Starting something is a lot easier than finishing it well. And this applies to every golf swing.

The smooth finish of a golf swing is reflected in a proper follow through. If you end well balanced and in the right position, chances are, you've made a reasonably good effort at hitting the ball.

Watch weekend golfers and you will see what I'm talking about. At the end of their swing, most of them finish in all kinds of strange and awkward positions. Some even topple over or wobble frantically after impact. Unfortunately, this is the exact opposite of what should really be happening.

Not being able to finish with the weight significantly on the leading foot is a sure sign of trouble. It affects distance and accuracy, almost always leaving the golfer hopelessly off balance.

Ever watched a Karate exhibition where a player seemingly breaks through layers of bricks and ice without much effort? Rest assured, there is more than just power at work. It includes a seamless combination of technique and balance. Finishing a golf swing with the weight on the leading foot requires a similar application of these elements.

Recreational golfers usually use their hand to swing the club rather than their shoulders and hip muscles. Those who swing the club with their hands only will almost naturally have an 'out to in' swing path. This style in itself promotes resistance to finishing on the forward foot.

Yes, it's back again to that ideal 'in to out' downswing, it's a big step towards getting that perfect position on the follow through starting at the beginning of the downswing. Quickly clearing the left shoulder while rotating the hips simultaneously promotes the club-head staying well inside, providing plenty of room to throw it out later. This helps keep both arms straight at impact. Go through the swing, if the right leg has been used properly you should end up with your right heel well raised and most of your weight on a solid left foot.

During your swing there are stages of transferring weight from one side to another. An example is, at the address position of a tee shot with a driver, your weight should be about 60 percent on the back foot. By the top of the back swing, 90 percent of your weight should be on that back foot. Back at impact, you will return to the address position weight distribution and then on the follow through it is shifted almost completely to the forward foot.

In any sport, balance is the key to better and consistent performance. Want to be a well-balanced golfer? Try following the tips above or better still, schedule a lesson with your favourite golf professional and get it perfected. With a good follow through and finish, not only will your game improve tremendously, you will even look great on those first tee memento photographs.