10 Easy Reminders You Might Be Overlooking in Your Golf Routine

Every golfer knows that improving your game often means focusing on the big things: swing mechanics, equipment upgrades, or hours of practice. But sometimes, the small, easy fixes that get overlooked can make a surprising difference. These simple adjustments can sharpen your golf fundamentals and boost your confidence on the course without requiring a major time commitment or expensive lessons.

I’ve gathered 10 easy reminders that many golfers forget but can quickly improve your daily routine and overall performance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these tips will help you build a stronger foundation and enjoy the game even more.

1. Check Your Grip Pressure

Many golfers grip the club too tightly without realizing it. Especially in the trail hand. A tight grip restricts your swing and reduces fluidity. Try holding the club with just enough pressure to keep it secure, about a 5 or 6 on a 10-point scale.

How to fix it:

• At the address position, squeeze your grip as tight as you can for 2-3 seconds, then relax and breath out.

• Take your practice swings with that relaxed feeling in your hands and forearms.

  
  

2. Align Your Body Properly

Poor or miss alignment is a common mistake that leads to missed shots. It makes a big difference on the path of the club. Your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to the target line. Many golfers unknowingly open or more time than not, close their stance, causing slices, blocks or pull hooks.

How to fix it:

• Lay an alignment stick or a club on the ground pointing at your target to check your alignment.

• Start with your feet and knees then hips and shoulders until they are parallel to the stick or club.

• Now that you are better aligned, simply swing through to your target.

  
  

3. Use a Consistent Pre-Shot Routine

A solid pre-shot routine calms nerves and builds consistency. Skipping this step can lead to rushed or unfocused swings.

How to fix it:

• Develop a simple routine: visualize the shot, take practice swings, set your stance, and then execute.

• Repeat this routine every time, even on practice swings.

• If you are unsure of a solid pre-shot routine, ask your coach to help.

  
  

4. Proper Ball Position With Every Club

Simple ball position within the stance is an often mistake. Remember the low point of the arc is just in front of the ball (with irons and hybrids) not at or behind the ball. The driver is the only club you hit on a slight upswing.

How to fix it:

• Start with your wedge. Put a club or alignment stick in the center of your stance for a visual and have the ball about an inch behind center.

• As you work up your clubs to about a 7 iron, start moving the ball forward in your stance about a half of a ball. Ball position with the driver should be inline with the inside lead heal.

• Remember down equals up with the irons and hybrids.

  
  

5. Maintain Proper Posture

Slouching or standing too upright affects your swing plane and power. Good posture helps you rotate your body correctly and generate more clubhead speed.

How to fix it:

• Bend slightly from your hips, keep your back straight, and flex your knees.

• Check your posture in a mirror or ask a friend to observe.

  
  

6. Practice Short Game Fundamentals Daily

Many golfers focus on driving and long shots but neglect the short game. Putting, chipping, and pitching are where you can save the most strokes.

How to fix it:

• Spend 10-15 minutes daily practicing putting drills or chip shots around the house or practice green.

• Focus on fundamentals like clubface control and distance judgment.

  
  

7. Keep Your Head Still During the Swing

Moving your head too much, especially during the takeaway, can cause limited shoulder rotation, altered spine angle and poor hand position at the top. Many golfers also lift their head early to see the ball’s flight, which leads to the spine, arms and hands lifting prior to contact. This can cause hitting behind the ball or thin shots.

How to fix it:  

• Focus on keeping your eyes on the ball and allow the lead shoulder to rotate under your chin. (Center of your back to target)

• While still keeping your eye on the ball, allow the trail shoulder to now rotate under your chin.

• Practice slow swings in front of a mirror to monitor head movement.

  
  

8. Stay Hydrated and Stretch Before Playing

Physical readiness impacts your swing and endurance. Dehydration and tight muscles lead to fatigue and poor shots.

How to fix it:

• Drink water before and during your round.

• Stretch your shoulders, back, and legs before teeing off to improve flexibility.

  
  

9. Use Video or Instruction to Spot Flaws

Sometimes you don’t realize what you’re doing wrong until you see it. Recording your swing or getting instruction can reveal overlooked issues.

How to fix it:

• Use your phone to record swings and compare them to professional examples.

• Consider a lesson focused on golf fundamentals and locate the root issue of your swing flaw.

• Remember, most people feel the reactions from a certain action.

  
  

10. Manage Your Expectations and Stay Positive

Golf is a challenging game, and frustration can ruin your focus. Many golfers forget that a positive mindset improves performance.

How to fix it:

• Set realistic goals for each round.

• Celebrate small improvements and learn from mistakes without dwelling on them.

  
  

These easy fixes are simple to implement and don’t require drastic changes. By paying attention to these overlooked details, you can improve your golf fundamentals and enjoy better results on the course. Start with one or two fixes today and build from there. Your game will thank you.