Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (And How to Fix Them)

Brian Smith - Owner B.A. Golf Instruction

March 15, 2025

Golf is a game of precision, composure, and practice. Many amateur golfers share the same struggles that prevent them from improving. Whether you are just starting or have been playing for years, avoiding these errors can make a big difference in your performance on the course.

One of the biggest mistakes amateur golfers make occurs before they even take the club back—poor grip and setup. An incorrect grip and improper stance lead to inconsistency and frustration. A neutral golf grip positions the hands so that the "V" formed by the thumb and index finger of both hands points between the chin and right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer). The lead hand (left for right-handers) shows two to two and a half knuckles at address, while the trail hand mirrors this position underneath. This grip balances control and power, allowing for a natural release of the club through impact without excessive manipulation. Your posture should include a slight knee flex, relaxed arms, and a slight bend from your hips.  Additionally, weight should be balanced rather than leaning too far forward or sitting back on your heels. A proper grip and setup create the foundation for a repeatable and consistent swing.

Another common mistake is swinging too hard. Many amateurs think that more power equals more distance, but an out-of-control swing often leads to poor contact and wayward shots. Instead, focus on a smooth tempo, rather than excessive force. Try a "3-to-1" tempo, taking the club back smoothly for three counts and swinging through at one count. Let the club do the work—proper mechanics generate power, not excessive force.

Misalignment is another problem that can prevent good golf shots. Many golfers unknowingly aim too far left or right and then compensate with an unnatural swing path. To improve alignment, start by aiming the clubface at your target first, then align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line. Using an alignment stick or club on the ground during practice can help build this habit. Additionally, standing behind the ball before setting up allows you to visualize the intended line more effectively.

The most prevalent aspect of the game where amateurs lose strokes is the short game. Many golfers spend hours on the driving range, but neglect chipping and putting, despite these areas being where most strokes are gained or lost. To improve, dedicate at least 50% of your practice time to shots inside 100 yards. Work on putting drills like "the gate drill" to improve stroke consistency, and practice basic chip shots with different clubs to understand how each reacts around the greens.  In addition, work on shots from various yardages such as 90yds, 80yds, 70yds and so on.  Becoming proficient with these shots will drastically improve your game.  A great way to practice those shots is in a simulator.  Improving your short game is the fastest way to lower your scores.

Finally, many amateurs fail to develop a pre-shot routine, leading to indecision and poor execution. Professionals have a routine for every shot, and you should too. A solid routine can include, but is not limited to, standing behind the ball to pick a target, taking a deep breath to relax, and visualizing the shot. Step into the shot with confidence, take one or two practice swings, then commit fully. A consistent pre-shot routine builds trust in your game and leads to better results.

In addition to the five aforementioned technical aspects of the game that amateurs struggle with, I want to address a couple issues which will help the high handicapper and new golfer play better in the long run and enjoy the game more.  The first is playing the ball down.  Unless you are playing in a tournament, play the ball up.  Meaning give yourself a preferred lie from your location (rough, fairway or bunker).  You can also lift, clean and place your ball.  This will make the game much more enjoyable and will, in turn, allow the golfer to work on making solid contact with the ball off a clean lie.  In the same vein, if you are just starting out and, for example, you hit the ball in the trees, take a drop in the fairway if you want.  At this point, you are learning the game and keeping score doesn’t really matter.  There is no need to try and hit a difficult shot through the trees.  Learning escape shots comes later in the process of learning golf.  Also, if you are just starting out and are having trouble getting your shots in the air, use a tee to help you get the ball airborne.  Golf is hard enough as it is, so make the game as enjoyable as you can while you are learning. These aforementioned tips will also help with pace of play. 

A second item to consider when you are just starting out, or are a high handicapper trying to improve, is to not play stroke and distance if you hit it out of bounds.  Take lateral relief from where the ball entered the out of bounds area.  This will help with pace of play and help manage frustration with the game.  The last item to consider is taking a penalty when you and your playing partners clearly saw your ball land in play, but for some reason, whether the ball is plugged or due to leaves, you cannot find it.  As long as you and your playing partners agree the ball was in play, take a free drop where the group believes the ball came to rest, play your next shot with no penalty and move on without slowing down pace of play or getting frustrated with losing a ball. 

Remember, golf is meant to be enjoyed, so try not to get overly frustrated. That is easier said than done, but by perfecting the basics, working on the short game and not taking the game so seriously when you're just learning, you will be able to improve and, hopefully, have fun along the way.