Exploding 3 Golf Myths Holding You Back From Lower Scores

Golf features many myths. No one knows where they come from or how they get started, but they’re there.

Golf myths are often based on a kernel of truth or on something someone said in a television interview.

They also come from someone reading something in a golf tips newsletter or sports magazine and misinterpreting the information.

Unfortunately, these myths can hurt your game and your golf handicap.

Below we dispel three of the most popular golf myths.

Myth #1: Keep Your Head Still

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Keep your head still” after a bad shot.

This is probably golf’s most popular myth.

When combined with another popular myth, “Keep your head down,” the two make for a deadly combination—one that we see in many golf instruction sessions.

The combination can hurt your swing.

For example, keeping your head still and down on the downswing impedes your upper body rotation through impact, forcing your body to rise up and causing you to mis-hit the ball.

In reality its okay to let your head slide from side-to-side slightly, as many teachers suggest in golf lessons.

Your head (and neck) is an extension of your spine, which should always be leaning toward the ball. 

Allowing your head to shift a little—more if you’re really inflexible—encourages proper weight shift on the backswing.

It’s also acceptable to move your head a little at the top of the swing and to shift it a little toward the target during the downswing.

Myth #2: Use A Natural Grip

A second popular myth addressed in golf instruction sessions is about using a natural grip.

This grip is usually comfortable for golfers.

But just because it’s comfortable doesn’t mean it’s right.

Nor does it make it the right grip for you.

The grip can be the trigger for a chain reaction of swing errors.

If your grip is off, your swing is off, so you need to get it right.

That’s why its one of the first things addressed in golf lessons.

The key to the right grip is having one that matches your swing.

Start with a neutral grip, in which the “V” formed by the crease in your index finger and thumb of your left hand point toward your right pectoral and your ungloved “V” formed points toward your right shoulder (left shoulder for left-handers).

If you find yourself hitting a slice try a strong grip, in which the ‘V” of your gloved hand shows three knuckles.

If you’re still slicing, try a very strong grip.

With this grip your left hand grip stays the same as for a strong grip, but your right hand has the “V point off your right shoulder.

Myth #3: One Ball Position For All Clubs

Golfing great Jack Nicklaus says he uses one ball position for all clubs.

But most weekend golfers don’t have Jack’s talent.

So most golfers are better off using different positions for different clubs.

The key is knowing where each club bottoms out.

Clubs of different lengths reach the bottom of the swing arc in different places—longer clubs bottom our far forward in your stance than shorter ones.

With longer clubs, you also must adjust to how far you are from the ball.

To determine ball position for a specific club, take a few practice swings.

Then, find the spot where the club consistently bottoms out.

The area just before that spot is the ball position for that club.

Also, keep this rule of thumb in mind when it comes to ball position:

With longer clubs, it’s almost always better to have a ball position too far forward than too far back.

Golf myths can hurt your swing and your game.

Many are based on something someone thought he or she heard on television or read in a golf tips magazine.

Often, something gets lost in translation.

If you’re not sure about a myth, ask a teaching pro for his advice or take some golf lessons.

Dispelling a myth in golf can only benefit your golf handicap.