Looking to take up golf; need advice

[MacFreak]

Hi!

Now that I've got the means and the time, I'm going to try to take up golf.

Advice from the learned — instructors, clubs, etc. — would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Mrd19abhs]

Good luck and welcome to a great game.

[MacFreak]

Thank you.

[alomar123]

A. Buy used.

B. Check out this thread: http://thesandtrap.com/forum/threads...LIDE-Your-Hips

C. Have fun

[BallStriker]

Profiling you, I am guessing that you are highly intelligent, creative and a bit of a rebel.....I ultimately think you will find yourself to be a "feel" player and it may be a bad idea to get caught up in too much swing mechanics right off the get go.

My advice is try and find an instructor who thinks similarly -- he will start you off with some solid fundamentals, but let you feel your way around w/o overdoing the mechanics.

As for clubs, I would suggest getting a used set of game improvement irons off of e-bay -- there is no use getting fitted until you develop solid swing fundamentals.

Lastly........never ever ever get frustrated...improvement will come, but not without fun along the way.....at the end of the day, it is just a silly old game.

[Shindig]

Don't fall for the problem of buying expensive new clubs. Figure out what you want to spend, get yourself a decent - possibly used - set of clubs, and spend money on instruction so you don't fall into bad habits at the beginning.

If you have friends who play and take lessons, they might suggest a good instructor for you. If said instructor can let you borrow you clubs for a lesson or two, you might get an idea from that what type of clubs (and specifications) to pick up.

[redsox98]

Don't do it! It is the best worst thing you will ever pick-up! Just kidding. Have fun, don't get frustrated, and be patient, Remember a bad day on the golf course is better than a great day at work!!!

[Slammin' Sam]

I don't know what golf instructors at the courses charge these days, but a good way to learn the game is to take a course on introductory golf or basic golf at your local community college. Very frequently, pros at the local courses teach those classes and they're not expensive. As for clubs, buy used; wait until you've built up a degree of proficiency & make sure you enjoy the game before splurging for a really nice set.

[imtomtomim]

Well, I'd definitely suggest getting a couple lessons to learn the fundamentals. Starting with good habits is a lot easier than correcting bad ones.

Equipment wise, have you played the game? If you know you're gonna be addicted, I'd say start out looking for a used set from a mainstream brand. If it doesn't really matter to you and you're not obsessed like a lot of golfers tend to be (myself inclueded), maybe you should take a look at a box set.

Welcome to the game and good luck!

[MacFreak]

Thank you all.

Profiling you, I am guessing that you are highly intelligent, creative and a bit of a rebel.....I ultimately think you will find yourself to be a "feel" player and it may be a bad idea to get caught up in too much swing mechanics right off the get go.

Thank you.

I would not, however, describe myself as a rebel. I'm actually a bit conservative in many regards. Some might find me eclectic to a certain extent in other areas. And, just for the record: I'm a former ballplayer. I obsessed with swing mechanics. I expect golf will be the same.

My advice is try and find an instructor who thinks similarly -- he will start you off with some solid fundamentals, but let you feel your way around w/o overdoing the mechanics.

My old coach said that the easiest way to not have to get out of bad habits is to not acquire them in the first place.

Of course, I cleaned the quote up significantly.

As for clubs, I would suggest getting a used set of game improvement irons off of e-bay -- there is no use getting fitted until you develop solid swing fundamentals.

I was thinking about used clubs. No eBay. I'd rather see before I buy. I'll go with Craigslist.

Lastly........never ever ever get frustrated...improvement will come, but not without fun along the way.....at the end of the day, it is just a silly old game.

Yeah. Plus it'll get me out of the house and I'll get some exercise.

[MacFreak]

Well, I'd definitely suggest getting a couple lessons to learn the fundamentals. Starting with good habits is a lot easier than correcting bad ones.

Thank you.

I played a couple of rounds years ago. However, my budget then didn't allow me to pursue the game.

[nevets88]

For used clubs, you can go to I'm guessing Golf Galaxy (never been to SW OH, only NE OH). I'm betting they'll have a used irons section. Same for wedges, woods and putters.

What I'd do if I were starting up:

Go to youTube and look at a variety of swings in real time and slow motion, from behind and front and get a feel for the what a golf swing looks like. Also look at the closeups of where irons and woods make contact with the ball, see where the sweet spot is.

Get a camera that records video with a high fps spec. There's a cheap Casio for $110. Use it.

Get lessons, but the hard part is finding a good instructor. They're hard to find. I wish I could tell you how to do so, but I have no bloody clue, other than trial and error.

I'd start small first, with chipping and pitching and with the shorter irons, SW - 7I.

Know that hitting off mats is alot different than real grass. Fake grass is better than astroturf mats, but there is no substitute for practicing off real grass.

Hit the ball first, your divot should be ahead of the ball.

Good night and good luck!

[ks8829]

Have fun, enjoy the game, if you practice, practice from the hole backwards and spend 90% of your practice time working on the short game, putting, chipping and pitching within 50 yards, within 100 yards.

play 9 hole courses with a friend.

[sean_miller]

Hi!

The best way to maintain your "means and time" would be to keep driving past the golf course. This is easily the most time consuming and expensive hobby I've ever had.

[WUTiger]

...

If you buy used clubs, it helps to know something about the game, or have someone who knows golf help you.

Also, consider boxed sets. You get enough clubs to get you started, plus a bag. http://thesandtrap.com/bag_drop/club...der_boxed_sets And as an added bonus, the secrets of golf! http://thesandtrap.com/trap_five/fiv..._for_beginners

[MacFreak]

The best way to maintain your "means and time" would be to keep driving past the golf course. This is easily the most time consuming and expensive hobby I've ever had.

Um, aren't you supposed to be

encouraging me in my future endeavor than discouraging me? Everything is relative, my friend. I have a relative who's a member of the local course.

[MacFreak]

If you buy used clubs, it helps to know something about the game, or have someone who knows golf help you.

Thank you!

Sage advice.

[sean_miller]

Um, aren't you supposed to be

I'm probably doing you a favour, but it's your life.