Golf is full of advice. Some of it comes from coaches, some from friends, some from playing partners on the first tee, and a surprising amount of it is wrong, or only right for some golfers. Following a myth can hold you back for years. Here are the most common golf myths, why they are misleading, and what to do instead.
Swing myths
1. "Keep your head down"
Staring at the ground through impact often restricts the shoulder turn and stops the body rotating through the ball. Good golfers keep their head relatively steady, but they let it rotate and come up naturally after impact. Instead, keep your eyes on the ball until it is struck, then let your head turn with your body.
2. "Keep your left arm perfectly straight"
The lead arm should be extended, not rigid. Locking it creates tension and limits your turn. A slight, natural bend is fine for many golfers, especially those with limited flexibility. Read how to improve your backswing.
3. "Swing harder to hit it further"
Distance comes from speed at the right moment and solid contact, not effort. Swinging harder often makes you swing out of sequence and hit the ball off-centre. A smooth swing with good tempo often goes further. Read golf tempo and rhythm and how to hit the golf ball further.
4. "Hit up on the ball to get it airborne"
With irons, you should hit down on the ball. The loft of the club gets it airborne. Trying to lift the ball causes thin and fat shots. Only the driver, teed up, benefits from a slightly upward strike. Read how to hit the ball solidly.
5. "Slow back is always best"
A very slow backswing can disrupt your rhythm. A smooth, unhurried takeaway is good, but the right tempo is one that suits you.
6. "There is one correct swing"
Great golfers have very different swings. What matters is a repeatable motion that delivers the club face squarely to the ball. Good coaches build on your natural movement rather than forcing one model. Read golf swing fundamentals.
Equipment myths
7. "Better clubs are always more expensive"
The best clubs for you are the ones that fit your swing. Last year's models, good used clubs and well-fitted mid-priced sets can perform as well as the newest, most expensive clubs. Read buying golf clubs on a budget.
8. "Use the ball the professionals use"
Premium tour balls offer spin and feel that skilled players use around the greens, but they cost more and are easy to lose. Many golfers score just as well with a cheaper, lower-spin ball. Read choosing the right golf ball.
9. "Stiff shafts are for better golfers"
Shaft flex should match your swing speed and tempo, not your ego. A shaft that is too stiff costs height, distance and accuracy. Read the golf shaft flex guide.
10. "Less loft means more distance"
For most club golfers, more loft on the driver gives a better launch and more carry. Read how to choose a driver.
Practice myths
11. "Hitting hundreds of balls makes you better"
Mindless ball-bashing builds bad habits as easily as good ones. Shorter, focused practice, with a target, a routine and variety, is far more effective. Read our driving range practice plan and golf practice games.
12. "Practise your driver most"
You hit the driver about 14 times in a round, but putts and short shots make up around half your strokes. Spend at least half your practice on the short game. Read how to chip in golf.
13. "Never up, never in"
The phrase reminds you not to leave putts short, but hitting every putt hard leads to long return putts. On most putts, aim to roll the ball about 12 to 18 inches past the hole. Read putting drills to stop three-putting.
Game myths
14. "Golf is only for rich people"
Public courses, municipal courses, pitch-and-putt, driving ranges and used equipment make golf affordable for many people. Read how to play golf on a budget and par-3 and short courses.
15. "Golf isn't real exercise"
Walking 18 holes typically means walking several miles and burning a significant number of calories, while swinging hundreds of times. Golf also benefits balance, strength and mental health. Read is golf good exercise? and golf and mental health.
Bonus myths
- "You need to be a low handicapper to enter competitions." The handicap system lets golfers of all abilities compete fairly. Read your first golf competition.
- "Putts always break towards water." Slope and grain decide the break. Water is often at the low point, so it is a clue, not a rule. Read how to read greens.
- "You need lessons only when you're bad." Lessons help at every level, and early lessons prevent bad habits. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
How to judge golf advice
- Ask why a tip works and whether it fits your swing.
- Prefer advice based on cause and effect, such as ball-flight laws, over vague feelings.
- Test changes on the range before taking them to the course.
- Be wary of advice mid-round. Changing your swing during a round rarely helps.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep my head down when I swing?
Keep it reasonably steady and your eyes on the ball until impact, but let it rotate with your body afterwards. Forcing it down can restrict your swing.
Do I need expensive clubs to play well?
No. Properly fitted, sensibly priced clubs suit most golfers. Fit matters more than price.
How much should I practise my short game?
At least half your practice time, since short shots and putts make up around half your strokes.
Is it true golf is hard to learn?
Golf takes time to master, but you can enjoy it from the start, especially with lessons, forward tees and short courses.
The bottom line
Many golf myths survive because they contain a grain of truth. But following them blindly can hold you back. Let your head and arms move naturally, swing smoothly, trust the loft, choose equipment for fit rather than prestige, practise with purpose, and don't believe that golf is only for the few. For a solid foundation, read golf for beginners: the complete guide.