Swing a Wet Mop to Become a Better Golfer

Golf is a game of skill. While the idea of hitting a little ball with a club might sound boring to the uninformed, anyone who has ever played the game knows that there is more involved, and the desired outcome is not always an easy feat. Getting that little ball to go as far, take a turn or bounce, as you want it to is sometimes a challenge. Whether a seasoned pro, or you are just starting to dip your toes into the game of golf, everyone could use a few pointers to improve their game. Advance your swing with these professional golf tips:

Eat Well. Sure, a breakfast of coffee and bagels might be fast and easy, but without the proper nutrients the body just won't be able to function the way you want it to. Eat a meal of long lasting proteins and full grains for proper sustenance to make the best out of your game.
Stretch First. Stretching out your muscles and joints will help to allow your hips and core to open up and rotate as necessary during your swing. Muscles that are too tight or unprepared for the physical work they will be doing will not allow for the full range of motion that will produce a better swing. Lunges, squats, plank pose, and warrior pose stretches will all be beneficial to loosening your muscles and joints as well as strengthening over time. (See our previous posts on this topic as well)
Learn to focus. Anyone can hit the ball when standing in the proper stance but what about balancing on one foot? Practice your swing on one foot, then the other. By forcing your mind to focus through your balance issues and continue to produce a good swing will help you learn to overcome other focus obstacles. Place your feet back into proper position and swing with your eyes closed. Can you still make the same shot?
Test your weight shift. Sure, all golfers realize that their weight should shift from one foot to the other during their swing, but do you know what it feels like when it shifts correctly? Bring two scales out with you, stand one foot on each. As you approach the ball, you should see that half of your weight is on both scales making an even 50/50. At the top of your swing, you should find 80 percent of your weight is on your dominant foot, for most players that is your right foot, with only 20 percent on your left. At impact 70 percent should be now on the lesser, left foot and by the time you end your stroke 90 percent will be on the left. Practice your swing while watching the scales. Once you master the proper weight shift remember that feeling and work off the scales.
Swing a Wet Mop. If your swing starts wrong it is almost impossible to get it back on track. It should start slow and low, just like using a mop. Visualize pulling your club back in the same manner, and even practice with a wet mop if you have one available.
Your Body Should Provide the Power. While we swing with our arms and torso, it is actually our whole body that provides the power behind the swing. Try using your club to push the ball with weak arms. If you are using your body properly the ball will move. If not there won't be any strength.
Tennis Ball Necklace. String a tennis ball onto some string and make it just long enough for it to hang between your wrists. As you swing back, the tennis ball should fall out of the space between your wrists. The falling ball will show that your arms are working independently from each other and not as a singular unit.
Don't Look at the Ball. The adage says "keep you eye on the ball" but in this case that might be flawed. Instead, focus on a spot a few inches in front of the ball within the line of the intended target. Doing so will help to keep the ball on the right path as well as allow more force to hit the ball.
Extend the Shaft Through Your Navel. When approaching the ball, the shaft of your club should extend through your navel. If this invisible line is intact it will verify that your body is in the correct position to start your swing.
Check out Your Divots. A correct swing will create a divot that is shallow and placed just past impact with the ball. If your divot is too deep, you aren't getting the full force behind the ball. Take a moment to analyze your divot before you replace it.