New to golf, looking for tips, advice.

[motograter7]

Hello all,

I just started playing golf a month or so ago and I'm not good at it by any means, but Im at the range almost every day working on my swing. I've done a lot of research and had some help from some family and friends who have been golfing for years. but I cant quite grasp some things and they arent always around to help me.

So, I'm considering taking lessons, my question for that is: is it worth it? I know that if i develop bad habits it will be super tough to let them go later on. How effective are these lessons? there are a couple pros at the place I go to and they are kinda high priced so I dont know that i want to drop that kind of money if its not worth it.

also, I'm having a very hard time comprehending what exactly a handicap is and how its measured or counted. Can someone explain this to me?

any other tips, would be greatly appreciated! I'm really into this game and I want to get better at it, I look forward to learning with you and sharing all if any improvements.

Thanks!

-Los

[jlund]

Lessons are absolutely worth their weight in gold, especially when you have just started and have probably not yet developed bad habits. Take lessons ASAP.

[NYJetsfan]

Hello all,

http://www.ehow.com/how_15107_calcul...-handicap.html

[Philly+15]

I agree 100% lessons are the way to go! I have been playing for about 15 years and haven't improved any in the past 5 years. I just started taking lessons and I will tell you, it is a lot harder trying to break bad habits than to start off with only good ones! TAKE THE LESSONS!

As for the handicap, usually it is done as an average of your score based on 5 rounds. Say for example, par at our local course is 72, well if you are averaging a score of 102 your handicap would be 30. It is the average number it would take you to get down to par! If you goto the USGA site it may be able to explain it a little better.

[motograter7]

Nyjetsfan- thanks for that site!

Jlund & Philly- That sounds like a plan then, lessons it is! I'm going to inquire about it today.

Thanks guys!

-Los

[mtsalmela80]

I just started to take lessons two weeks ago. Before then I was on the scepticism band wagon regarding lessons. Now I will tell you there is no substitute for lessons, none.

I already completed my first goal score-wise. And I feel even better ones coming on. Thats with just some basic technique instruction on driving, mid-irons, and chipping.

[PiKapp23]

Lessons and an equipment fitting are both important steps especially if you're going to take the game seriously. You'll save yourself a lot of heartache and money by starting with these steps. Yea, you'll spend more money initially, but save money later on. Plus you're more likely to continue playing and getting better if you have a strong foundation of the fundamentals and the proper equipment.

Welcome to the game.

[motograter7]

Thank you PiKapp!

It definitely sounds like lessons are the way to go. Also, I've been to two courses one was a 9 hole par 3 the whole way through and the other was a 18 hole course. I played the 18 hole course the par of the course was 68 I believe, and I hit 105. Is that super bad for my first time on a course? or does everyone hit about that much their first time?

Thanks,

-Los

[sp33d]

Lessons, then some more.

Then once you find "swing" get fit for clubs (or the clubs you have) But talk to people and find out the best place in your area.

[motograter7]

What does getting "fit" for clubs mean? right now i'm just using a cheap beginner set of clubs.

[pxc]

What does getting "fit" for clubs mean? right now i'm just using a cheap beginner set of clubs.

I'm a beginner like you, so someone with experience can correct me, but I believe getting fit means having a pro analyze your swing, have you try different clubs with different shafts, and ultimately figure out the best ball, club, and shaft type for your game.

I also read that you're better off getting your swing foundation down first with lessons, which logically makes sense since you don't want to get fitted for your swing, then get lessons and completely change your swing.

[motograter7]

that sounds about right. thanks!

[DavidFehertysBike]

Get off of the range and go to the practice green.

[CG031]

Work more on your game than actually playing...that's if, you REALLY want to improve quickly.

You'll improve much quicker if you spend more time on the range and at the practice green than you will if you only play.

That's probably the best advice I ever got.

[motograter7]

Get off of the range and go to the practice green.

Are you saying just start with putting?

EDIT: CG03, yeah I know that, the only time I went to play was becuase my dad invited me to come along, and kinda get a feel for what its like. I go to the range everyday and hit about 100 balls. Right now I'm just working on solid ball contact over distance or anything else.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Are you saying just start with putting?

And chipping and pitch shots. You'll enjoy the game more if you have a confident short game going forward. Trust me.

[motograter7]

And chipping and pitch shots. You'll enjoy the game more if you have a confident short game going forward. Trust me.

Actually, someone told me that lol. my putting is terrible, and that actually seems like a very good idea, when i did go to that course the absolute worst part was the short game for me.

[CG031]

Are you saying just start with putting?

That's terrific man. I'm not saying

never play because it's NECESSARY to play sometimes, because you need to learn golf management, when to go for certain shots, when to lay up, how to play smart, how to read putts, etc. But, My sister started playing last summer, and I teach her how to play. She's only played on the course about 6 times, but since I stress just driving range/practice green/chipping and pitching practice she shot 93 last time she played last week and was hitting the ball terrific. And this is playing on the course only about six times in her life, but she was able to attain a great score for playing that few times because she practices so much more than she plays. I love what Rotella says in his book ..."Train it and Trust it." Just keep working on your game via practice and the results will come on the course with you, I guarantee it.

And chipping and pitch shots. You'll enjoy the game more if you have a confident short game going forward. Trust me.

I agree. This is how you score in golf. You should work on chipping, pitch shots, putting, wedges, irons, and then woods/driving in that order in my opinion.