Being tall can bring you many advantages at the golf course. Not only will you be able to make more powerful swings, but according to LetsGolfBetter it also allows you to enjoy special golf clubs for tall men (which comes with several great perks).
Still, just because you’re taller than other players out there doesn’t mean you can beat them easily. You’ll need lots of time, patience, and training for that. So to help you refine your skills, here are a few decent golfing tips.
Focus on Balance
Balance is crucial in every golf swing, regardless of height. That’s because it grants you better control, and gives power to your shots. So whether or not you’re a tall player, you should strive to maintain your balance while wielding your clubs.
One way you can maintain balance is by improving your foot stability. Simply taking a walk regularly will help you strengthen your feet and ankles, so better do that for at least 15 minutes a day. You should also consider getting great golf shoes that can provide traction and comfort when you’re at the course.
Slow Down Your Tempo
Having a slower tempo while swinging is very effective. It helps tall players maintain balance, and it gets the ball flying fighter, faster, and longer. So better make it a point to refine the tempo of your strokes.
Consistently making a slow-tempo swing will take time, effort, and patience, so best start practicing today. Start by swinging a 7 iron or hybrid at about 75% your normal speed. Work your way from there until you find the slow tempo that suits your playing style.
Maintain a Narrow Stance
A lot of tall golfers think standing with their feet far apart is okay while playing. But that’s a terrible misconception! Not only will doing that put yourself out of balance, but it will make you struggle with your swings, too.
So keep your feet closer together whenever it’s your turn to swing. Depending on the ball’s position, you should consider standing parallel to it, too. That way, you’ll be able to properly hit it with your club’s sweet spot.
Get Fitted With the Right Equipment
Knowing when a club is too long or too short for you is also important if you want to optimize your golfing experience. This is especially true for tall players, as playing with short equipment can end up interfering with their skills.
So get fitted with the proper golfing equipment whenever you’re out buying new clubs and accessories. Yes, it will cost a bit of money on your part. But at the very least, you’ll be able to play with the gear that best suits your needs and style. If you need help on how to get golf clubs for tall men.
Have Your Clubs’ Shafts Lengthened
Or you can have your clubs’ shafts lengthened instead (in case you already have a set). Doing this allows you to maintain a taller, more suitable stance over the ball. And it will prevent your shafts from feeling too stiff, which can affect your performance at the course.
To get your shafts lengthened, simply visit your nearest golf store and ask the one in charge of fitting to insert “wooden plugs” on top of your shafts. By the way, you can also request this while buying new clubs, so better keep that in mind the next time you upgrade your gear. And while you’re at it, you should have your swing speed checked while lengthening the shaft to avoid performance issues.
Have the Lie Angle Adjusted
Additionally, you should have your clubs’ lie angles adjusted while lengthening your shafts. Believe it or not, this will help you maintain your overall performance, especially since lie angles impact how consistently and straight you hit a ball.
To retain your club’s former lie angle, you first need to measure it by putting tape on the club’s sole as well as on two wooden or plastic boards. Hit a ball with the club towards the first board and check the marks they leave on the tape.
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Then as soon as you have your shafts lengthened, hit the ball again, this time towards the second board. If the marks are still in the same place, then no adjustment will be necessary.
Put Your Back in Every Swing
Other tall players also have a tendency to let their arms do the work when swinging golf clubs. Don’t follow their example. Yes, it’s tempting to rely on your arms to strengthen up your shots, especially since longer limbs means more power. But to make a proper swing, you need to exert your entire body.
Focus on using all the muscles in your torso, hips, arms and legs whenever you’re swinging the club. In time, you’ll notice your shots becoming more and more graceful and refined compared to players who only use their arms.
Stand Closer to the Ball
To avoid crouching before swinging, tall players like you must stand as close to the ball as possible at address. That way, you won’t look too awkward, and you’ll be able to make a more fluid shot.
While standing close to your golf ball, remember to maintain a comfortable, stable, and balanced stance. This allows you to enjoy a better vantage point, as well as enables you to move more quickly when necessary. For best results, keep the butt of your golf club handle away from your belt buckle by around four finger lengths.
Mind Your Swing Sequence
More experienced golfers will tell you that the swing sequence is important if you want to increase the power of your shots. So the last thing you should do as a tall player is to refine how you make a swing.
Some of the tips above will come into play as you mind your swing sequence. For one thing, you need to start by standing close to your ball. Then you need to exert your hips to make a good downswing from the bottom up. Afterward, you need to out your back to the swing to ensure it flies in a long arc.
Final Thoughts
Unlike sports like basketball, you don’t need to be tall to play golf. Still, if you’re a tall individual, then you clearly have the advantage at the course. Make the most of it by following the tips listed above.