New to Golf, want to get started

[Golf Novice]

I'm 29 and fairly new to the game. I've played probably 15 times in my life, and don't own any clubs. People I've told how much I've played are often surprised because, according to them, I look like I've played more often than that (no idea if that's true or not). My question is, I really want to get into the game and start playing more regularly, in large part because I want something outside the office that I can really compete in, learn, grow, etc. I just turned 29, and am at a stage where I'm starting to think about these things because I want something my body will be able to handle for many years. Playing Adult League Baseball seems like it's eventually going to be tough to do, along with the fact that from a business and social perspective, it's hard to beat Golf. With all this said:

Any tips anyone can provide on how to really "get started?" Where to go look at/get fitted for clubs that are reasonably priced? What type of clubs do I need? What other equipment, shoes, etc. Should I take lessons locally? Any tips, help advice would be greaty appreciated. I hope at 29 I'm not too late to the party!

[whetstone]

You can spend anywhere from $50 to $5000 on a set of clubs... so reasonably priced is a pretty subjective term.

[peter draggin]

You can get a "middle of the road" set of clubs for pretty cheap. I would start there and then get a few lessons and you will be well on your way.

[BOOMSHANKA]

One thing I suggest is reading about the game...Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, books, etc...that will help you understand the game and also what kind of equipment is out there. I also suggest visiting with a local golf shop...be honest about what you are trying to accomplish and your ability...I found a great shop in my area that is fantastic...they are up front and personal with their customers...it's never to late to play this great game...good luck in your golf game!!!

[ohiolefty]

I'd get something decent but cheap at first...then, switch them out for some good sticks in a few months. It's like a car. If you had a brand new BMW the day you got your liscense, you're not going to do much with it but screw it up. Same thing with sticks. Get something serviceable to work out the kinks, then move up to something better once you're ready. Just make sure you're 'serviceable' clubs fit you decently and that you don't develop bugaboos in your swing that'll have to be fixed later.

[Mrd19abhs]

+1 to what everyone else is saying. just get some cheap clubs maybe even see if anyone you know has some old clubs you can use. I borrowed my stepdads old clubs for about three months for a couple reasons. one i didnt want to shell out a grand on new clubs if i wasnt gonna keep with it especially since the sport is expensive in its own right. also so that you can work out all the kinks major kinks in your swing. I play the Callaway x18 clubs and I feel as tho they are reall good game improvement clubs. when i got them i started getting about 15 extra yards on each club also they are very forgiving. but i would def try and hit up a sporting goods store or golf shop that has a sim so you can see how the clubs hit for ya. Also try as many clubs as possible to find the ones you like then check ebay.

[Shanks A Million]

Be absolutely sure to get properly fitted for clubs too. Start with some inexpensive second hand clubs (goodwill works well, get some cavity backs), and then, when you're ready, go get fitted. Fitting is one of the most important parts of getting clubs, yet very few golfers ever get fit. A club is like a running shoe, it doesn't matter if you are Jessie Owens or Oprah Winfrey, if a shoe doesn't fit, you aren't going to run very fast. Clubs must fit you, yet manufacturers make their clubs in one size: standard. Imagine a shoe store with a hundred different styles of shoe, all with their own features and materials, but they only had one size? Sure, it may be the average size, but not everyone is average! This is what a golf shop is, they carry hundreds of clubs, all with great new features (and huge price tags), but if they don't fit, they aren't worth a damn.

So, do yourself a favor, and get fitted. You'll play better, and avoid frustration (well, actually, golf is frustrating no matter what you do, but it's addictive!)

[jamo]

Get some used clubs, irons especially.

[Wet Doggg]

I second looking used for clubs. I would also suggest lessons. One great things about a lesson...is you could ask questions about the game of golf and it will help you learn the little ins and outs very quickly. Good luck and welcome.

[The Road Dog]

I was in your situation when I started. So I will suggest this approach as it worked for me. You have courses close to where you live or at least some friends could point you to one or two that they play. Each course will have one or more club Pros. Go talk to them tell them what you are planning and sign up for a lesson or two. They can help you find some affordable clubs and might even have a set they can loan you for a while. This way you are getting advice personalized for your situation from someone that has a stake in seeing you do good. They will be accessable to you and responsive, they may have a favorite shop they could send you to for fitting later. Anyway the best part is getting them to teach you from the beginning instead of correcting bad habits later. Good Luck and enjoy.

[Wahoo]

I would definitely take some private lessons, but you may also want to sign up for a group clinic that covers all the basics (putting, short game, irons, driving, rules, etc.). Many courses and ranges offer these clinics, and they are a good way to get started.

[CrazyXGolfer]

Heey, welcome to this great game!
If you are going to play for a long time and your 100% sure you will, i would not waste money on a package set deal (not saying there bad clubs, just consistancy wise and quility wise, brand names are MUCH better)
I would look for a second hand Iron set, and then buy what you can in new things.
Also you local golf shop should sell some second hand clubs. (some may not, but most do!)

Another thing, make sure they fit the clubs to you. Lie angles, shaft flex, shaft length ect.

Good luck!

[Dub]

I'd get something decent but cheap at first...then, switch them out for some good sticks in a few months. It's like a car. If you had a brand new BMW the day you got your liscense, you're not going to do much with it but screw it up. Same thing with sticks. Get something serviceable to work out the kinks, then move up to something better once you're ready. Just make sure you're 'serviceable' clubs fit you decently and that you don't develop bugaboos in your swing that'll have to be fixed later.

Great advice. Make sure the clubs fit your height. Regular flex is okay for most of us when getting started. Spend a few $$$ on lessons and range time. Comfortable shoes do help with grip...Footjoy Greenjoys do so at less than $40/pr. Perfect practice makes perfect. Your pro will steer you in the right direction. The golf swing is all about relaxed simplicity and repeatablility. Smooth will get you huge results over muscling the ball.....smooth!!!!!!!!!! First set: find a local guy who can fit you for a custom fitted set of cavity backed irons & wedges. Spend the lions share of your initial golf budget on lessons and range time. Find a good pro but a cheap range and you are in business. I suggest on lesson for every 4 range sessions. 29.....great time to enter the fray. I think I was early/mid 20's and am handicapped by a messed up left knee.

[WUTiger]

I would definitely take some private lessons, but you may also want to sign up for a group clinic that covers all the basics (putting, short game, irons, driving, rules, etc.). Many courses and ranges offer these clinics, and they are a good way to get started.

Also, be sure to practice after you take lessons. You don't make progress unless you work to engrain what the pro told you to do. Also, some pros will e-mail a video lesson summary to your home computer. That way, you can review the lessons before you practice/play.

For clubs, consider a boxes sets: A bag and matching clubs for around $300. Check our recent column on the topic: http://thesandtrap.com/bag_drop/club...der_boxed_sets

[Howie]

Lessons and practice, my friend. These things above all else, equipment included. As most of the guys have said, start with a low cost set and upgrade as your skills improve. You can get fitted once you have gotten a fairly steady game.

[Meddle]

Everyone's already said it, but I'll say it again: Take a few lessons. Ingrain good habits early, you'll regret it if you don't. I still remember a lesson I got 8 years ago, and apply what I was taught today. Your first clubs aren't as important, just get a good used set, ask around and someone will point you in the right direction, or read the threads on it here. Other than that, one of the great things about golf is after you get off the ground you can get out and have fun, you don't have to be amazing at golf to enjoy this great game.

[calvie7]

Congrats, and welcome. The first thing to do is evaluate how much time you want to devote to the game. It can be all consuming if you want to let it. That's how I am and sometimes i struggle not to think about it or visualize shots in my mind. Just something to be aware of. After you know how much time you have to devote to it, set some goals. Simple ones like, play a round without losing a ball, or play a round with less than 3 penalty strokes... They will happen, enjoy it above all else.

Your first step before you go to a pro is to understand how the club is to be used, how the ball flies, and why it works that way. The golf club is a 2 levered object, something most don't understand, and are never taught. This is perhaps one of the greatest informative articles ever written, it was here on the Sand Trap a few weeks ago. http://thesandtrap.com/playing_tips/ball_flight_laws Read that and understand it, ask questions here or to a pro to make sure you do. Also before you take a lesson read Ben Hogans book "5 lessons". You'll understand much more by doing these things before your lesson, then when you are with the pro on a range you'll get a hell of a lot more for your money.

Clubs, firstly let me say that used clubs are the only way to go, here in Denver we have Golf smith, where you can buy a full set of used irons off the rack, they are usually 50% less than new, and then you can get good brand names. Go to the store they are always ready to help make a sale, spend hours there testing... it can be like a free lesson if you let them help you. Explain your situation, people who love the game are always willing to give tips... something that as you go gets annoying, but it is because we love it so much. Anyway, always remember its a game, and enjoy it!

[Shanks A Million]

Clubs, firstly let me say that used clubs are the only way to go, here in Denver we have Golf smith, where you can buy a full set of used irons off the rack, they are usually 50% less than new, and then you can get good brand names. Go to the store they are always ready to help make a sale, spend hours there testing... it can be like a free lesson if you let them help you. Explain your situation, people who love the game are always willing to give tips... something that as you go gets annoying, but it is because we love it so much. Anyway, always remember its a game, and enjoy it!

And many shops will bend their used clubs if you buy them, so ask about that. It's usually free. The shop I go to for equipment will bend used clubs for free, and they do the whole dynamic lie fitting. Once you have a basic swing down, your lie and length specs won't ever really change.