s your athletic starting point.

It’s not about looking like a statue—it’s about giving your body the freedom to move efficiently.

3. Swinging Too Hard: Power Over Precision

We get it. You want to crush that ball. But newsflash... golf isn’t a long-drive contest (unless it literally is).

What You’re Doing Wrong

Trying to muscle every shot often leads to a rushed backswing, poor contact, and zero control. Ironically, swinging harder usually leads to shorter and wildly inaccurate shots.

How to Fix It

Focus on tempo over torque. Think Ernie Els instead of Happy Gilmore. A controlled, rhythmic swing generates better contact—and yes—more distance.

Try this: Swing at 80% intensity and see how much farther and straighter you hit. Smooth is powerful.

4. Incorrect Ball Position: The Devil’s Placement

This one’s sneaky. You might have a great grip and a solid swing, but if your ball is in the wrong spot, it’s game over.

What You’re Doing Wrong

Ball too far back? You'll hit it fat or shoot it right. Too far forward? Say hello to thin shots and pulled hooks.

How to Fix It

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Short irons: Ball in the center of your stance
- Mid irons: Just ahead of center
- Long irons/hybrids: A bit more forward
- Driver: Inside of your lead heel

Experiment a little on the range. Dial it in.

5. Ignoring the Short Game: The Fastest Way to Lose Strokes

Most golfers spend 90% of their time on the range smashing drivers and 10% on the green. But what’s the reality? Around 65% of your strokes happen from 100 yards in.

What You’re Doing Wrong

You’re neglecting pitching, chipping, and putting. That’s like training for a marathon by only doing sprints.

How to Fix It

Devote practice time to your short game. Work on:
- Chipping technique: Ball back, hands forward, simple motion.
- Pitching touch: Use a controlled swing and focus on trajectory.
- Putting drills: Master distance control before obsessing over reading breaks.

Pro tip: The ladder drill for putting is a game-changer.

6. Trying to Copy the Pros: You're Not Rory

We all love watching slow-mo swings of tour players on YouTube. But remember—they’re elite athletes playing a different game.

What You’re Doing Wrong

You’re trying to mimic backswing positions, wrist angles, and quirky pre-shot routines that you don’t fully understand. It often leads to paralysis by analysis.

How to Fix It

Focus on fundamentals and what works for your body. Build a repeatable swing with the help of a coach or a good training app that fits your level. Once you have consistency, then you can build in nuances.

Remember: You don’t need a textbook swing. You just need one that works.

7. Not Having a Pre-Shot Routine: Playing Golf Roulette

Golf is mental, and without a routine, your brain is just guessing. Every shot becomes a coin flip.

What You’re Doing Wrong

You walk up, think about 10 different swing thoughts, and then just go for it—hoping for the best.

How to Fix It

Develop a simple, repeatable routine:
1. Pick your target
2. Visualize the shot
3. Take a practice swing
4. Align and commit

Not only does this calm your nerves, it builds confidence. Think of it like a free throw in basketball—same rhythm every time.

8. Playing the Wrong Equipment: Your Clubs Matter

Clubs aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Using hand-me-downs or clubs that don’t match your swing is like running a marathon in flip-flops.

What You’re Doing Wrong

Your shafts might be too stiff, your lofts too strong, your grips too thick—you name it.

How to Fix It

Get fitted. Period. Most golf stores and clubs offer affordable fittings that give you insights into what gear fits your swing. Even just adjusting lie angles or grip size can make a massive difference.

It’s not about buying the most expensive new driver; it’s about making sure your clubs fit your game.

9. Neglecting Course Management: Strategy Beats Skill Sometimes

You ever try to hit a hero shot out of the woods only to make a triple bogey? Yep. We all have.

What You’re Doing Wrong

You’re aiming at flags when you should be aiming at the center of the green. You’re hitting driver on holes that punish misses.

How to Fix It

Play smarter:
- Know your distances with each club
- Avoid short-siding yourself
- Play to your strengths (if your 7-iron is automatic, use it more often)

Think chess, not checkers. Sometimes laying up is the move.

10. Giving Up on Bad Holes (or Rounds)

Golf is a grind. If you lose your cool after one bad hole, the rest of your round spirals. Sound familiar?

What You’re Doing Wrong

You let one blow-up hole infect your mindset. It’s like breaking a string on your guitar and throwing the whole thing in the fire.

How to Fix It

Reset mentally. Tell yourself: “I’m going to win this next hole.” Use each shot as a new challenge. Golf is about fighting until the last putt drops.

Tiger Woods had double bogeys. He also came back and won tournaments. You can still salvage your scorecard—or at least your pride.

Final Thoughts: Mistakes Don’t Make You a Bad Golfer

Every golfer—yes, even the scratch ones—makes mistakes. The difference? They recognize them and adjust. Don’t beat yourself up over a slice or a chunked chip. Recognize the error, tweak, and move on.

Golf is a game of constant improvement. Some days you’ll feel like a wizard, other days like you’ve never held a club before. That’s part of the magic. If you can own your mistakes and make small changes, you’ll start seeing massive results.

And hey, the 19th hole will always be waiting, no matter how the round went.