My initial thoughts about the time I would have to invest in learning and practicing was way off. I had thought that since I was committed to learning this, and had the added edge of being close to a course (unlike others),  it would only take me about six months to be playing in the 80's. Now that I'm smarter, I don't know how long it will take.

 

3. I would pay for a bag, glove, and shoes.

4. I would pay for  2 dozen balls (that should last a year or two right?).

 

2. A starter golf set is just that, so another set purchase is not as far away as you might think.

3. The other stuff that didn't come with the initial set like a pull cart, lots of balls, training aids, groove cleaner, tees, markers, club head covers, books, videos.

4. Cart fees add up.

5. Gizmos, gadgets, and tech stuff.

6. Golf clothes.

7. Lunch on the course or in the restaurant.

8. Specialty wedges.

 

Oh, so that's why they call it a business!

 

1. The location should be close to home and classes should be about a week apart to allow for personal practice time.

2. Before you sign up:

    a. Ask about firm class size limits - don't take a "usually it's about....answer. Class time involves some joint instruction and the remaining time rotating observations of each student so the larger the class the less time you get personally.

    b. Ask about the facility providing clubs and ask the instructor how to avoid feeling that you're burdening the Instructor each session time to go dig around for a club for you.

    c. Ask what happens if you miss a session, can you catch up before the next one?

    d. Ask if they supply fitted clubs to practice with. Usually only in higher end facilities.

    e. Ask if they provide you with personal video. Usually only in higher end facilities. If you can afford it, this is the way to go.

3. Take group lesson classes in order if possible.

4. Ask questions but don't disrupt the flow of the class.

5. You will forget good information so take a notepad and use it.

6. Practice between lessons, not just on lesson day. 

 

1. Play at the Par 3 courses

You will have more fun and develop a better short game. You will love to put one on the green from the tee. 

2. At a regulation course - play at a public course on a weekend. You can only go as fast as the people ahead (which is normally slower then). Keep up your speed, if absolutely necessary, pick it up and put it in the fairway or carry it up to another player's ball. Never play more strokes than a triple bogey.

 

As a new golfer, I was suffering from the mental side as much as the skill side of golf, maybe more. I put alot of unessary stress on myself,   Now, I'm not letting myself get in the way of having a good time and improving. See my book review Product Review Page then buy and read the book I've recommended. Then you will understand.

 

Just when my driving was starting to click, my putting went away. I went from one-putting 5 to 7 holes of 18 to one-putting zero holes of 18. I couldn't figure out the problem on the practice green. At home, I was looking around for some practice string or line when I noticed the lines in the kitchen linoleum floor. Trying to hit the ball down the line quickly showed me that I had been holding the putter head too close to body causing me to open or close the putter slightly. My putting is now back on track.

 

Don't use the range for estimating distance.

I thought it would be a good idea to create a club/yardage chart for myself to help me during on-course club selections. I recorded carry and roll distances. When I went onto the course, it wasn't accurate, not even off the tee. I thought it was because I misjudged the range yardage. What I hadn't considered was that some range balls are partially dead and even good ones in no way compare to course balls. 

 

To me, to really feel a sense of accomplishment, I have to follow the rules.

I don't take Mulligans, I count a swing that doesn't make contact, and I don't improve my lie when nobodys looking. I have a SCGA member card and I accurately record all rounds.

 

So I don't get sued by some manufacturer, the following is just my opinion based on what I've read and been told.

 

My selection of a particular brand will no longer be affected by who's on Tour has them in their bag. Tour players are paid to play with particular clubs so they have no credibility. Look at the stink brought down on Mickelson the week of 2/10/03 for even mentioning club quality and the Woods/Nike relationship. I also understand that many of the clubs (especially the drivers) the Tour players use are not even available off the rack because they are special prototypes so what's the point for an amature golfer.  Is it a shell game? I don't know. I think the upper level manufacturers have similar quality and there won't be a lot of scoring difference between clubs by amature golfers. The larger heads will improve contact however.

 

Short Game 

The majority of golf shots are from 120 yards in. You need to practice this and be good here to do well.

 

I have many more that I will post or save for the book.