Every golfer begins with the fundamentals but, somewhere along the way, many lose them. Very often the golfer has developed a faulty swing that he compensates for with various manipulations, completely losing the basics in the process. Many times golfers will work with new techniques and methods, incorporating them into their swing and, in the process, watering down the fundamentals. And all too often, the golfers who have lost or watered down the fundamentals are the ones who find themselves with declining scores and rising handicaps. Virtually every professional golfer today will advise a steady grounding in the fundamental basics in order to achieve an accurate golf swing.

To begin with, make sure you are gripping the club correctly and that you have a proper stance.
• Grip - The basic grip will place the club more in the fingers than in the palm as the fingers are more sensitive. A grip that places the club too much in the palm of the left hand (right hand for the left-handed golfers) will be weak and prone to slicing. The shaft should lie diagonally across the base of the fingers of the left hand and across the palm below the ring and little fingers, give a combination finger and palm grip. The thumb will rest slights to the right of the top of the shaft creating a "V" between thumb and index finger that points toward the right shoulder. The right hand should be placed over the left so that the life line of the palm covers the left thumb. The little finger of the right hand should overlap the first finger of the left hand. Again, the thumb of the right hand should be placed along the shaft so that the "V" formed by the thumb and index fingers point toward the right shoulder. Keep the grip firm enough to keep the club under control but not stiff.
• Stance - Placing your feet correctly gives you a firm foundation for your swing. The distance between your heels should be the same as when you are standing normally so that you can not easily be pushed off balance. Placing your feet too far apart retards the correct slide and pivot of the hips. Toes should be pointed outward. Knees should be slightly relaxed, with a hint of "sitting down" to the ball. Bear your weight a little more on your heels than on your toes. Keep hands and arms comfortably close to the body.

Five fundamentals of the basic golf swing that are practiced by the best golfers are:
• Stay firm with the left hand and arm to control the path of the club.
• Move slowly at the top of the backswing, pausing to attain correct timing and coordination between the legs, body and hands.
• As the club comes into contact with the ball the weight should be on the left foot in order to allow for a complete and firm follow through. The expert golfer will hit down, through the ball, letting the loft of the club face do the job of getting the ball in the air, rather than trying to scoop the ball into the air.
• Hit with your hands for power and direction. This is where having a good, basic grip becomes essential.
• The clubface should be square to the ball on impact in order to assure a straight hit and flight.