Everyone has loved watching Tiger Woods on TV and has dreamed of being able to golf as well as “the man”. Never picked up a golf club? No problem! This article provides loads of helpful tips and tricks to help you learn about golfing and get one on the green!

In order to improve your golf swing, you may want to consider practicing your swing in front of the mirror. You will be able to see what you are doing wrong and try to work on improving. You may also want to practice in front of a friend who can give you tips.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to try to get to know the local golf pros at courses you like to attend. This may help you out by getting advice you might not have gotten elsewhere as well as maybe even discounts on gear or course fees.

If you find yourself in a bunker outside the initial green area or along the fairway and you do not have to content with a high lip to the trap, consider going with an iron with more distance than your sand wedge. While it takes practice to get used to the effect that sand has on your high to middle irons, learning to use these clubs from the sand will increase your chances to avoid extra strokes that are commonly the result of ending up in a trap.

Always check in with the pro shop as soon as you arrive at the course, even if the rest of your group has yet to arrive. By letting the starter know you are there, you ensure that you won’t be bumped down the tee sheet in favor of groups that are trying to squeeze in a round.

In order to improve your overall score, focus on building in a cushion of extra shots during the easier holes. This will reduce your stress level. Use those later, more difficult holes as a chance to improve, instead of needing to meet a certain goal the first time you play them.

Practice barefoot. Good balance before, during, and after your swing is essential to a good golf game. The easiest way to work on balance is to take your shoes off. Being able to actually feel the ground under your feet and how your feet are positioned can make a world of difference. Focus on keeping your feet under you and feel free to hit the ball as hard as you can, as long as you stay balanced. A powerful swing does no good if there is no balance to control it.

Be sure to choose a travel golf bag that is long enough for your longest driver and has enough slots for all the clubs you want to bring. If you want to travel light, you may just get a travel bag for a half-set of clubs. On the other hand, if you want to be prepared for any shot, you’ll need a full-sized travel bag.

Now that you have read through some helpful tips about golfing, you are ready to hit the course! Remember that learning to golf takes time, so be patient with yourself and utilize the information in this article and you will be well on your way to golfing like Tiger Woods.