5 Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (and How to Fix Them)
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Struggling with your golf game?
Discover the 5 most common mistakes amateur golfers make and simple fixes to improve your swing, score, and confidence.
Golf is one of the most rewarding — and frustrating — games on the planet. For amateur golfers, progress often feels slow because small mistakes add up quickly. The good news? Most of these errors are easy to spot and fix. At Prisoner of Golf®, we believe you don’t need perfection to play better golf — just a little discipline and awareness.
holding you back (and how to escape them).
Mistake #1 – Overswinging
Are you guilty of overswinging? 🏌️♂️
One of the most common mistakes amateur golfers make is trying to swing too hard, which leads to poor accuracy, loss of balance, and inconsistent shots.
In this video, I’ll break down:
✔️ Why overswinging hurts your golf game
✔️ Simple swing adjustments to improve consistency
✔️ How to stay balanced and hit straighter, longer shots
Fix: Focus on a smooth tempo. Imagine swinging at 75% power — you’ll hit it straighter and often just as far.
This is Mistake #1 in our series: “5 Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (and How to Fix Them).
Pros:
✔️ Quick, actionable adjustments — you don’t need to overhaul your entire swing.
✔️ Improves consistency and confidence on the course.
✔️ Reduces frustration by turning bad habits into progress.
✔️ Helps amateurs lower scores without expensive lessons.
✔️ Builds long-term discipline — the foundation of real golf improvement.
Cons:
❌ Requires patience — these fixes won’t produce overnight results.
❌ May feel uncomfortable at first (changing grip, setup, or tempo takes time).
❌ Can be hard to self-diagnose without feedback or video review.
❌ Short game practice isn’t as “fun” as hitting driver at the range.
❌ Mental discipline takes repetition and persistence to stick.
Mistake #2 – Stance & Grip
Your golf swing is only as strong as your grip and stance.
A poor setup leads to slices, hooks, and inconsistency.
In this video, I’ll show you:
✔️ The most common grip mistakes amateur golfers make
✔️ Proper stance and alignment for consistent ball striking
✔️ Simple fixes you can practice today
👉 Don’t miss the next videos on short game, tees, and mental game.
Fix: Focus on a smooth tempo. IFix: Check your grip pressure (firm but not white-knuckled), align your shoulders with the target, and keep your posture athletic. Small adjustments make a big difference.
This is Mistake #2 in our series: “5 Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (and How to Fix Them).
"Golf doesn’t punish you for a bad swing—it punishes you for the bad grip and stance that set it up."
Golf Mistake #3: Ignoring the Short Game ⛳ | Lower Scores with Better Putting & Chipping
Many golfers focus on big drives but ignore the short game — where strokes are really saved.
In this video, you’ll learn:
✔️ Why short game practice lowers your scores faster than anything else
✔️ Chipping and putting fundamentals for more confidence around the green
✔️ Practice drills you can do at home or at the course
👉 Don’t miss the next videos on short game, tees, and mental game.
Fix: Spend at least half your practice time on the short game. You’ll save strokes faster on the green than with a booming drive.
This is Mistake #3 in our series: “5 Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (and How to Fix Them).
Must Have Products for Prisoners of Golf
Golf Mistake #4: Playing the Wrong Tees 🏌️ | Choose the Right Tees for More Fun & Better Scores
Choosing the wrong tees can make golf frustrating and much harder than it needs to be.
In this video, I’ll cover:
✔️ Why playing the wrong tees hurts your confidence and scorecard
✔️ How to pick the right tees for your game and skill level
✔️ Tips for making golf more enjoyable (and less stressful!)
This is Mistake #4 in our series: “5 Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (and How to Fix Them).”
👉 Don’t miss the final video on handling mental game meltdowns.
Fix: Choose tees that match your distance. There’s no shame in playing it forward — golf should be fun, not punishment.
“Golf doesn’t reward perfection—it rewards patience. Every swing is just another chance to get better.”
Golf Mistake #5: Mental Game Meltdowns 🧠 | Stay Focused & Calm Under Pressure
Even with a solid swing, your mindset can make or break your round. Mental meltdowns cost strokes and take the fun out of golf.
In this video, I’ll show you:
✔️ Common mental traps amateur golfers fall into
✔️ Simple strategies to stay calm and focused
✔️ How to recover after a bad shot and finish strong
This is Mistake #5 in our series: “5 Common Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make (and How to Fix Them).”
👉 Watch the full playlist to correct all 5 mistakes and unlock your best golf game.
Fix: Accept mistakes as part of the game. Take a deep breath, reset your routine, and focus on the next swing. Golf is a test of patience as much as skill.
Quick Fixes You Can Apply Today
Swing smoother, not harder.
Check your grip and setup before every shot.
Practice your short game twice as much as your driver.
Play tees that match your game.
Stay disciplined mentally — every shot is a fresh start.
Engages the entire body.
Amplifies leg and core strength.
Boosts digestion with a side-twist motion.
Conclusion
Golf doesn’t require perfection — just progress. By avoiding these 5 mistakes, you’ll enjoy lower scores and fewer headaches on the course.
Remember, once you step onto the fairway, you’re a Prisoner of Golf®… but with the right mindset, that’s a life sentence worth serving.
If you want to buy yoga mats or books for beginners, you can check out more on our store
The Author: Paul Maynard
I first became a Prisoner of Golf® during a father-son tournament in Virginia, where a casual round turned into a lifelong obsession. What started as a weekend tradition quickly grew into a passion that shaped my lifestyle, my conversations, and now, this brand. Today, Prisoner of Golf® is about more than just gear—it’s about celebrating the game, the grind, and the golfers who can’t walk away from it.
Products Featured In This Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I break 100 in golf for the first time?
Play smart, not hard. Focus on hitting fairways, avoiding penalties, and practicing your short game. Breaking 100 is more about strategy than power.
Should I spend more time on the driving range or putting green?
At least half your practice should be short game—putting and chipping. You’ll save more strokes on the green than with a booming drive.
Do I really need golf lessons as a beginner?
Lessons can speed up learning, but they’re not required. With discipline, self-practice, and drills, you can make steady progress. Lessons add value if you struggle with fundamentals.
How important is the mental side of golf?
Critical. Golf is as much discipline as skill. Having a routine, staying calm after bad shots, and focusing on one swing at a time separates consistent players from frustrated ones.
