This summer, golf returned to the summer Olympics for the first time in over a century, inspiring viewers to go out and learn the game for the first time or to hone their existing skills. However, according to Laurel Hill Golf Course pro Gene Orrico, this can lead to overzealous beginners on the green. “People make the mistake of trying to learn by watching what they see on TV,” Orrico says. “What they really should be doing is going out on the course and practicing.”
Before taking to one of Northern Virginia’s many golf courses, keep in mind Orrico’s tips for avoiding players’ most common mistakes.
There’s no one way for everyone
A common mistake that beginners often make is not taking into account their own body characteristics. Orrico emphasizes that there isn’t one swing model that works for everyone. The way a person swings the club varies based on his or her build. For example, someone who is 6’4” is going to, by nature, swing differently than someone who is 5’4”. While watching tutorials will help, ultimately the swing is something golfers have to learn by doing.
Don’t overthink it
When out on the green, it’s easy to get caught up in how the ball will move once you hit it. But Orrico says players should instead concern themselves with the physics of the swing and the ball, and the rest will fall into place. “The focus needs to be on the fundamentals,” Orrico says. “Get familiar with how the ball moves and how each club and swing affects the ball.” Golfers should get on the course and just hit the ball. They will become a lot more comfortable once they do.
Practice
Above all else, the need to practice is paramount. The biggest mistake beginners make is feeling as though they don’t need to practice in order to improve. “I would have students come to class and say they haven’t picked up a club since last time we met, which would be three weeks ago,” Orrico says. Like all things, practice makes perfect. The more you familiarize yourself with the game, the more comfortable you will get. In fact, practice is integral to Orrico’s final tip.
