How Long Before You Hit A Course?

[Brendon]

I don't really practice very much, because I go golfing quite a bit; and where I work, it's free for staff & volunteers.

[Shripe]

With the exception of my brief stint as a freshman in HS, I went in cold, right to the local pitch-putt course (18 hole par 54 course) and shot an 84 on Memorial Day this year. After some time at the range, I shot an 86 my second time. Haven't been back since, though am hoping to at some point before the season's over.

[newtogolf]

Played a course for the first time after 4 lessons, and 4 weeks of consistent range practice (3-4 times per week), it was quite a humbling experience. Grass was alot tougher to hit off than driving range mats. After a few chunks and mis-hits, my swing and confidence tanked big time which made for a rough day. One bogey, and a few decent shots made the day worth it though.

[darkhunter139]

I am thinking about going to play by myself for the first time tomorrow but I am not sure I am ready for that yet

[newtogolf]

I am thinking about going to play by myself for the first time tomorrow but I am not sure I am ready for that yet

I'd say give it a try, have fun and set your expectations appropriately. Be prepared to pick up your ball and move on if you're struggling, or let others play through if you are alone. As painful as it was, I learned alot about my swing and playing golf in general by being out there which I would have never learned from driving range mats.

[darkhunter139]

I'd say give it a try, have fun and set your expectations appropriately. Be prepared to pick up your ball and move on if you're struggling, or let others play through if you are alone. As painful as it was, I learned alot about my swing and playing golf in general by being out there which I would have never learned from driving range mats.

Went out solo today (3rd time playing though) and it went well. Joined up with two other guys after the 3rd or 4th hole. They were not much better then me and were good playing partners. The entire round only took us like 3 hrs and 20 minutes and I got my first par!

[WUTiger]

Won't mention my intro because it's the wrong way to do things.

In cases where I could not get a friend to start out with real lessons, I showed them the basics to prevent them totally upsetting the rest of Golfdom by learning to swing on the course.

First range session, I showed them basics of alignment, and we did some 7i chips, and a little putting. Second session, we reviewed chips and alignment, and hit some full shots, finished with putting. Third session, we reviewed it all.

Session four, we hit a few balls and played on the par 3 course next to the range. Idea was to get him focused on scoring rather than trying to hit the driver 300 yards.

A few days later we did a good range session, adding fairway woods, and next day did par 3 again. He played 18 twice, once with me and once by himself, before summer ended.

ONE AGREEMENT WE HAD: The driver stays at home in your closet until you break 90.

[FairwayFrank]

I went to the range a few times a year for 4-5 years , the last of those years i was getting more serious about golf. It was just for fun before that . I played a local 9 hole par 3 course a dozen times before finally playing my first 18. I shot 98 , which i'm still very proud of. I have been playing about 10-15 times a year since that , regularly shooting in the low 90's. This year , Working at a very nice ( and tough ! ) course has helped my game a lot. I'm now playing in the low 80's and hoping for more. I love playing golf for free !

[pup]

I went to the range 2-3 times a week for a month before I ever stepped foot on a course. I have never taken any formal lessons but one of my neighbors (at the time) was an assistant golf pro when he was in college in the early 80's, and he would give me little hints from time to time. My first time out I shot a 111 on a par 72.