How Long Before You Hit A Course?

[tracker]

How much practice did you get before hitting up a golf course?
Did you take lessons before, if so...how many?

Lastly, what was your score?

...slow day at work...

[Whiskey84]

I practiced about a month or so at the range before I went out there. Just wanted to be able to get the ball in the air a majority of the time.

I just took my friend out for his first round (on the local 9 hole short course) and he'd only been to the range twice before. He went +32 with two bogeys his first time out. We made sure we let the two groups that came up behind us go through since we were moving slow.

[max power]

Before playing a full size golf course (age 17) I went to the range with my Dad a few times, and played a few rounds on a couple pitch 'n putt courses. My first 9 holes on a real course I scored either a 54 or 55.

[right handed phil mickelson]

I went to the range a bunch of times and got a couple lessons from these people that worked with kids (I was about 6). I didn't listen to anything they said. It didn't work. I think my first score on 9 holes was like a 51. It was right on that line.

[darkhunter139]

I went to the range and played chip and putt for about a month, went to one golf clinic then hit the course for the first time last Saturday. Shot a 118 through 16 holes but I did a lot better today which my second trip and finished with a 111 through all 18.

[Mrd19abhs]

First time I went to course was last year with no practice one day my buddy asked me to go with him and I said sure shot a 121

[osean79]

Practiced diligently for a full month before playing my first round. Shot a 62 over par, and can only remember my first tee shot which i swung at with all my might and dribbled the ball 20 yds forward.

[Carts]

1 time at driving range. Went and hit a round at 3-par club (29 Par) and hit 57. +28 for my first round. But I do believe that playing hockey for 12 years has helped with my club coordination.

[alomar123]

This summer was my first time hitting the links, I first picked up a club on my join date last year and went to the range for a couple months. Its ashamed I didnt hit the links sooner as it is sooo much more fun, and I play much better. On the range I can get discourage, as my shots are much worse. As long as you can hit the ball better than a high handicap elderly women, get on the course and build up that experience.

[yenner]

This summer was my first time hitting the links, I first picked up a club on my join date last year and went to the range for a couple months. Its ashamed I didnt hit the links sooner as it is sooo much more fun, and I play much better. On the range I can get discourage, as my shots are much worse. As long as you can hit the ball better than a high handicap elderly women, get on the course and build up that experience.

You're a 15 handicap your first year? Man to be that good. :) I have been playing 2 consitently and a toal of about 4 of the last 7. Still working on it but seeing improvements. :)

I'm with you. HIt the course and get the experience. Just be mindful of others and take care of the course and equipment. :)

[DaSportsGuy]

Bought my first set of clubs May 19th of last year. Didn't touch them again until the 21st when I first stepped on a real golf course and played my first round. Played 9 and shot a 61.

[markpf189]

Is there a beginner Par 3 course around you? I'd suggest that.

[alomar123]

You're a 15 handicap your first year? Man to be that good. :) I have been playing 2 consitently and a toal of about 4 of the last 7. Still working on it but seeing improvements. :)

When Id said i went to the range, I meant I went to the range.lol

Thank you s&t;, I dont agree with everything, but you made me.lol

[wailtd]

I'd gone about ten years without playing and I took it up again. I went about 6 months only going to the driving range and accumulating equipment before I went out for 18. I shot an 80. Before I quit I was about a 5 hcp. But it seems like I've gotten better now that I'm playing again at an older age. Maybe I'm just playing smarter now than I used to when I was younger. I definitely concentrate more on accuracy now than I did when I was younger. When I was young I was all about the Jim Dent 300 yd drive. Now, I'm all about the score.

[ohiolefty]

I only hit a course when it doesn't listen.

[nevets88]

My first time on a course, I let my friends convince me to play and I knew nothing about the game. A former governor of one of our fine northeastern states was behind me and had someone politely acknowledge that I was playing slow. In retrospect, I would never have let myself on that course knowing what I know now.

If it were me, this is the progression:

par 3
executive 9 hole
regulation course, twilight, 9 holes
regulation course, 18

For a full course, I think the etiquette is more important than your skill. Basically keeping pace, not being in anyone's way.

[Uncle Peter]

Before the first time I hit a full 18-hole course, I'd only go to the Driving range several times a year. I knew how to hold a club and swing okay, and knew the basics of golf. I ended up shooting a 98, which isn't great considering par on that course was 59.

[LBlack14]

I don't practice/beat balls, I play golf.