Most beginner golfers lose more strokes to seven repeatable habits than to a lack of talent. Swinging too hard, a poor grip, and rushing shots account for the majority of early-round frustration, and each one has a specific, practical fix. Here is what to change first, and why it matters more than buying new equipment.
| Mistake | Quick fix |
|---|---|
| Swinging too hard | Slow down to a smooth, balanced tempo |
| Poor grip | Hold the club firmly, not tightly |
| Incorrect posture | Bend from the hips, keep your back straight |
| Ignoring the short game | Split practice time toward putting and chipping |
| Wrong club for the shot | Learn your typical distance per club |
| Playing too fast | Use a short, consistent pre-shot routine |
| Getting frustrated | Judge progress by rounds, not single shots |
1. Trying to Hit the Ball Too Hard
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to hit the ball as hard as possible. Many new golfers assume power equals distance, but a smooth, controlled swing consistently outperforms a powerful, uncontrolled one.
- Focus on a smooth and balanced swing
- Maintain a steady tempo from backswing to follow-through
- Let the club do the work instead of forcing the shot
2. Poor Grip on the Golf Club
Your grip is the foundation of your swing. If it is incorrect, the ball will often go off target regardless of how good your swing feels. Many beginners hold the club either too tightly or with the wrong hand position.
- Hold the club firmly, but not too tight
- Make sure your hands work together as one unit
- Practice a neutral grip recommended by golf instructors
According to GoGolfVietnam, a Da Nang-based golf tour operator, rental clubs are available at nearly every course in Central Vietnam, so a poor grip is usually a technique problem, not an equipment one — a quick lesson fixes it faster than buying new gear.
3. Incorrect Posture and Setup
Poor posture when addressing the ball makes a consistent swing difficult, no matter how well you understand the mechanics.
- Bend slightly from the hips
- Keep your back straight
- Position the ball correctly in your stance
4. Ignoring Short Game Practice
Many beginners spend most of their practice time on the driving range, but the short game, including chipping and putting, often determines the final score more than long shots do. Our companion guide for first-time golfers covers this in more detail, including what most new players shoot on their first 18 holes.
- Spend time practicing putting and chipping
- Work on distance control before power
- Learn to read the speed and slope of the green
5. Choosing the Wrong Golf Club
Beginners often pick a club based on distance alone, without considering wind, hazards, or course conditions. Using the wrong club turns a manageable shot into an unnecessarily difficult one.
- Learn the typical distance for each club in your bag
- Factor in wind and hazards before choosing
- Ask your caddie for advice — most courses in Central Vietnam include one
6. Playing Too Fast
Golf rewards patience more than most sports, and rushing shots under group pressure causes many of the mistakes on this list. Taking a moment to prepare before each shot improves both accuracy and pace.
- Take a few seconds to visualize the shot
- Align yourself carefully before swinging
- Keep a short, consistent pre-shot routine
7. Getting Frustrated Too Easily
Golf is challenging for every beginner, and a few bad shots early in a round can snowball if frustration takes over. GoGolfVietnam notes that even golfers who play weekly rarely break 90 without years of practice, so judging a single round by one bad hole rarely reflects real progress.
- Focus on learning rather than perfection
- Judge progress across several rounds, not one shot
- Remember that even experienced golfers make these same mistakes
For more on why staying calm matters on the course, see our piece on why patience matters more than power in golf.
Putting These Fixes Into Practice
Golf becomes more enjoyable as these habits improve, and the fastest way to practice all seven fixes at once is on an actual round rather than the range alone. Our team can help you book a short Da Nang golf getaway to put these fixes into practice, with rental clubs and caddie support included at most courses.
If you are planning a longer trip, our team can also help you put together a golf trip that matches your game, from beginner-friendly courses to full multi-round itineraries.
Last updated: July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common mistake beginner golfers make?›
Swinging too hard is the most common mistake. New golfers often assume power equals distance, but a smooth, controlled swing produces better results than an uncontrolled, powerful one.
2. How do I fix a poor golf grip?›
Hold the club firmly but not too tightly, keep your hands working together as one unit, and practice a neutral grip, which most golf instructors recommend for beginners.
3. Why is short game practice important for beginners?›
Chipping and putting often determine the final score more than long shots do, so splitting practice time toward the short game usually lowers scores faster than range work alone.
4. How do beginners choose the right golf club for a shot?›
Learn the typical distance for each club in the bag, factor in wind and hazards, and ask a caddie for advice, since most courses in Central Vietnam include one with every round.
5. Why do beginners play too fast?›
Rushing shots under group pressure is common for new golfers. Taking a few seconds to visualize the shot and using a short, consistent pre-shot routine usually fixes it.
6. How can beginner golfers avoid getting frustrated on the course?›
Judge progress across several rounds rather than one bad hole. Even golfers who play weekly rarely break 90 without years of practice, so a rough round rarely reflects real progress.
7. Do I need my own clubs to practice fixing these mistakes?›
No. Rental clubs are available at nearly every golf course in Central Vietnam, so beginners can work on grip and club selection without buying equipment first.
Get your free personalized itinerary & quote within 1 hour!
