Posts Tagged ‘beginner golf lessons in sherwoodpark’
Beginner Golf Lessons: Avoid These 5 Common Golf Mistakes
Starting golf is exciting. But let’s be honest, it’s also confusing. The ball goes left when you want it to go right. Your shots feel inconsistent, and no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to click.
Here’s what I’ve noticed after years of teaching: almost every beginner is struggling with the same things. Not because they’re bad at the game, but because nobody told them what to actually look for.
I’m Harmeet Kahlon, a PGA of Canada professional and director of golf at Broadmoor Public Golf Course in Sherwood Park. I’ve spent a long time coaching golfers at every level, and these are the five mistakes I see every single week in beginner golf lessons.
Once you understand what’s causing them, they become much easier to fix.
Mistake #1: Gripping the Club Too Tight
Most beginners squeeze the club like they’re trying to crush it. It feels powerful, but it’s actually killing your swing.
A tight grip causes:
- Stiff wrists that can’t move freely
- Loss of swing speed
- Wild, inconsistent shots
The fix is simple: hold the club like you’re holding a tube of toothpaste, firm enough not to drop it and light enough not to squeeze any out.
This is one of the first things we correct in beginner golf lessons at Broadmoor. It makes an immediate difference.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Setup
Your swing starts before you even move the club. Where you stand, how far you reach, and where the ball sits relative to your feet: all of this matters.
If you stand too close to the ball, you’ll shank it sideways. Stand too far away, and you’ll lose your balance and top it along the ground.
Most beginners never check their setup at all. They just step up and swing and then wonder why the results are so unpredictable.
Good golf coaching for beginners spends real time on setup. We use the Skillest video analysis so you can actually see what your stance looks like, which changes things fast.
Mistake #3: Swinging Too Hard
Everyone wants distance. That’s totally normal. But swinging harder almost always makes things worse.
When you swing too hard:
- Your timing falls apart
- The clubface twists at impact
- The ball goes sideways or nowhere near your target
Here’s one of the most useful beginner golf tips I give every new student: swing at 70–80% of what feels like full effort. You’ll hit it further, straighter, and more consistently.
We use TrackMan launch monitor technology in lessons so you can see your actual numbers: swing speed, ball speed, and carry distance. Once you see the data, the guesswork stops.
Mistake #4: Neglecting the Short Game
Here’s a stat most beginners don’t know: around 60% of your shots in a round happen within 100 yards of the hole.
Putting. Chipping. Bunker shots. This is where rounds are actually won or lost.
But most beginners spend nearly all their time on the driving range hitting drivers. Then they get on the course and four-putt from six feet and wonder what went wrong.
When you look for golf lessons for beginners, make sure the short game is part of the program from day one. At Broadmoor, every lesson covers the full swing, putting, chipping, and bunker play.
Mistake #5: Trying to Learn Everything on Your Own
YouTube has a lot of great golf content. But YouTube can’t watch you.
It can’t see that your elbow is collapsing mid-backswing. It can’t tell you your club path is off by five degrees. It can’t catch the tiny head movement you’re making right before impact.
When you self-teach, you often practice your mistakes until they become habits. And habits are hard to break.
This is why beginners who take structured lessons improve so much faster than those who figure it out alone. If you’ve searched for golf lessons near me and landed here, you’re already on the right track.
A good coach spots in one session what might take you years to figure out solo.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Golf as a Beginner?
This is one of the first things new golfers ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on how you practice.
Here’s a rough but realistic picture for most beginners:
After 2–3 lessons: The basics of grip, stance, and swing start to feel natural.
After 4–6 lessons: You’ll begin making more consistent contact, gain confidence, and see real progress in your game.
After a full season: You’ll be course-ready, scoring more consistently, and enjoying the game much more.
The biggest thing that slows people down isn’t lack of practice; it’s practicing without feedback. You can put in a lot of time and not make much progress if you don’t know what to adjust.
Beginner Golf Lessons in Sherwood Park
If you’re in the Sherwood Park or Edmonton area and want to work on any of this, I run beginner golf lessons at Broadmoor Public Golf Course year-round, including indoors through the winter.
Every lesson covers the full picture: swing mechanics, putting, chipping, and bunker play. I use video analysis and a TrackMan launch monitor, which eliminates much of the guesswork in understanding what’s actually happening in your swing. No experience needed. No equipment needed. Just show up.
Location: Broadmoor Public Golf Course, 2100 Oak St, Sherwood Park, AB
Call or text: +1 587-597-1999
FAQs
How many lessons do I need as a beginner?
Most beginners feel real improvement within 4–6 sessions. Pair each lesson with some practice, and you’ll progress even faster.
Do I need my own clubs?
No. Equipment is available at Broadmoor, so you can try a beginner golf lesson before spending anything on gear.
Are lessons available in winter?
Yes. Indoor lessons run all year, using a full launch monitor and video technology. Perfect for getting ready before Alberta’s spring season.
Am I too old to start golf?
Not at all. Many of the most enthusiastic students I coach are adults picking up the game in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Golf is genuinely for everyone.