Heard This Before?
“Just keep your head down.”
It’s one of the most repeated pieces of advice in golf. But while it sounds helpful, it often does more harm than good.
At Dunes Golf Centre, we’ve helped thousands of golfers fix their swing mechanics, and we’ve seen firsthand how this tip causes problems. Here’s why, and what to focus on instead.
Why It Doesn’t Work
Keeping your head down might seem logical. The idea is that by keeping your eyes on the ball, you’ll avoid topping it.
But here’s the issue:
- It locks your body up and restricts natural movement
- It stops your shoulders from rotating fully through the shot
- It often leads to a reverse pivot or poor weight transfer
These restrictions reduce power, damage your rhythm, and can actually cause the very faults you’re trying to fix.
A Better Approach
Instead of forcing your head down, try focusing on these three things:
1. Rotate your chest through to the target
Let your upper body turn through the shot. This maintains balance and generates more power.
2. Let your head move naturally
Your eyes will stay on the ball long enough. What matters is that you’re balanced and finishing your swing.
3. Improve your posture at setup
Good posture supports better movement. Don’t fixate on keeping still, focus on freedom and flow.
Golf is a Moving Sport
You wouldn’t freeze your head while throwing a ball, swinging a tennis racquet or striking a football. Golf is no different.
Movement is essential. Your body needs to stay connected and flowing. Holding your head down often breaks that connection.
What We See at Dunes
Our coaching team at Dunes Golf Centre in Fraserburgh works with players of all abilities.
Time and again, we help golfers unlock better ball striking by removing tension and encouraging more athletic motion.
That starts by letting go of advice that holds you back.
Summary
Here’s what to remember:
- Let your head move naturally
- Rotate your body through impact
- Think freedom, not restriction
- Avoid tips that oversimplify a complex skill
When it comes to golf, context and coaching matter.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Want to learn how to strike the ball more consistently?
Visit us at Dunes Golf Centre for coaching sessions with PGA professionals, access to our Toptracer range, and a welcoming environment to improve your game.
Explore coaching options: https://dunesgolfcentre.co.uk/bookalesson/
Visit in person: Dunes Golf Centre, Philorth Links, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB43 8TL
