There are some fundamental rules to the game of golf. Serious golfers often disagree on what the basics consist of, but if you are among the millions who desperately want to improve their golf swing, these basic tips will help you tremendously and save you a lot of frustration.

The three most important steps you should keep in mind are to keep your head perfectly still, relax your muscles, and keep your club head traveling in a straight line while making contact with the ball. The simple act of keeping your head still throughout your shot can improve your swing immediately. By keeping your club head in a straight line while making contact with the ball, you will avoid slicing and several other undesirable results.

Relaxing your muscles will aid you tremendously in keeping the proper balance. Balance is imperative to a good golf swing. Stand comfortably so you can reach the ball easily and remember that the muscles that propel the ball are the same muscles that twist the body and are the most powerful. No matter what stroke you are making or what club you are playing with, balance is the foundation to a good golf swing, and you must keep your muscles relaxed to achieve perfect balance. Balance really is the cure-all for many faults of golf. Think about keeping your head still and maintaining your balance at all times and you will have a foundation for an excellent golf game.

In the game of golf, no two people ever swing at the ball in the same way. Because of your individual body build, you develop your own individual set of muscles. A method of swinging a golf club used by one person who is of a different build and has developed a different set of muscles may not be of value to you. Golf will always be an individual sport. Find the method of playing that will produce results for you, and then go with it. When you are ready to play a game, and you are faced with a shot, make your decision on how you are going to do things. Do not be persuaded to change your methods every time you have a bad game.

Make sure you keep your eye on the ball and that any stance you take will allow you to see the ball from every point of the stroke. If your golf swing is off, go back to these fundamental rules and plan each shot in advance. Take your time and develop your own methods that work best for you, but keep in mind these basic principles and you will notice a definite improvement in your golf game.

Scott Morris manages the site on golf coach america.