So I've just joined a club...

[sid77]

Some of you might have seen my earlier posts. I started playing the game April 07, in the last 12 months I've been playing with my girlfriend mainly (who started at the same time). We've both had lessons with a local PGA Pro. Personally I haven't played as much as I would like due to reliance on my girlfriend to come with me. Don't get me wrong she loves the game but hates practicing. The other week she said 'I don't see the point in going to the range!'.

Anyway last night we both joined our local golf club. Memberships fees were cheap (£85 for a year). This entitles me to play in the competitions every week, gain an official handicap and obviously meet and play with other players who are serious about the game.

I can't play in any competitions until I have an official handicap. They have told me I need to play on average 3 rounds of 18 until I get my handicap. so this Sunday I'm teeing off in a fourball and I'm quite nervous to say the least! I'm not a bad player by any means considering I've been playing for a year. I just hope I don't choke on Sunday and shoot the worst score ever !!

[Garthmo]

Think positve and do your normal routine before the round and just play your game and maybe you wont only play well but shoot your best round ever! I went into a tourny that my club has here a week ago and shot a 77, my best round ever and qualified to go to play in regionals to represent our area. Crazy but just played well at the perfect time, maybe you will too. good luck with the game

[chingali]

Just have fun and enjoy yourself, there is nothing to worry about. Make sure you tell the guys you are playing with that you are putting in your first handicap card and if they are like most club golfers they will be nothing but helpful.

One thing you might want to do some time in the forseeable future is grab a copy of the rules (should be available from your club) and make sure you have a good grasp of the basics. Once you understand the basics it makes it very easy to grab the book out of your bag and look up anything out of the ordinary or not understood as and if needed. You will find the rule book is grouped in to logical sections loosely based around what you think of as the basics.

[sid77]

Just have fun and enjoy yourself, there is nothing to worry about. Make sure you tell the guys you are playing with that you are putting in your first handicap card and if they are like most club golfers they will be nothing but helpful.

Everyone I met at the club last night seemed really friendly. They did give me an official copy of the rules so that has gone straight in my bag. Don't get me wrong I know the rules of golf, its just the finer points which I will struggle with.

I'll report back with an update after my round !

[Harry Longshanks]

Everyone I met at the club last night seemed really friendly. They did give me an official copy of the rules so that has gone straight in my bag. Don't get me wrong I know the rules of golf, its just the finer points which I will struggle with.

Don't worry, we ALL struggle with the finer points of the rules.