Common Golf Advice That Just Doesn’t Cut It

So, picture this: I’m at the driving range the other day, and I see a guy giving a woman a rundown on her swing. My kids and I can’t help but chuckle a bit. Not because she’s struggling—she’s actually putting in some solid effort—but this dude just won’t stop dishing out advice. One swing in, and he’s analyzing everything—shoulder turn, grip, ball position, swing plane, head movement. Seriously, how is she supposed to keep up with all that while trying to make contact with the ball? His best bit? "Wait a second before you swing so I can get out of the way!" Classic.

This little scene got me thinking: there’s some wild and questionable advice floating around at golf courses and driving ranges. It’s almost like a rite of passage for us golfers to encounter a few gems. Let’s dive into some of the most common pieces of advice you might hear—spoiler alert: a lot of it is just plain wrong.

"You Lifted Your Head—That’s Why You Topped It"

Raise your hand if you’ve heard this one! When someone tops the ball and it dribbles down the fairway, the first thing people shout is, "You lifted your head!" While that soundbite seems logical, it’s often not the real issue. More often, it’s about posture, weight shift, or an early extension through the shot. Heck, players like Henrik Stenson can rotate through impact with their heads turning early and still load up on the ball. So next time you hear someone say "keep your head down," remember: it’s all about posture—not just your head!

"You’re Too Steep—That’s Why You Sliced It"

Ah, the classic slice. Many well-meaning friends (and strangers) will tell you that being “too steep” is the culprit behind your ball veering off to the right. While having a steep swing can lead to inconsistencies, it doesn’t necessarily cause a slice—an open clubface does! You could have a shallow swing and still slice it if your face isn’t closed. So instead of focusing solely on your swing path, remember to check that clubface. Fix the face first, always!

"Move the Ball Back—You’ll Stop Chunking It"

This nugget of advice makes it sound like moving the ball back will solve all your chunking issues. But trust me, it’s not that simple. Sure, it might feel logical to shift the ball position, but doing so can mess with your swing’s path. Moving it back often leads to a steeper swing, which delofts the club, making that 8-iron act like a 5-iron. This can make it a real challenge to stop the ball on the green. Instead, focus on transferring your weight correctly and maintaining low-point control.

"Don’t Use Your Driver—It’s Too Risky"

I get it; when you’re starting out or struggling, some folks say to leave the driver in the bag. They think that a higher lofted club will give you better control. But here’s the thing: avoiding the driver can actually cause more trouble than it’s worth. Modern drivers are designed to be forgiving, and studies show that being closer to the hole—regardless of how thick the rough is—makes it easier to score. Often, a driver will set you up better than a 3-wood. So, unless you’re facing a tricky tight shot, don’t shy away from using that driver. Learn to swing it, instead!

"Grip the Club Like You’re Holding an Injured Bird"

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’ve tried this advice out, and let me tell you, it does NOT work. A grip that’s too light can lead to all sorts of unpredictability with your shots. Essentially, you want to have a grip that feels connected and in control—not fragile. So here’s what you should do: play around with loosening your grip while practicing until you start losing control. Then just tighten up until you feel back in charge. The goal? A grip that fosters connection and control.

"Follow Through by Finishing High"

Now here’s a classic tip that sounds clear-cut. People often say to finish high to get your follow-through right. But guess what? It doesn’t always translate to better shots. The best finish varies from golfer to golfer, depending on their unique swing. Some players finish low and still launch the ball like pros. Instead of getting caught up in how high your follow-through should be, focus on the mechanics of your swing and how your body feels through the motion. Trust your instinct and find what works for you!

"Keep Your Elbows Together"

This sounds harmless, right? But telling someone to keep their elbows together can lead them to tighten up during their swing. A proper swing involves some natural movement and flexibility. By constraining your elbows too much, you might lose the energy and fluidity needed for a powerful shot. Instead of obsessing over elbow placement, concentrate on developing a smooth, natural swing that feels comfortable and powerful for you.

"You’re Overthinking It—Just Relax!"

If I had a dollar for every time I heard this one, I’d be buying a new set of clubs! While it’s true that overthinking can lead to tension, “just relax” is often a vague piece of advice. Instead of merely being told to loosen up, it’s more effective to work on your mechanics through practice and drills. Take the time to break down your swing and find consistency before aiming for that zen-like relaxation. Working on your fundamentals can help you feel more at ease on the course.

"Aim for the Middle of the Green"

Here’s another solid-sounding tip: always aim for the middle of the green. Sure, being safe can seem like a no-brainer, but in reality, golf is about precision. Aiming for the middle means Sacrificing the chance to strategically place your shots. Depending on the hole layout and pin position, sometimes you’ll want to take a chance and aim directly at the flag or position yourself for easier up-and-down opportunities. Look at the bigger picture: strategies for each hole can vary, so play it smart, not safe.

Final Thoughts

Golf instruction has never been more accessible thanks to a slew of videos, blogs, and online courses. But with great access comes a mountain of bad advice. Next time you hear a catchy tip, pause and think about whether it explains the "why." Approach improving your swing by understanding your game, and don’t be afraid to invest a little in lessons to find the right advice for you. Take the plunge, challenge the clichés, and make your game truly your own!