Whether you’re just picking up the game or working toward breaking 90, golf is meant to be a journey—not a chase for perfection. At Hideaway Hills, many of our regulars come back not just to test their progress, but to relax, take in the scenic views, and enjoy the game they love. These five common golf mistakes are easy to make—but with a little awareness and the right mindset, they’re just as easy to overcome.
Let’s dive in:
1. Skipping the Warm-Up
The Mistake: Rolling up to the first tee without stretching, swinging, or even hitting a few practice shots.
Why It Matters: A cold start often leads to tight swings, inconsistent contact, and a frustrating front nine. Worse, it increases your risk of injury.
The Fix: Arrive 30 minutes early. Spend 5–10 minutes stretching and take a few easy swings with a short iron. It’ll help you find your rhythm and start strong.
2. Ignoring Course Management
The Mistake: Always pulling out the driver or going for risky shots without thinking through the hole.
Why It Matters: A great swing doesn’t guarantee a great score if you’re making poor decisions. One risky shot can turn a bogey into a snowman.
The Fix: Think ahead. Play to your strengths. Choose clubs and targets that give you the best chance to stay in play and set up your next shot. Smarter decisions lead to better scores—without changing your swing.
3. Neglecting the Short Game
The Mistake: Spending all your practice time smashing drives at the range.
Why It Matters: Over half of golf happens within 100 yards. If your chipping and putting are weak, you’ll never capitalize on good tee shots.
The Fix: Practice your short game twice as much as your full swing. Dedicate time to putting drills, bump-and-run chips, and short pitches. It’s the fastest way to lower your handicap.
4. Over-Swinging
The Mistake: Trying to crush the ball every time—especially with the driver.
Why It Matters: Power without control leads to mishits, slices, and wild misses. Swinging out of your shoes often sacrifices accuracy and consistency.
The Fix: Focus on tempo, balance, and making solid contact. Think 80% effort—not 110%. When you swing within yourself, the distance will come naturally.
5. Using the Wrong Equipment
The Mistake: Playing clubs that aren’t right for your body, skill level, or swing speed.
Why It Matters: Ill-fitting clubs can cause poor contact, mishits, and inconsistent ball flight—even with a good swing.
The Fix: Get fit. Visit a local golf shop or pro for a basic club fitting. The right shaft, lie angle, and grip size can make a world of difference in how your game feels and performs.
Final Thoughts
Every golfer makes mistakes—it’s part of the game. But by recognizing and correcting these five common missteps, you’ll be well on your way to playing better, smarter golf.
Want to gear up for improvement? Stop by our Pro Shop to stock up or explore our Golf Play & Stay packages to put your new skills to the test.
Or simply call (610) 681-6000 to book your next Tee Time!