"There comes a time in every man's life...

[LilGasPasser]

when his thoughts turn to golf."

Not sure who gets credit for that quote, but I think it's now my time...

I played a bit as a kid, when I was fortunate enough to caddy at a posh club during high school. Good for the money, and I picked up some good lessons on etiquette, both for golf and life in general. Tried to continue playing into my early 20's, but got frustrated with my lack of time to practice, and lack of funds to pay for fees, equipment, etc... Gave it up, and moved on to other athletic endeavors (running and cycling).

Last fall, got invited to a golf outing through work, and went to the range a few times to get ready. Been swinging the clubs at least once a week since then... I forgot how much fun it was, and the satisfaction I get from making solid contact and watching the ball arc through the air.

Now, just trying to get under 100 for the first time ever (no toe wedges or Mulligans), and enjoying the game again.

Great forum, and website!

[peteybird19]

I started when I was 14.

I didn't get alot of time to play as the sport is expensive and the nearest course to my home is 45 mins away. I instantly had the bug though. I was lucky enough to play with a few great golfers and I have broke 100 a few times. My goal is to shoot consistently under 100 and maybe get to the low 90's.

My short game has improved dramatically and I've recently purchased new irons which give me a ton of control and my new yonex putter is weighted perfectly.

Good luck with it and hopefully we'll learn a bunch of tips from the guys on this site.

[jaragon126]

Welcome back to the game LilGas! I never played when I was a kid ... would watch my Dad & brother go out to play many times while I sat in front of the TV. After I got out of college, I caught the bug too though. Now I can't get enough ... playing 4-5 times a week. Just got me some new irons as well (petey), my first real set since the 2 beginner sets I've used before.

I play in a league, so keeping up the practice schedule and getting better all the time are very important to me :) Now I am looking into finding a consistent ball to play with (rather than playing whatever I find laying around).

Question for you LilGas, what was your experience like when you used to caddy? Good money? Nice to be up & outside all day? Mostly younger kids, or older guys at times?

[LilGasPasser]

what was your experience like when you used to caddy?

To be honest, now that I consider myself more of a "golfer", I'm a bit embarrassed by my caddying. I was awful! I was about 15-16 years old, energetic and strong, but I knew nothing about the game of golf. I usually got sent out on loops with golfers that didn't need any help/advice, or women that joined the club for status more than for golfing, and I was basically a pack mule. My caddymaster's advice on day one? "Shut up, don't get in the way, give them the club they ask for, don't lose any clubs, and clean the clubs at the end of the round. You'll do fine." I pretty much stuck to that mantra for 2 summers, and would earn $30-40/loop, sometimes up to $50, and would try and either do two loops/day, or carry a double. This was back in '89/'90.

I NEVER gave advice, called a golfer off a shot, or any things like the pro caddies do. I just didn't know that much about golf at the time. I might get asked if the hole was dogleg right or left, but that was about it. The "real" golfers usually had older guys as caddies, and this was their full time job. The only times I went out with the better golfers was as a forecaddy, and I pretty much ran ahead and spotted errant tee shots. Boy, they got pissed if they were paying good money for your eyes and you still couldn't find their ball. All in all, it was fun and the money was good. I was lucky to get a job at this private CC near my home, and I worked in their restaurant in the winter. I certainly viewed it more as a job, and less as a way to play for free, which is how many of the other young caddies saw it. I played a little, but never got into it until hit my mid-30's. In general, if you're young, and you like to golf, it's a fun job. Not a career, but fun for a few summers; beats washing dishes or mowing lawns... If you can hook up with some private club, try and get a caddy scholarship. Many offer small scholarships to help academically motivated caddies in their studies. (not directed at Jaragon126, but if any younger guys read this...)