Golf Tips for Junior Golfers - Peoria Pines Golf & Restaurant

We will be posting several tips and suggestions to junior golfers and their parents to improve their game and have fun!

Putting

Line up with your eyes over the ball
Keep wrists firm
A short stroke back and a long smooth follow through
Smooth rhythm and tempo are important
You much keep your head and lower body very still
The length of the stroke, terrain and grass height are all factors that will determine the distance the ball will travel.

The one thing to say that will help you out the most; SLOW DOWN!
To play faster is to hit fewer shots. To do this, try and slow down. All too often, young golfers have a hard time taking enough time over the shot they are about to hit. The young golfer will wait patiently for someone else to play their next shot (and after they realize it's their turn) they simply stand or run up to their ball and hit away as quickly as possible. A suggestion would be to start learning a pre-shot routine now.
A simple pre-shot routine would include: standing behind the ball and looking at exactly where you want to hit it. Walk slowly up to your ball and set your club down behind it. Take your grip. Adjust your feet and body until you're comfortable and have one good last look at your target before you swing.
If you are not doing this now, try it out. You will play faster and better by slowing down and thinking about exactly what you want to do with your golf shot before you do it.

Grip – Hold the club with 2-3 knuckles of your front hand visible, with consistent pressure, positioning and precision. Hold the club in your fingertips. The last three fingers of your front hand hold the club firmly. The rear palm should overlap the front thumb. Select your choice of overlapping, 10-finger or interlocking grip.
Posture – Knees should be slightly flexed, back straight, chin-up and shoulders square, bending at the hips.
Alignment – The club face must be square to the desired line of flight, with the feet, hips and shoulders in a parallel line to the line of flight.
Ball Position – A seven iron should be near the center of your stance. Longer clubs (6 iron through driver) should move progressively forward, and shorter clubs (8 iron through sand wedge) should move progressively back in your stance. Your hands should always be ahead of your club.