Starting Out In Golf

I have now been playing golf for almost a year and I think it's probably fair to say that I'm hooked on the game. Whilst it hasn't yet become a complete obsession it’s definitely pushing the boundaries. When I began my journey I decided that I would start a website to chronicle my progress. The website has now become less about me but more about the game of golf and this has helped me stay incredibly focused.

Now that I’m less of a novice than when I started, I thought it might be interesting to pass on some thoughts and ideas for those people thinking about taking up the game.

Firstly, it helps to clear your mind of any preconceptions about how easy or difficult the game appears to be. A comment I often hear, and something I was also guilty of, is trying to compare golf with other ball games. Do not assume that success in other sports can be easily translated to success on the golf course. While hitting a ball with a stick doesn’t seem particularly sophisticated, �hand/eye co-ordination’, which many people claim to have, is not so relevant in golf.

If you’re serious about taking up golf, then it makes sense to invest in a reasonable set of clubs. However, as a novice, don’t believe that a more expensive set of clubs will make you a better player- it doesn’t matter how good your clubs are if you’re not making good contact with the ball. This doesn’t mean that you should buy the cheapest set, but be sensible and buy a set which you can be comfortable with for a couple of years.

If you do have a little bit more money in the budget then you could perhaps have the clubs custom-fitted to suit your physique. Also, whilst golf equipment manufacturers would have you believe that the technology in recent years has evolved beyond recognition, older club sets which are coming toward the end of their product life cycle, will be discounted accordingly and can be incredibly good value for money.

Once you’re equipped with clubs and balls, find a driving range and have a swing. Then, when you realize the game is not as easy as you thought, seek professional tuition. Most reputable Golf Clubs will have a golf coach affiliated with them and this is a good place to start. The coach will correct your stance and grip so that you can go away and practice.

Golf Clubs can seem quite intimidating to the beginner, particularly those courses with a stuffy image. This shouldn’t put you off and there’s no substitute for getting out on the course for playing and improving. Don’t take it too seriously and get too frustrated to begin with. Recognize that there will be a learning curve, something in fact every golfer will have gone through.

I have found that there is an excellent comradery between golfers and as long as you observe the etiquette of the course, then you will usually be welcomed, whatever your level of play. For this reason a �Golf Rules’ book, makes suggested bedtime reading.

Above all enjoy the game, play with a smile and appreciate the freedom of being out on the course away from everyday stresses. With regular practice and some guiding tuition along the way you’ll be amazed by the progress that you can make in one year, and the better you become, the more you will enjoy.