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Beginners
Beginners
Golf Instruction

Don't Ever Say This To Beginner Golfers

The things you should and shouldn't say to your friends who are trying out golf

Zero Creatives

If you’re a decent player and have a friend that’s picking up the game, you’re probably giving them mini lessons every time you’re at the range or course together. We love seeing golf infused with new blood, but we’re guessing you’re not a professional swing coach. Which means, you could ultimately be doing more harm than good when it comes to your friend’s swing.

Jason Birnbaum, one of our Golf Digest Best Young Teachers and the Director of Instruction at Manhattan Woods Golf Club, says that the worst thing you can say to a beginner golfer is rattle off all of those darn clichés, such as:

“Most of these are detrimental to any golfer,” says Birnbaum. “They create tension and are terrible swing thoughts when it comes to improvement.”

Instead, Birnbaum says to tell beginners to make half swings and to use a tee anywhere.

“You want to give them every chance to succeed early,” says Birnbaum.

Oh, and one more important thing: Don’t keep score.


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