Ask any golfer, they’ll tell you: consistency is the holy grail. But even for those who play regularly, certain hidden mistakes sneak into your game and quietly hold you back. Here are five of the most common mistakes golfers make without realising - and how subtle changes can bring major results.
1. Using Equipment that Doesn't Suit You
The one thing that can kill your progress sometimes isn't your golf swing. Your swing is unique and using clubs from off the shelf or hand-me-downs from a grandparent isn't going to cut it. Clubs that aren't suited to your tempo, rhythm, and speed can really emphasise your mistakes. You wouldn’t wear shoes two sizes too big, so why play with gear that doesn’t fit?
2. Ignoring Shaft Flex and Weight
Most players only consider the clubhead or brand, but getting the right shaft can drastically improve your game. Too much stiffness can throw off your sequence and timing - Similarly too much weight can make it difficult to have feel or rhythm. Even a good swing can produce poor results if the shaft doesn’t match your profile.
3. Misjudging Ball Flight Tendencies
Many golfers accept their ball flight as a personality trait, and not a fixable behaviour. If you consistently see the same ball flight - hook, slice, burner - it might not be your swing. Just small tweaks to club can drastically alter ball flight. But most golfers never investigate further.
4. Clubs with the Wrong Lie Angle
Lie angle determines how the clubhead meets the turf at impact. If it's too upright or too flat, your shots will consistently pull or push. You could be aiming at the middle of the green but shots are missing left and right because the club isn’t set up to deliver a square impact.
5. Relying on Feel Without Data
Playing by feel is fine - but feel plus feedback you can really make an impact. Golfers often make assumptions about their game from a good round or a bad week. But without actual data (swing speed, spin rate, launch angle), those assumptions can send you looking for the wrong way.
The Bottom Line
Most of these errors come down to one thing: A player who was not fit for their clubs. The best swing in the world can’t make up for clubs that fight against you. However, this is fixable. Looking deeper into your clubs and equipment can drastically improve your scores and confidence in the game.
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