Few realize it but if you want to improve your golf game all you have to do is improve your swing technique. Ask just about any golfer and they'll tell you that developing good swing technique from the outset is crucial. Once you develop a good swing you want to practice, practice, and practice some more. If your handicap is astronomical and you can't remember the last time you hit par read the tips below on developing better swing technique.
Don't try to drive the ball 300 yards every time you swing... sounds silly but you'd be amazed how many guys are out there doing just that. Trying to crush the ball every time you hit it will result in a lot of bad shots. It's a much better idea to take a smooth and relaxed swing at the ball and to focus on accuracy.
The key is to relax and take an easy swing. You don't have to kill the ball you just want to hit it straight. Along the same lines it would probably be a good idea to stop using your driver and switch over to your 3 wood which is shorter and more accurate then the driver until you can consistently get the ball on the fairway.
Address the ball properly. The one thing that determines the ball flight path is the manner in which your clubface strikes the ball upon impact. If your club face is open or closed or at an angle when you strike the ball then the ball will not go straight.
The key to approaching the ball correctly is being loose and relaxed when you address the ball and when you strike it. By loose and relaxed I mean bent knees, an arched lower back and with your upper torso leaning slightly forward.
In order to hit the ball accurately you have to line up your clubface with the hole and then place it directly behind your golf ball. Then ensures a straight line path to the hole and now you want to make sure that your shoulders and feet are parallel to that imaginary line from your ball to the hole.
When you begin your swing I don't recommend taking the club too far back as this only results in inaccuracy. The key is to return the club to the exact position that you started off with your initial address of the ball. If you can do that you can hit a straight shot.
The one thing you have to remember is to return the clubface back to its original position you started with at your original address. This whole process becomes a lot easier if you're not trying to crush the ball and you just take a nice and easy, relaxed stroke. Cut down on your swing and focus on accuracy instead of distance.