First of all, let me start by saying that men and women are different physically. Generally, women don't have the same level of power that men have, but our strengths lie in other areas on the golf course.
When coaching women golfers, I often see the same common mistakes occur over and over again - all of which are holding them back from reaching their full potential on the golf course.
Women and men learn golf differently, so I am going to share with you some quick fixes for the most common problems in order to help you shoot lower scores this season...
1. Lacklustre posture
Not enough women set up in an athletic manner. They arrive for a lesson with their bottoms tucked in like they’re hiding them away.
This leads to power-sapping swing faults, including over-swinging, collapsing, casting, scooping at impact, etc. When I coach them into the correct athletic position, they feel as though they are sticking their bottoms out.
So, to fix your golf swing posture, get the weight on the balls of your feet and don’t be shy to give your bottom a mini shake.
No one else will notice. It will make you smile internally and support a far more powerful action. As if by magic, it will fix a number of issues in your game. Want to impact this behind the scenes?
Start working out, gaining strength in your bottom especially will enable you to maintain an athletic posture.
2. Bunker play
One of the biggest issues for many women golfers is bunkers play, often due to an almost paralysing fear of failure with thinking about how hit a bunker shot.
This kills any sort of acceleration, which is needed to execute the shot, so I would recommend a practice swing before even entering the bunker.
Really rehearse a solid contact with the grass and a full finish. Pick a spot on the middle of the green, commit to the shot with plenty of speed, and make sure to take the sand just before the ball.
It’s not a difficult shot, you’ll be surprised how much a little extra confidence can help.
3. Using hand-me-down clubs
It’s generally beginners rather than experienced players that might use clubs found in a garage or handed down.
These clubs are often too long and too heavy, or sometimes too short and too light. If you're wondering how to choose golf clubs, it is worth getting fitted and at least investing in a driver that is suited to your strength and clubhead speed.
4. Too many swing thoughts
All golfers are guilty of overthinking the movement of the golf swing. All that theory often stunts the ability to just swing the club. Women have come for a lesson with a 6-point checklist.
Would you think about the part of your body that you are moving as you walk down the stairs? No. Even the tap-the-head-and-rub-your-stomach trick is hard.
So, streamline your set-up, get into the best possible address position and then allow only one thought. Keep it simple. Have a lesson if you need a fresh start and a re-programme.
5. Realistic expectations
We all live busy lives, but I’d say that as a woman I am constantly multitasking and juggling. Enter into this huge life events and your focus will be affected.
I taught a pupil who rocked up on the range and said: “I just can’t work out why my golf has gone off.
Last Tuesday I dropped my husband at his chemotherapy appointment and rushed to the club. I played like a drain. I can’t string a score together at the moment and it’s so frustrating.” I asked her to rewind and re-set and listen to what she’d just said.
We expect to be competent in everything all of the time. Being kind to ourselves would be a good start and perhaps when times are tough, lowering expectations on the course and accepting golf for what you need it to be - a break, fresh air, support from your friends and some headspace. Golf isn’t life or death and every now and again we need some perspective.
6. Feeling You Have To Fit In
As a female golfer there is often the perception that golf means being a member of a golf club, playing 18 holes with a card in your hand and taking it fairly seriously.
I often see a huge flood of relief when I tell pupils they don’t need to play that kind of golf. It suits many, but if it doesn’t suit you, then opt to play your game.
Find a version of golf that makes you happy, fits into your lifestyle and gives you positive vibes. For example, this may mean being part of UKWGC run by Jazzy Golfer, meeting up to hit balls on the range and having fun.
It may mean gaining a handicap over 9 holes. There are so many options available these days and you should never feel under pressure to conform.
7. 'Keep your head down'
I hear ‘I know I’m supposed to keep my head down’ in around a third of all lessons that I give to female golfers. Usually this misguided advice comes from a spouse or friend, but the problem this creates is a ‘chin in the chest’ position.
This totally destroys your chances of making a decent shoulder turn or generating any power. Often the backswing collapses and the swing is powered by the arms and not the body.
So, get your chin up as if looking over the net on a tennis court, as this will free up your posture and increase your power.
