Best way to spend money on limited budget?

[Alex1]

Let's pretend for a moment that I'm a poor bastard in the 49th poorest state; an absolute beginner, but serious about learning. How do you recommend that I spend my golf budget?

Lessons at $45 each?
Golf videos?
Decent equipment instead of $1 Goodwill irons?
Driving range?

[jking]

In order of importance to a beginner, IMHO:

1 - Lessons
2 - Range
3 - Equipment
4 - Videos

[DJYoshi]

Let's pretend for a moment that I'm a poor bastard in the 49th poorest state; an absolute beginner, but serious about learning. How do you recommend that I spend my golf budget?

i'd say: lessons and equipiment that fits you are the most important things that you could get. i'd say videos only after you've already grooved the swing that you can repeat, is comfortable & works. but then again, I just read instead of watching videos and try different things at the range...

[ERC7.5]

In order of importance to a beginner, IMHO:

I agree for the most part. I may actually place "Range" ahead of "Lessons".

Get an idea of where your game is so you can go to the lesson with more to work with. I played for 4 or 5 yrs before I took any sort of "lesson" and the only reason I did was because the Pro came over to the range while I was working on some things and he pointed a few things out (him saying "you're too flat" & "lining up off target" were pretty much my lessons.) I've learned the most about swinging the golf club and what I need to do by watching other, more accomplished players swing. Just my $.02.

[bepo]

you can find lots of videos online or try your local library and see if they have any books/videos. with that I agree with jking and go:

1 - Lessons
2 - Range
3 - Equipment
4 - Videos

[jking]

On the subject of videos, a good cheap way to get that type of instruction is to check out the podcast section of iTunes. I have seen a few "lesson a day" type video podcasts on there, though I've only looked at a couple myself. They might not be hosted by the Butch Harmons or David Ledbetters of the world, but I would think they would be good at learning the fundamentals at least. And they are free.

[ks8829]

I would recommend the following:

1) Play 9 holes with a good golfer that can give you some tips.
2) Buy that good golfer lunch and have him go with you to the driving range to work on some basic swings right after playing 9 holes.
3) Practice at the driving range with what you learned. spend 80% on the short shots within 100 yards and putting and 20% on mid irons, hybrid clubs and woods.
4) Play another 9 holes.
5) Take lessons
6) Practice at the range
7) Play nine holes.

[MtGolfer]

Carefully, carefully.

I would spend my first money on lessons. You can avoid a tremendous amount of frustration by starting with good fundamentals. While you may be lucky enough to know someone who is not only knowledgeable about the golf swing, but can evaluate your physical abilities, etc, and communicate that effectively, the odds are a qualified teaching pro is your best bet.


Next would be equipment. You don't need the newest or expensive clubs. You do need ones that fit you. Talk to the pro about that.

Practice, which does not always mean the driving range. If you have a yard, you can practice short chips, etc.