How long before your first 18 holes?

[MoodyShrimp]

Hi, new to the game. I start lessons soon but wondered on average how long does it take the average player/did it take you to progress from your first lesson/range session to a full round? The reason I ask is that I have been invited to play with some clients and have managed to convince them a session at the new state of the art range near me would be a better idea but i'm not sure how long I can hold off before I am made to play 18 holes and quite probably embarrass myself! Also how many rounds does it take to establish your handicap?

[B-Con]

I took a college class and played a couple sets of 9 holes over a few months. I think I eventually played a full 18 about 3 or 4 months after starting. If you're trying to get a feel for the game before you play it, definitely spend some practice time on the range first. I'd recommend you then find a par-3 course to warm up with. You only need 5 rounds to establish a handicap, but you need to play 20 before your handicap is "fully" filled out.

[AmazingWhacker]

I dont think there's any rule - it depends on the person.  I have played with people who've never touched a club before - if thier personalities are good and thier expectations are realistic, it can be a really fun experience.

No matter what you will probably embarras yourself the first time you play 18 holes.  I've been playing steadily for 3 years now and I am just starting to get to where I could bogey most holes.  And I still embarrass myself a lot.

So I would say follow B-Con's suggestions . . and also realize that it might take a long time before you get pretty decent and, actually, your clients probably stink, too . .at least some of them . .so just go out there and have fun.

[sportsnut]

As mentioned in the previous post I started on a executive course (some par 4 holes ) but either a par 3 or executive is a good low stress way to begin playing imho. I waited between a month and two before starting on the smaller course and then about 2 months after that before I ventured onto a full course. Check your local area for easier courses with wide fairways and not too many hazards for starting off, its a good way to begin till you build your confidence and dont feel like you're holding anyone up. Playing with your buds from work will be one less thing to focus on since they play and you know them already. maybe they will play an easy or shorter course with you, thats what I am doing with a bud from work now as he is just beginning and I started last year. Good luck

[Mattplusness]

I'd look for a par 3 course and go out as much as possible there before heading to a regulation course.

[MoodyShrimp]

Thanks guys. There is actually a par 3 at my local golf club so I will have to have a go after i've had a few lessons.

Went to the range today - About 1 in 5 of my attempts with my irons went anywhere near where I wanted them to go, and about 1 in 8 attempts with my driver/woods!

Also managed to stop the blisters today by adapting my grip but for some reason I have got one on the top right side of the little finger on my right hand. In an ideal world where should the little finger ont he right hand be in terms of my grip - on the club itself or on top of one of the fingers on my left hand?

[Mattplusness]

Originally Posted by MoodyShrimp

Thanks guys. There is actually a par 3 at my local golf club so I will have to have a go after i've had a few lessons.

Went to the range today - About 1 in 5 of my attempts with my irons went anywhere near where I wanted them to go, and about 1 in 8 attempts with my driver/woods!

Also managed to stop the blisters today by adapting my grip but for some reason I have got one on the top right side of the little finger on my right hand. In an ideal world where should the little finger ont he right hand be in terms of my grip - on the club itself or on top of one of the fingers on my left hand?

Well I wouldn't say there is an "ideal" place for it, many people have different grips. But I think most people would agree that it should barely be touching the grip in the gap.

[MoodyShrimp]

Well I wouldn't say there is an "ideal" place for it, many people have different grips. But I think most people would agree that it should barely be touching the grip in the gap.

Thanks. Went to the range tonight and played around with interlocking and overlapping the little finger. Think overlapping was most comfortable. Came back for the first time without blisters aswelk which was a bonus!

[BrotherBear]

i had played around 2-3 months and like 5 rounds of Par 3s before my first full 18 hole round (which was 3 weeks ago haha).  i felt like it was an appropriate time for me to try it out, although when you mis-hit a few in a row, the thought that you may be shanking your way through 11 more holes is a little bit scary lol.