Tips for starting Golf

[Earthworm Jim]

Hi Guys and Gals

I would like to start playing Golf on weekends as I think it could be a nice to get out of the house a bit more and away from my consoles, but was wondering if anyone has any tips for me? I am based in the South and was thinking maybe just a buying a driver and starting out at the driving range a few nights each week?

[justincase]

The best advice i was given when i took up golf was to have lessons first,it's better to get in to good habits early

[deanym]

Don't start with just a driver - you're better starting off with a wedge or 6 iron to build up your style and confidence.

[booyaka]

Originally Posted by justincase

The best advice i was given when i took up golf was to have lessons first,it's better to get in to good habits early

lessons lessons lessons - practise practise practise.

Also make sure you get custom fitted for any clubs you buy - crazy not to.

Enjoy

[Earthworm Jim]

Originally Posted by justincase

The best advice i was given when i took up golf was to have lessons first,it's better to get in to good habits early

I might try looking into some lessons, there are a few golf courses around here that I'm sure should offer lessons.

[Dony]

There are a few threads on the subject like this one.

Thinking about taking up golf......


If there is a decent range near you, pop in and explain that you are new to the game, and could they recommend clubs for you. Also ask if they do lessons.

They will usually lend you clubs to try out. It's takes a lot of practice but the feeling you get when you hit a ball where you want is very addictive, and pushes you on to do it again.

[lfc1394]

I would recommend having 3 lessons. Don't have them too close together as you need time to practise what you've learnt.

Borrow a set of clubs then go out and play a few rounds and see if it's for you.

I wouldn't go and invest in clubs till you are sure you want to take it up.

[sianba]

Hi
Dont buy any clubs until you can say you going to take it up for real, other wise you will end up with something you never use and be a waste of money, the reason i say this is Golf is one of the hardest sports to play and you might not like it when things dont go your way, but if you can over come this and then still want to play it thats when i will buy some clubs.

Also dont buy expensive as you need to get your swing and stance right and no matter how much your clubs cost they dont improve this at your leval, so start of cheap and then work your way up.

Also dont start with a driver hardest club in the bag, start with wedge and work your way down ie 9,8,7,6,5 etc.

Have some lessons first hire some clubs get the feel off the game then buy, if you want i have a good spare set of clubs which is just colecting dust if you pay for packaging cost i will send them to you, they contain a 3 to Wedge no woods but as i said dont use these yet.

So if you want them PM me with your details and ill send them to you, Hope you do enjoy it as it is the best game out there.

Sianba

[signs]

Go to your local driving range ,ask at the pro shop to borrow a 7 iron (they all lend them out) and go hit some balls

next go to a local pitch and putt and have a knock ,have fun

[gken74]

Do you have any friends who already play?

If so ask one of them, preferably someone who's good (low handicap) to goto the range/practice area with you and show you the basics and have a hit with a couple of their clubs.

Then if you enjoy it you could look in your local pro shop/driving range and pick up a couple of X-demo clubs cheap, like a 6 iron and a wedge. Then have a couple of more practive sessions to see if you enjoy it.

If you find yourself still as keen then enquire about booking a few lessons with a pro who runs group sessions as its a cheaper way of doing it.

I have introduced several friends to the game this way and all have stuck at it, but it can be very frustrating at times.

When the time comes to buy a set of clubs, please make sure you are custom fitted for them or you'll not get the full benefit from them....I'm a club builder and see this alot....the games hard enough without using badly fitted equipment....I mean you wouldn't walk into a shoe shop that only sold size 7 shoes and you are a 10 and buy a pair would you..?

Good Luck.

[minniepk17]

OK, firstly do not start with a driver, it is just about the hardest club in the bag to hit and is sure to put you off. I would suggets heading to your local club / driving range and speak to the PGA pro, he / she will be the best point of contact to offer advice on how to get started. Most golf club / range professionals will be happy to lend you a few clubs (especially a range pro) to allow you to get a feel for the game. If you like it then ask then about clubs - don't spend a fortune on clubs (second hand is grand - but check with the pro) and consider a half set - if you still love the game after a summers golf then you can consider an upgrade!

As for custom fit, there is no need to do this as you are just starting out, it can be expensive (brand dependent) and is really of benefit if you are over 6ft 1/2". I only went custom fit after more than 10yrs of playing and after getting my handicap into single figures (I'm also 6ft 3").

Most of all get a feel for the game, take the right professional advice and enoy a summer of golf before making any major club decisons.

[Manxstar]

Try a pitch & putt course with your mates first off...If you like it, get down the driving range for a few hits, if you like that, start thinking about a lesson, then a round of golf at local municipal course again with your mates...with hired golf sets....some courses offer for hire really good golf clubs..
The early stages is all about learning to play golf, having fun and enjoying it, set the serious tone early, you'll end up not enjoying it at all...

All the best

Manxstar.

[johnscarlet]

Originally Posted by minniepk17

.................. and enoy a summer of golf before making any major club decisons.

Summer ? what's that then

Welcome to the forum

[Ultima]

Originally Posted by minniepk17

As for custom fit, there is no need to do this as you are just starting out, it can be expensive (brand dependent) and is really of benefit if you are over 6ft 1/2". I only went custom fit after more than 10yrs of playing and after getting my handicap into single figures (I'm also 6ft 3").

First off, welcome to the forum

Sorry but that's really poor advice. I agree not to get custom fitted straight away but it's a must when you start playing. Standard Lengths,Lies and flexes are all different and should be adjusted to your swing regardless of your height.

The pro at my golf club did a survey over the first 3 years at our club and he found that 90% of players were playing with poorly fitted clubs.

Custom fitting is a must if you want to play the best you can.

All the best Jim, it's a great great game.

Regards

[signs]

Originally Posted by Ultima

First off, welcome to the forum

Sorry but that's really poor advice. I agree not to get custom fitted straight away but it's a must when you start playing. Standard Lengths,Lies and flexes are all different and should be adjusted to your swing regardless of your height.

The pro at my golf club did a survey over the first 3 years at our club and he found that 90% of players were playing with poorly fitted clubs.

Custom fitting is a must if you want to play the best you can.

All the best Jim, it's a great great game.

Regards

Does your Pro also run the club shop Martin

I would say don't bother also with the custom fit ,as a high handicapper your swing will differ considerably ,until you get a lot of practise and more consistent.Get to about 18 handicap then have a look at a fit set IMO