The main reason we “top” the ball is because our club is striking the ball above the centre of the ball.  We need to ensure that we strike the ball and then the ground the ball is sitting on. It is not because you lift your head.

Always play the shot you have the most confidence with and will result in getting the ball onto the green and running towards the hole.

If close to the edge, then Putt. Not quite so close? Chip. Bit further off and needing to get over the edge of the green, then Pitch.

Finally, if there are no other choices, Lob the ball.

You should take sand when playing a green side bunker, and no sand when in a fairway bunker.

How much sand, depends on the type of sand  and the level of golfer experience.

To read a green you should look at the putt  from the bottom side of the projected line,  to see any breaks and judge the distance.

Use your feet to “feel” the slope, or imagine pouring water on the green and seeing where the water would flow to.

Practise on sloping greens as much as you can.

Learn to “feel” the distance of a putt. 

The best players in the world have coaching almost every day. So one or two lessons a year is not going to improve your game.

Dennise recommends an 8 – 12 week programme that includes lessons, drills, practise and play, with a follow up lesson monthly.

It all depends on what you want to achieve with your golf and your plan to achieve the results.

Hitting a straight shot is the hardest thing to do in golf. There are many variables to a perfect shot. Our club face needs to be square to the target on impact, and our swing needs to reflect that arc for the impact. There are over 500 reasons why we slice or hook a ball, so there are basic adjustments to a swing, grip, etc that need to be looked at. A one on one lesson will help identify the areas need to improve your aim.

If you want to play your best golf always get your clubs fitted by a golf professional who cares about your game and what is best for you: not a salesperson.

After all, you wouldn’t buy or wear shoes that did not fit properly as they would cause problems for your body, feet, legs etc. So ensure your clubs are suited to your body, swing and game.

Dennise is a qualified club fitter and can advise on your current set of clubs, or future requirements.

Head must remain still, either looking at the ball, or at the hole ( never both) during the stroke.

Shoulders work like a pendulum, no wrist action. The motion is like a clock pendulum.

Use a grip that minimises wrist action and involvement.

The follow through should be smooth and longer than the backswing.

The ball type you use depends on your clubhead speed and also the condition of the course ( dry, wet, run, no run) and the speed of the greens. If you have a slow clubhead speed you may need a slightly harder ball ( not a Pro V).

Use a ball that matches your game, swing and course.

Your golf game may have inconsistent results, but the  root cause of this is a consistent error or problem with your grip, swing, set up or other area.

There are no band aids with golf, so it is best to have a lesson and address the basics of your game with a view to improvement.

Dennise has one to one lessons, or group clinics to help with all areas of the game.