Newbie: play now or later?

[uscamaro]

Hey everyone, I have decided to get into the golf scene (for serious, haha) since Christmas was good to me this year. After a recent trip to Dick's, the golf person put me into their course simulator and told me that after a few lessons, I would become a better player (...obviously). Now my question is: Should I get a set of clubs, make several trips to the driving range, play a few rounds, and then see what I need to improve? or should I get the clubs and go straight to the pro? Also, if there is a thread that is similar to this, a link to it would be great. Thanks!

[RC]

First get lessons... and find out your "beginning" level of ball striking. Only then would the type of golf clubs you should have be meaningful. Most likely, your first set of clubs could be used clubs (to save money) because you will change rapidly with lessons. Then when your swing is more of a known thing, you can get something fitted for you. Just my opinion.

[jonjones]

Lessons first to touch on the basics/fundamentals. Then go to the range for a week or two. Get a follow up lesson and get some input from the golf pro on club types and then practice, practice, practice.

[pshizz]

get lessone first, that will get you started off practicing correctly. I cannot recall how many people i see at the range practicing drills incorrectly...it makes me want to say something, but i dont want to be, "that guy" who seems to know everything.

good luck!

[PiKapp23]

I know it's probably not the answer you'd like to have, but as the other posters have said, start with lessons. Ideally all new players would get lessons first (at least a couple), then get fitted for clubs. If possible, you may be able to get lessons and a fitting from the same person after some lessons because that is the person that will be able to best understand your swing and what you'll need to keep improving. If money is an issue initially, then buying good used clubs (or 'new' clubs that are a few models back) would be a great option.

If you just can't wait to play (as is the case with many newbies), purchase a set of clubs and head to range first. Also, take time to learn the rules and etiquette of golf before hitting the course for the first time. This is very important as these two things are as important to the game of golf as the equipment and course. Golf is a very frustrating game, especially when you're new. Many new players give it up because they aren't having fun. It's a lot of work and failure in the beginning, but if you stick with it you'll get better and end up addicted like the rest of us. Then it just gets more frustrating...

If you decide to buy/play first, bear in mind that you still need to get lessons as soon as is possible. Also be aware that the first set of clubs you purchase in this scenario are probably going to need to be replaced or properly fit at some point in the near future.

So, the best option is lessons first, then practice what you've learned and finally purchase clubs, getting them professionally fit if possible. Most Dick's stores are not the best for fitting. In Columbia I know there are a couple of Golf Headquarters stores that have great selection of equipment and do fittings(at least I think that's the correct name - I've been to the one off exit called Harbinger or something like that a few times).

Good luck with the process...

[walk18]

I won't tell you lessons are a bad thing, but I personally enjoyed figuring things out on my own at the range. After I had a repeatable swing, I started to play courses. It remains a wonderful learning process to this day and that's why I enjoy the game.

[shortgrass lover]

Yea I taught my self how to play when I was in 7th grade(3 years ago). It's fun, but since I didn't get regular lessons from a pro, I can't say it's the better route to go

[bogeyhitter25]

I'll agree with most of the posters and say that you should get a lesson or two just to get your basics down (ie. grip, stance), and then try and put that together with a range session.

[paqnheat]

Lessons are the best way to go for new golfers, but if it's not an option...hit the range and try to practice, practice, practice...and do get fitted for clubs...that is a must.

[David in FL]

Lessons. You won't have as much to "un-learn". Don't worry, you'll be playing in a month or so and you'll enjoy it a lot more......you'll make better choices in your club selection too.

Welcome to the obsession!

[cigarnut81]

Straight to the pro would be my advice. He can teach you how to behave on the golf course!! I think this is very important. Golf is a peaceful game and as much as it makes me sound like an old man(27 years old) it really bothers me when I play with someone that has no idea of golf etiquette. Please see your local pro he will improve your enjoyment of the game immeasurably.

[denver_nuggs_15]

I tried (and still try) to teach myself. I took one lesson and that was after I broke 95. I'm going back again this coming year, hopefully for a series of lessons to improve even more.
Lessons work better than figuring things out yourself.

The coolest thing that anyone has ever told me about golf lessons is: "You can teach yourself how to do brain surgery. But it's a hell of a lot easier if you get taught how. Same thing for golf."

[mkrolewski]

There are lots of pros out there teaching all sorts of methods by many different means. You do not have to like all the instructors and their methodologies. You will most likely dislike many for various reasons.

Since this is your nickel and lessons are not cheap, you need to find the best match for you.

If you can find reference for a "good" instructor in your area, that should be your starting point. Find someone who golfs at work, church, etc. Go to the club, course, or range and ask the people at the desk who customers like.

Alternatively, get a short lesson -- 1/2 hour and test drive the pro. You should be able to tell if you want or can work with this person. Don't be afraid to walk away. Don't rule out anyone due to age or gender.