Best Golf Swing Drills for Beginners

Learning to golf may seem difficult at first, however, learning how to swing a golf club can prove downright perplexing. But with the right drills, newbies can hone their swing, step by step. Here, we’ll go over the best golf swing drills for beginners that are both simple and effective, and that you can practice easily. 

Whether you are new to the game and want to be able to make solid contact out on the course, or you’ve been playing it for a while and can’t stop hitting those inconsistent shots, these beginner-friendly drills will have you full of confidence and on an improved swing path.

Also Read: Swing Path vs. Clubface: What Matters Most

Why Beginner Golf Swing Drills are Important

Starting in golf can be overwhelming with all the techniques. That’s where drills come in. Golf swing drills break everything down into minute, repeatable actions. This helps beginners:

• Build muscle memory
• Improve timing and balance
• You’ll hit the ball straighter and more consistently
• Avoid bad habits early on

Now, let’s check out the best golf swing drills for beginners.

The Grip Check Drill

The key to a good golf swing is the grip. How to Grip a Golf Club For a Beginner Many newcomers have difficulty in gripping the club too tight or in the wrong position.

How to do it:

• Grasp the club with your top hand (left hand for right-handed golfers).
• You should have your trail hand underneath your lead hand, with a “V” formed by your trail hand’s thumb and forefinger laying over the same “V” in your lead hand.
• Test whether you have a relaxed, not too tight grip.

Why it helps:

This drill develops the feel and control of the club that will allow you to swing the club in a smooth and tension-free way.

Also Read: How to Finish Your Golf Swing Like a Pro

The Takeaway Drill

The takeaway is the portion of your backswing when you start to move the club away. A well-executed takeaway paves the way for success on the rest of your swing.

How to do it:

• Set up in your normal stance.
• Tee the ball behind there, you go.
• Start the backswing smoothly, letting the clubhead stay close to the ground for the first 12 to 18 inches.
• See if your shoulders turn rather than your arms coming up too soon.

Why it helps:

This helps you use your body in starting the swing instead of your hands, and helps create a fluid swing.

The Balance Drill

Balance is everything in a great golf swing. If you’re wobbling or falling off balance, your shots will suffer.

How to do it:

• Assume your normal stance but try swinging with your feet placed close together (about six inches apart).
• Play punch shots between the short and midrange (pitching wedges, 7-irons).
• Simply concentrate on keeping yourself balanced during your swing and follow through.

Why it helps:

This teaches your body to remain centered and in balance throughout the swing.

The Pause at the Top Drill

Many beginners rush their swing. This drill will help you feel the top of your backswing and allow you to work on your timing.

How to do it:

• Take a slow backswing and stop at the top for 1-2 seconds.
• Then, begin your downswing smoothly.
• Do this around 5–10 times during your practice sessions.

Why it helps:

You’ll begin to feel how to moderate the pace of your swing and not to over rush into the downswing.

Also Read: How to Increase Swing Speed Safely

The Impact Drill

Contact is key, and the goal is to hit it solid. This drill will get you the feel for the correct impact position.

How to do it:

• Set up the ball normally.
• Backswing halfway and hit a wall or barrier at impact (before the ball).
• Also, make your hips start to turn and put your hands behind the ball.
• Do nothing but sloppy, slow-motion reps before going full velocity.

Why it helps:

• Better to get a feel for where the club should be at impact.

Towel Under Arm Drill

This classic drill helps get rid of overactive arms and promotes a better body turn.

How to do it:

• Place a small towel under each armpit.
• Take slow practice swings and don’t let the towel fall.
• Hit balls at 50–70% with the towel in place.

Why it helps:

You’ll learn how to keep your arms attached to your body so you get a powerful and consistent swing.

Practice Tips for These Golf Swing Drills

• Stay diligent and practice regularly — even 15 to 20 minutes, a few times a week, can produce results.
• Go slower at first — go faster only when your action feels smooth and repeatable.
• Use video – video your swing to monitor how your swing is developing.
• Take your practice one step at a time – you don’t have to be everything at once.

Also Read: Golf Swing Mechanics

You may think golf equipment and lessons from the pros are necessary, right? By working on these best golf swing drills for beginners, you can form a solid base and begin striking better shots on the golf course.