Golf has been played for centuries, and with that long history comes a wealth of advice—some of it helpful, some of it outdated, and some just plain wrong. From swing mechanics to club selection, many golfers cling to conventional wisdom that may not hold up under modern scrutiny. While tradition plays a big role in the game, the advancement of technology, biomechanics, and data-driven analysis has revealed that some widely accepted beliefs could actually be harming your performance rather than improving it.

Amateur golfers, in particular, are bombarded with advice that might not suit their specific playing style or physical ability. Many myths persist simply because they’ve been passed down from generation to generation without challenge. With the help of professional instructors and modern equipment testing, it’s time to separate fact from fiction and identify what truly matters on the course. Just as it’s important for golfers to make informed decisions about their game, those looking to gamble online should ensure they use verified platforms for Australian gamblers with a minimum deposit, prioritising security and reliability over hearsay.

“Keep your head down”—Why this advice might hurt your game

One of the most commonly heard pieces of advice in golf is "keep your head down." It’s a phrase repeated by weekend golfers, instructors, and even television commentators, but does it really help?

The intent behind this advice is understandable—keeping your head down is meant to prevent early movement that could lead to mis-hits. However, forcing your head to stay down too long can actually be counterproductive. By restricting natural head and body movement, players can limit their ability to rotate through the swing, causing a loss of power and poor contact with the ball.

Professional golfers, including greats like Greg Norman and Adam Scott, don’t keep their heads down rigidly. Instead, they allow their heads to move naturally with their bodies’ rotation. The key is maintaining posture and keeping the eyes focused on the ball without artificially forcing the head to stay down. Letting the head move naturally through impact allows for a smoother, more powerful swing that promotes consistency and balance.

Rather than focusing on "keeping your head down," a better cue would be to "maintain good posture and let your head follow your swing." This simple shift in thinking can free up the body to generate better ball-striking ability without unnecessary tension.

Do expensive clubs really improve your performance?

Walk into any golf store, and you’ll find an array of premium clubs boasting the latest technology and materials, often with price tags that can make your head spin. But does spending thousands on new clubs guarantee an improvement in your game?

The short answer: not necessarily. While high-end clubs offer cutting-edge materials and better engineering, they won’t magically fix fundamental flaws in your swing. In fact, for many amateur golfers, a properly fitted set of mid-range clubs can be just as effective as the most expensive set on the market.

The biggest factor in club performance is fit, not price. Custom fitting ensures that a golfer's clubs match their height, swing speed, and playing style. An off-the-shelf set, no matter how expensive, may not suit an individual’s needs. Factors such as shaft flex, lie angle, and grip size can have a more significant impact on performance than the brand name on the clubhead.

That said, for advanced players with consistent swings, premium clubs can offer small advantages in terms of feel, control, and workability. But for most golfers, investing in lessons and proper club fitting will yield far better results than blindly chasing the latest and greatest equipment.

Is driving distance more important than accuracy?

Modern professional golf is often dominated by players who can bomb the ball off the tee, with driving distance frequently emphasised as a key stat. But does hitting it farther actually matter more than hitting it straight?

The truth lies in course strategy and skill level. For high-handicap golfers, accuracy off the tee tends to be more important than raw distance. A long drive that lands in the rough, behind trees, or out of bounds can be far more damaging than a slightly shorter shot in the fairway. In contrast, at the professional level, longer drives provide a significant advantage because they allow for shorter approach shots, which are easier to control.

Statistics from the PGA Tour show that the best players typically excel in strokes gained off the tee, which factors in both distance and accuracy. Distance alone is not enough—players must also keep the ball in play. A golfer who can drive the ball 250 yards into the fairway consistently will often score better than one who occasionally crushes a 300-yard drive but frequently finds trouble.

For amateur golfers, the takeaway is clear: focus on consistency and hitting fairways rather than obsessing over distance. Increasing driving distance can be beneficial but not at the cost of accuracy and playability.

The truth about swing speed and club fitting

Swing speed is one of the most misunderstood aspects of golf. Many players believe they need to swing faster to hit the ball farther, while others think they need to slow down for better control. The truth lies in understanding how swing speed interacts with club fitting and mechanics.

A golfer’s swing speed directly impacts which clubs and shafts they should use. Players with slower swing speeds (below 85 mph with a driver) typically benefit from more flexible shafts, which help generate more launch and distance. Meanwhile, players with higher swing speeds (above 105 mph) often require stiffer shafts to maintain control and prevent excessive ball spin.

However, swinging harder does not always translate to better results. Many amateurs lose control when they try to generate extra speed, leading to poor contact and erratic ball flights. The key is achieving an efficient swing rather than simply a fast one. Working on sequencing, balance, and weight transfer can help golfers maximise their natural swing speed without forcing extra effort.

Additionally, club loft, ball compression, and even grip size play a role in optimising performance. A properly fitted club setup ensures that a golfer's equipment complements their natural mechanics, leading to better consistency and improved results.

Wrapping up

Golf is filled with long-standing beliefs and traditions, but not all of them hold up under scrutiny. From the misleading advice to “keep your head down” to the overemphasis on expensive clubs, it’s important to separate myth from reality. Data, modern coaching techniques, and scientific advancements in equipment fitting have shown that the best approach to golf is one that prioritises efficiency, customisation, and sound fundamentals over outdated conventional wisdom.

Rather than blindly following old-school advice, golfers should focus on what truly impacts their game—proper fundamentals, strategic play, and the right equipment tailored to their needs. By debunking these common myths, players of all skill levels can improve their performance and enjoy the game more without falling for traditions that may not actually help their swing.