When am I ready to hit the course?

[twinke masta]

I been hitting the range and getting lessons for the last month. Last range session I could consistently hit my higher irons and woods to the same location. I have a natural draw, so my instructor has me aim to the right and I can hit it consistently to the same location if I don't fubar the swing. My swing is still about only 80% power because my back swing isn't 100% perfected.

I was just wondering at what time can you start hitting on a course without losing like 3 dozens of balls.

Thanks

[TheWarHound]

This morning. I think that while driving range and lesson time is very important, you need to get out there and knock it around the course.

[leftcoastsrt04]

I been hitting the range and getting lessons for the last month. Last range session I could consistently hit my higher irons and woods to the same location. I have a natural draw, so my instructor has me aim to the right and I can hit it consistently to the same location if I don't fubar the swing. My swing is still about only 80% power because my back swing isn't 100% perfected.

You could have been hitting the course last month and been pretty safe. Don't let flaws in your game keep you off the course bro. A lot of your flaws can actually be worked out by playing a few rounds. Best part about golf is no matter how long you have been playing, you are always learning the game. SO GET OUT THERE and have some fun!

[twinke masta]

Thanks guys, the problem is I have never played golf about a month ago when I picked it up. So I am not sure how to play on the actual course, the etiquettes, how to aim for flags etc. Is there a quick guide that I can read to make sure I am understanding this? Also how do I choose what club to use for what approach?

And I don't have a full swing yet would that affect me greatly on the course? Thanks

[jonnythan]

Just get out there. It's pretty self-explanatory, but it's of course best to go with someone who has a clue.

You're certainly a lot more advanced than I was the first time I went on a course! Just go have fun, it's not as intimidating as it seems.

[leftcoastsrt04]

Thanks guys, the problem is I have never played golf about a month ago when I picked it up. So I am not sure how to play on the actual course, the etiquettes, how to aim for flags etc. Is there a quick guide that I can read to make sure I am understanding this? Also how do I choose what club to use for what approach?

Etiquette is easy, Respect the course, respect the other golfers (Unless they are asses, then just keep your cool) and most importantly, even if you are shanking the ball hitting bad shots or the ball feels like its not going where you want, just have fun and keep your sense of humor. That's about it for the etiquette. Play with a friend or pair with another golfer who knows the course, for the most part most guys will help you out no problem. As far as club choice for different shots, there is plenty of threads on this site to assist you in that, as well as on other parts of the net Google will find all your answers. But for the most part just figure it out on your own, that is usually more gratifying than being walked through your game. Get out there this morning. I guarantee no matter how bad (or good) you do, you will have a great time and learn alot about yourself and your abilities.

[sp33d]

Just go out and have fun, bring lots of balls (cheap ones) if you loose them who cares.

Just be curtious, i dont care how bad someone is as long as they are trying their best. Drunk screamers are about the only thing that piss me off and people who obviously cant play but wait for people 300 yrds away to clear before they drive.

[ks8829]

you can start with 9 holes and play early or late in the day for a relaxing round.

work your way up to playing the back nine of a 18 hole course and after a few rounds playing the back nine you are all set to enjoy your first round of golf.

If possible go with a friend and have fun

[sdped1]

I have never played with any golfers that were impatient with me when I first started out. Yes it can be a little intimidating to go out as a newbie. Just let the group know where you are at in your golf game and they will be more than happy to give you all the help you need. Get some cheap balls or if you can go to some course in the late evening and find used balls. During play don't waste time looking for a lost ball, just drop another and hit. If your having a bad hole(8-10 shots) and you are starting to slow up the group to much just pick it up and go to the green drop a ball by the green and chip and putt with your group. Always be ready when it's your turn to hit, have the club out and do your pre shot routine while the golfer before you is hitting when you can. Don't hit out of bad lies when your first starting out, kick it out in the fairway, move it away from a tree, take it out of a divot etc, this will help you work on your swing in optimal conditions and will speed up play too. Remember you payed your green fees too, so relax and have fun when your out there. - Steve

[mtsalmela80]

Im about 2 months into my golf "career". I have been to the range sporadically over time, however one day I guy I knew brought me out. I fell in love so damn fast. I bought a cheapo set of clubs and within a couple more weeks I had an entire new set haha.

Get on the course! Its probably the most enjoyable activity I have ever taken up.

We took a guy out on Saturday who hadnt played in 20+ years, no range no nothing, and we took him to one of the more challenging courses in the area. He had a ton of fun.

I would much rather shank and lose balls all day on the course than just sit there hitting perfect drives at the range.

[Prairie Golfer]

I been hitting the range and getting lessons for the last month. Last range session I could consistently hit my higher irons and woods to the same location. I have a natural draw, so my instructor has me aim to the right and I can hit it consistently to the same location if I don't fubar the swing. My swing is still about only 80% power because my back swing isn't 100% perfected.

As soon as you can plunk down the money for the greens fee. Find a reasonable course for a beginner (no need to play Winged Foot first time out ), play with a golfing friend and have fun.

[Azprobe]

I was just about to post about this very thing... I've taken lessons weekly for a couple of months, but I'm thinking about redirecting that money to be able to play more often. I mean, I'll go back to lessons in a few weeks, but 1) I think I need to develop consistency before taking more lessons, and 2) the whole part of learning golf is to *play* golf, and I love being out there...

Still waiting for my first birdie... although I've shot more than a couple 9's. :(

[right handed phil mickelson]

You could have been hitting the course last month and been pretty safe. Don't let flaws in your game keep you off the course bro. A lot of your flaws can actually be worked out by playing a few rounds. Best part about golf is no matter how long you have been playing, you are always learning the game. SO GET OUT THERE and have some fun!

Seriously bro If your worried about losing 3 dozen balls, then buy those bags of 48 used balls for around $15. They've been in the hazards and water; they know what to stay out of. Well, that's my theory. It's probably wrong. The only way to get better is to go on the course and try out your game. See how you do in real situations where you have the ball above your feet, below your feet, in a plugged lie, in a divot, in the rough, where you have to hit it over a bunker, under a tree, around a rock, with a restricted backswing. Thats what makes golf so much fun! So I suggest you go out as soon as possible, and make a day out of it with your instructor. Make it fun, and progressive. Buy some beers afterwards, then go hit the range if you want. If theres less than 25 curses on the course, its a good day. ~RHPM

[Andycapped]

My personal opinion is that you could hit the range for a year and it would make no difference. The course is not the range. Your first time on a big course is going to be brutal. Whether it's your first day hitting a golf ball or your 365th, you aren't going to play a good round. So what? Grab a friend and get out there. You'll improve a ton every time you play.

On a side note, I would practice your irons at a small par 3 course instead of at the range. If you go to the range, go to hit your driver, practice some chipping, maybe a few iron shots if you have some balls left. The course is where you ultimately want to be comfortable playing; so why not play most there?

[Marinemike]

I have never played with any golfers that were impatient with me when I first started out. Yes it can be a little intimidating to go out as a newbie. Just let the group know where you are at in your golf game and they will be more than happy to give you all the help you need. Get some cheap balls or if you can go to some course in the late evening and find used balls. During play don't waste time looking for a lost ball, just drop another and hit. If your having a bad hole(8-10 shots) and you are starting to slow up the group to much just pick it up and go to the green drop a ball by the green and chip and putt with your group. Always be ready when it's your turn to hit, have the club out and do your pre shot routine while the golfer before you is hitting when you can. Don't hit out of bad lies when your first starting out, kick it out in the fairway, move it away from a tree, take it out of a divot etc, this will help you work on your swing in optimal conditions and will speed up play too. Remember you payed your green fees too, so relax and have fun when your out there. - Steve

This is great advice for your first few rounds. Yeah, score would be hard to keep, but if you could keep it you wouldn't like it so don't worry about it. And don't worry about picking up if you're slowing people down. Also, maybe let the starter know your situation, s/he will make sure you don't go out with the group playing $10 Nassau. I had one fundamental rule when I first started and it is still important to me- Forward progress is the name of the game. That's all you're looking for.