Golf - how to get started?
Frank Peter
Golf is a great game: sometimes rewarding, often frustrating but
highly addictive. Getting started in it is actually not so
difficult, and hopefully this article can help you avoid some of
the common pitfalls.
The very first steps.
The biggest mistake by people wanting to start in golf is to rush
out and buy a brand new set of shiny and expensive golf clubs.
While they are nice to look at you should keep in mind that
today’s golf equipment comes in great varieties to cater for
different golfing types and abilities. Since you're just starting
out you do not know which set fits you best. Just imagine the
envious looks you get at the driving range when you come with
your $2000 set, and the subsequent laughter when you try and just
'hack away' - not worth the embarrassment! Once you spend a few
hundred or even thousand $$ on a set that doesn't suit your style
you're stuck with it or you have to sell it to somebody else at a
loss.
If you feel you want your own clubs get a half set. This
generally comprises five irons and perhaps two woods and a
putter. Usually the irons are the odd numbers 3,5,7,9 and wedge.
These clubs are more than enough to get you started.
A better alternatively: most Driving Ranges will have clubs for
hire, so you can try out a few different ones. You can also
borrow one or two clubs from a friend. The shortest iron (nine
iron) or a wedge are the best clubs to start, practicing with it
will give you the feeling of hitting the ball in the air and
should be fairly straight forward.
Where to get golf clubs?
Most Pro shops and driving ranges sell second hand clubs. They
will also be able to offer you advice and let you try some clubs
out. Alternatively, nearly all driving ranges will have clubs for
hire if you want to have a go without committing to a set until
you get the hang of it. Or ask other people at the driving range,
you will soon find out that many have another set of clubs at
home because they made the exact same mistakes I mentioned above.
Make sure you try before you buy, if they fit (and only if they
fit!) you can often get them for a steal. Make use of these
opportunities, and also take a look at our website
‘LearnAboutGolf.com’ as to how to choose a club. I again stress
that you need to have a basic understanding on which club suits
you reasonably well before you buy. DO NOT buy expensive brands
at this stage.
"I want to play, I want to play!"
As hard as it will be to contain yourself, don't even contemplate
going anywhere near a golf course. Golf is technically quite
demanding, and without at least some basic training you'll end up
with a lot of frustration. You've seen the top players on TV
loosing their cool in frustration, imagine how you will feel if
not even a single shot goes where you want it to. Besides, the
other people having to wait for you will also not be happy.
As a beginner at the great game of golf, start off at a driving
range, take at least four or five lessons, learn the
fundamentals, progress to a 9 hole course and eventually venture
out into the great unknown of an 18 hole golf course. Believe me,
it will be a lot more fun for you and those around you if you
follow this path.
Where to get lessons?
You will meet plenty of people at the range who will teach you
the 'innermost secrets' of golf. Fact is that most of them have
started playing not long before you. So the answer to the above
question is: go to a Professional. As you have seen on TV, even
the world’s top players have a coach. Tiger Woods, probably the
best golfer the world, still takes lessons. Certified Golf
Professionals are the only people qualified to teach you how to
play the game. Lessons from a Pro will cost you money but will be
the best investment you'll ever make. Taking the advise from the
'know-it-all' people at the range will likely screw-up your game
at the very early stage, and it will take a long time to correct
the faults later.
The two places to get golf lessons are at driving ranges and golf
clubs. You don't have to be a member of a club to get a lesson
from the Pro. You bring in money, so they will be glad to help.
The usual cost is about $25-40 per 45 min, but you will get
reductions for a block booking. If you are a bit on the budget
see if they do group bookings, those are also cheaper than
individual lessons.
What else to do?
Books and videos can be invaluable in learning the basics. To
build a sound golf swing you will need the three fundamentals:
Grip, Stance and Posture. There are some very good books and
videos on the market that will help you to establish the three
fundamentals. And watch the Pro's on the TV, or better still
video them and play back in slow motion, you'll learn a lot this
way. Don't get blinded by too much science, you're still a
beginner. Stick to Grip, Stance and Posture and you'll be on your
way. Take a look at the golf tips and golf lessons on our website
‘LearnAboutGolf.com’ for some advice as well.
Summary
1.Don't waste your money on expensive clubs until you have
reached a basic level of competency.
2.Don't go near a Golf Course, again until you have reached a
basic level.
3.Get lessons from a qualified professional
4.Learn the three fundamentals
5.Watch the Pro's.
6.Practice.
7.Learn the rules of golf and the basic golf etiquette.
I hope that this article has been of some help to avoid costly
mistakes many people made, including myself. Follow the above
basics and you are on your way to all the fun (and frustration)
golf can offer. Enjoy!
Frank Peter is the webmaster of learnaboutgolf.com where he
offers valuable tips for beginners and intermediates in Golf. To
find more advice, lessons and resources to help you succeed in
your game, visit:
http://www.learnaboutgolf.com
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