What Every New Golfer Needs to Know
Getting started with any hobby or sport can be intimidated. As a beginner golfer, you have a few things to learn before you can grab your bag and head out for a full round of golf with other, more experienced players.
Don’t try to turn pro overnight. Golf takes a little time to learn, but the most exciting thing about it is watching as you’re able to shave points off your score after practicing your skills on the driving range.
A new golfer has to be married to the driving range for awhile before they graduate to the full course. Although golfers are an amicable bunch of people, they don’t like a total newbie slowing up play because they’re unable to get to the green in under 20 shots.
It’s good etiquette to learn the rules and at least be able to make contact with the ball on a consistent basis before you play a full round of golf. The first thing you want to do is either rent or buy some golf clubs so that you can see if this is the right sport for you.
Don’t get discouraged if you have more whiffs (or misses) than you do hits in the beginning. At the driving range, no one is laughing at beginner golfers. Instead, they’re highly revered as being someone who is now “onboard” and into the game. Everyone remembers when they first started out and they love to see a new person enjoying the game.
The type of clubs you choose will depend on several things, but you ultimately want to choose what feels best to you. A tall woman, for instance, may play with men’s clubs, since women’s clubs tend to be shorter.
Do a bit of research to find out the basics of how to swing a golf club. There are different types of swings. Some may feel awkward and then you test one out, and it just fits right with your body type.
Start out with a positive outlook about your golf game. Don’t get frustrated and toss your clubs into a water hazard. Realize that you’re new to it and will get better the more you practice.
While you’re practicing, make sure you test out every club in the bag – not just the driver because it gives you the most distance. Practice drives off the teebox, but don’t forget fairway shots (without a tee), chips and putts – as well as how to work with water and sand hazards.
Learn about the etiquette of play, the rules, and the lingo. What’s a birdie, a divot, or a bunker? Knowing the terminology will help you fast-track your path to success.
Other golfers will be willing to provide tips and insight if they see you struggling and you strike up a conversation with them. Being a beginner golfer just means you’re on one end of the spectrum and your journey is about to begin to get you to the opposite end!
And Don’t forget you can practice in your own back yard with the best golf mat around.
