5 common golf myths that are wrecking your scorecard

By: Joey Wuertemberger, Top 100 Teacher , Nick Dimengo December 2, 2023

pro golfer throws club after hitting drive during tournament

The game of golf is full of myths, so a GOLF Top 100 Teacher clears up the ones most likely wrecking your scorecard.

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Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a new GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.

Whether you want to believe them or not, there are plenty of golf myths which exist that amateur players often (mistakenly) follow.

Unfortunately, by doing so, your game is suffering.

For instance, how many of us have blamed a bad shot on not keeping our head down? Well, hate to break it to you, but this is just one of the golf myths that can cause confusion — and higher-than-preferred scores.

Just look at what GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood posted in 2022 about debunking this myth.

So many myths in golf….Swing slowly, low n slow, big turn creates power, wider the better etc….but here’s the big one, Head still! Causes so many issues 🤦🏻‍♂️ The head moves people, the head moves 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️😂 pic.twitter.com/JWe4fUjI3J
— JonathanYarwood (@JonathanYarwood) August 30, 2022

But keeping your head down is just one of many golf myths, and another GOLF Top 100 Teacher, Joey Wuertemberger, shares five more that could be wrecking your scorecard and causing inconsistent results. See below for what Wuertemberger has to say.

These golf myths are ruining your game

The golf swing is a unique movement that often leads to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding — especially among beginners. Golf is often described as a “game of opposites,” meaning it’s complex with many different misconceptions.

So which golf myths are some of the most confusing ones that can lead to higher scores when followed? Let’s explore the ones that make this game so maddening.

1. If you’re slicing, keep aiming more toward the opposite side

While this might work for a quick fix, it doesn’t address the problem — and may even lead to bigger issues.

A slice (for a right-handed golfer) is a shot that curves from left to right. It’s typically caused by an outside-to-in swing path and an open clubface at impact.

Rather than aiming further left to correct the slice, close the clubface more on the backswing and address your swing path. Closing the stance to the target will help your path, and if you make sure the face is more closed at impact, you’ve fixed your slice; not just hit it and hoped that it ends in the fairway.

2. Hang back to help get the ball in the air

This may sound like a great idea, but more times than not, it will result in poor contact — and will typically cause a chunked shot.

To get the ball in the air, I suggest doing the opposite of leaning back on your trail foot.

So instead, focus on shifting your weight to the front side, which will allow you to make solid contact and will create the necessary loft to launch your shot in the air!

3. When leaving putts short, hit it harder

While it might seem logical to hit the putt harder, it’s not the most effective way to get the ball to the hole.

If you’re constantly leaving putts short, I suggest making a longer stroke with the same tempo that you normally have.

Spending an additional 15 minutes before you head to the first tee and managing your length of stroke with a consistent tempo will go a long way!

4. Swing harder for more distance

Power is everything, but you must have controlled power!

The general assumption that swinging harder will automatically give you more distance is a common golf myth. While power is extremely helpful, focus on being efficient with proper swing sequencing and mechanics.

Remember, you can be fast, but if you miss the middle of the clubface, the ball will go shorter than a slower swing with center contact.

5. Only use a sand wedge to chip around the greens

Although you may think that using one club around the greens keeps a simplified approach, you might actually be increasing your risk for disaster.

By diversifying your club selection while chipping, it allows you to vary trajectory and spin, making you more versatile in different situations that you may encounter on the course.