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