You are an aspiring golfer whose game needs some fine tuning. You're not alone because golf is a difficult game to excel at. Maybe your level of play is average, but just aren't shooting the scores you'd like. Is it an inconsistent swing that is the source of your problems? Here are a few suggestions to help you see some golf swing improvement.

It won't be easy, but it can be done. It doesn't matter if you are a low, medium or high handicap player, the swing can be improved with a dedicated routine of practice. Set up a routine that focuses on your problem areas as well as zoom in on the other critical aspects of your golf swing.

You can arrange for Golf instruction from a golf professional, but before you take that route there are several steps you can try on your own to refine your basic swing. Golf theory may help you understand the swing better but it is important to have at least the correct swing basics 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 your grip. 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. Grasp the shaft of the club lightly without tension. There is no need to hold the club tightly in your hands to hit the ball solidly.

Many players who have difficulty striking the ball with power are often misaligned. You should set yourself up with your shoulders parallel to the intended line of flight. Many starting golfers take a "closed" stance with their body and shoulders aligned 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 set up along the correct line and have a proper athletic stance. Bend your knees a little, 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.

Most golfers take a practice swing before actually hitting the ball. Take the club head back and up keeping your arms extended and letting your wrists cock as the club is taken up.

Your head should remain quite still and avoid "sliding" your hips and shoulders back as you take the club around and up. The backswing should be rotational with your spine remaining as much as possible in the same spot and angled in the same way while rotating your upper body around your spine. As you take the club up and back your shoulders will naturally turn and the club will end up parallel to the line of flight you want the ball to travel. Then, keeping that athletic stance, throw the club out and back and down through the ball as you uncoil your hips and upper body around your spine.

The golf swing may seem difficult at first but with a bit of dedication toward improving your swing 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. Once you have the basics of a good swing you can refine your game even more.

Anton Brule is an avid golfer and student of the golf swing. He makes regular contributions to Internet Golf Review and The Weekend Golfer.