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You are a long time golfer who isn't scoring the way you want. That's not uncommon because golf is a difficult game to excel at. Maybe you can play the game okay, but just aren't performing the way you know you can. Is it an inconsistent swing that is the source of your problems? There are several easy steps toward golf swing improvement.

The place to start, no matter if you are a scratch golfer or high handicapper is with a dedicated practice routine. Set up a routine that focuses on your problem areas as well as key in on the other important aspects of your golf swing.

You can arrange for Golf instruction from a golf professional, but before you invest in lessons there are several steps you can try on your own to refine your basic swing. Golf theory can be an important step along the way but it is important to have at least the basics of a swing before spending hard earned dollars on instruction.

One way to think of improving your swing is to think of it as giving your swing the g-a-s, as in grip, alignment and stance. The first step toward golf swing improvement is taking a close look at the way you grip your club. Your hands should come together naturally and comfortably on the club. For right handers, overlapping the pinky finger of your right hand over the index finger of your left is a good place to start. Hold the shaft of the club lightly without tension. You don't have to grip the club hard to hit the ball solidly.

Many players who have difficulty striking the ball with power are not properly aligned. You should be aiming where you want the ball to go with your shoulders parallel to the intended line of flight. Many starting golfers take a "closed" stance with their body and shoulders aimed out to the right (for right handers.) You can overcome this by simply shifting your body slightly to a more "open" position when you take your stance. This will help you avoid swinging "across" the ball - the primary source of the slice.

Golf swing improvement will occur naturally if you are aiming correctly and have a good athletic stance. Your knees should be bent slightly, your spine angled forward but fairly straight, and your rear end in something of a sitting position. Don't be tense. You should be relaxed when you swing a golf club.

Now, before you swing, step back from your ball and take a practice swing. Move the club head back and up keeping your arms extended and cocking your wrists as the club is taken up.

Try to keep your head quite still and avoid "sliding" your hips and shoulders back as you take the club around and up. The backswing should be rotational keeping your spine as much as possible in the same spot and at the same angle while rotating your upper body around your spine. If you let your shoulders naturally turn as you take the club up and back the club will end up parallel to the hoped-for line of flight. Once you reach the top you should pause for a split second and, throw the club out and back and down through the ball as you rotate your hips and upper body around your spine.

The golf swing may seem difficult at first but with some dedication toward improvement you will almost certainly see an improvement in your scores in a matter of weeks. Get to a practice facility or driving range, warm up, then practice swinging using the proper grip, stance and alignment and you will definitely see golf swing improvement. Then once you have mastered the basics you can refine your game even more.