Golf Tip: Tips for Every Level
From First Tee to Scratch Golfers
One of the (many) reasons golf is such a great game is that it welcomes players of all skill levels on the same course. Whether you’re just picking up a club for the first time or you’ve been playing for years, there’s always something new to learn. And here at the Golf Courses at Incline Village, we have the courses, the instructors, and the practice facilities to improve your game no matter what your experience level.
Read on for a few practical tips tailored for both beginners and seasoned golfers.
For Beginners
1. Start with your short game
New golfers often focus on the hitting the ball off the tee – often with a driver. But most shots in a round of golf happen within 100 yards of the hole. So spend much more time practicing chipping and putting as mastering these areas will lower your scores faster than swinging for the fences.
2. Get a lesson early
A single lesson with a certified golf professional can help establish solid fundamentals and ensure you start off your golf journey having fun. Seriously, the most important aspect of any lesson is how to make it fun. Grip, stance, and posture might look simple when watching experienced golfers play, but poor habits are hard to break later on, and a golf pro will help you set yourself up for success down the road and avoid injury while doing so. Even better – enroll in a series of lessons such as the Get Golf Ready series we offer (see GolfIncline.com for details).
3. Start off with the right equipment
Beginners probably don’t need a full set of 14 clubs. A half-set (e.g., driver, hybrid, 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge and putter) is usually enough to learn the game and start having fun. Plus, it will make your club selection easier when you have fewer options. Look for beginner-friendly clubs, not just whatever hand-me-downs your experienced golfing buddies try to pass off on you. Club fitting is just one of the many services available from our golf pros, so come see us in the Golf Shop at the Championship Course if you have any questions about which clubs are right for you..
4. Focus on etiquette and fun, not perfection
Pace of play, being quiet during shots, and taking care of the course matter just as much as your score. Learn the basics of golf etiquette early, and you’ll be welcomed at any course. And then don’t take yourself too seriously – at least at first. There will be plenty of time to get competitive down the road should you find yourself falling in love with the game of golf. Bonus tip: Find a friend or foursome who are all at your same level and motivate each other to play more golf together!
For More Experienced Golfers
1. Practice with purpose
Instead of just hitting balls on the range when you have spare time, create practice sessions with specific goals – like shaping shots, controlling distances, or simulating pressure situations – and work on those goals when you’re on the range or the practice green. Quality practice leads to consistent results.
2. Analyze your game
Track stats like fairways hit, greens in regulation and number of putts per round. Identify trends and weak spots in your game and then practice those specific scenarios (see tip above). Even low handicappers often overlook key areas that need attention, but analysis will highlight these weaknesses.
3. Play different courses and in different conditions
Variety builds adaptability. Playing in wind, on different turf types, at different elevations, or unfamiliar layouts sharpens your strategic thinking and shot-making skills. Right here in Incline Village we have two incredible courses to choose from, so don’t just play one or the other, but embrace both for the opportunities they offer. (And keep in mind the Mountain Course offers 14 chances at hitting a hole-in-one!).
4. Don’t neglect fitness and flexibility
You can practice for hours, but stiffness and lack of flexibility will always restrain your golf game. A strong, flexible body improves swing mechanics and reduces injury risk, so add golf-specific stretches or workouts to your routine, especially as swing speed becomes more important. Consider working with a personal trainer with golf-specific training credentials to customize a strength and flexibility routine for your specific game.
Visit the Golfing Tips page at GolfIncline.com for more tip videos and articles and the Golf Academy page for lessons and clinics.
