The Most Common Golf Swing Mistakes - GOLFTEC Hong Kong Fixes

The same swing mistakes appear in recreational golfers over and over. GOLFTEC Hong Kong coaches identify the most common patterns and the fixes that resolve them.

Matt Chalmers
Advanced Fellow PGA Professional & Director of Education, GolfTec SEA
Last Updated:
September 28, 2026
Table of Contents:

After seeing thousands of golfers swing a club, certain patterns emerge with remarkable regularity. Here are the most common mistakes - and what to do about them.

Gripping Too Tightly

A tight grip kills clubhead speed and prevents a natural release. Hold the club firmly enough that it does not slip, but not so tightly that your forearms tense up.

A Weak Grip

A weak grip - both hands rotated too far to the left - tends to produce an open face at impact and a fade or slice. Many chronic slicers benefit immediately from a stronger grip position.

Too Fast at the Top

The transition from backswing to downswing is where most amateur swings fall apart. The downswing should feel like it starts slowly, from the ground up, with the lower body initiating the movement.

Wrong Distance From the Ball

At address, the butt of the grip should point toward your belt buckle with roughly a fist's width of space between the grip and your body. Too close and you swing too upright; too far and your swing flattens out.

Looking Up Too Early

Premature head movement causes topped shots and thin strikes. Keep your eyes focused on the back of the ball through impact.

At GOLFTEC Hong Kong, we use video and measurement to identify your specific swing patterns and design targeted fixes.

Matt Chalmers
Matt is a member of the British PGA who joined the GOLFTEC Singapore team in July 2017. He began his coaching career in Guernsey in 2008 and has since held roles in Abu Dhabi, China and Bahrain. Notable achievements include gaining a distinction in a MSc in Sport Coaching from the University of Birmingham and being upgraded to Advanced Fellow PGA Professional status

Play the best golf of your life. GOLFTEC Coaches use cutting-edge tech and proven methods to level up your game fast.
Book a Lesson
Play Better!
Ready to Improve

Ready to elevate your game? Book a lesson or fitting at your nearest GOLFTEC location today!

Side view of a man practicing at a GOLFTEC center bay, using a simulator studio and advanced technology to improve skills
GOLFTEC coach tightening club head to shaft during indoor custom club fitting.