When did you decide to take it from the range to the course?

[johnwayne]

Range for 1 month with lessons to refine actually hitting the ball then par-3 course for 1 month then on to the big course.  1 month is as close as I can remember. Used cheap balls on both, Sports Authority Tommy Amour Silver Scott's 48 for 24 dollars.  Man I've lost a lot of those balls.  Playing a par 3 in the afternoon on a weekday at my home course is like having your own private golf course.  Getting off the range and on the course really let's you see where your game is  and what you need to work on at the range.

[NuclearMike]

I first played when I was 8 years old.  I had done time at the range with my dad for about six months before he took me to the course.  I shot 64 for nine my first time out.  Don't remember which tees.  Now I love the range, but I only have time two days a week but am there or at the course on both of those days.

[Mr. Desmond]

You know you're ready if mentally, you don't mind picking up on a hole if you're holding up play.

One can play badly, but play fast - I do it all the time. lol.

I'm a range rat when changing swings, as I'm doing now. But I also know that I need to play to check my progress on the swing. Play also points out shortcomings in the short game. On the bright side, play allows you to assess your success. :-)

[JarrettL]

I just started 1 month ago. I hit the range the first weekend and worked on getting comfortable. The practice range is located at a par 3 course that is really relaxed. After that weekend I bought cheap golf clubs and went to the range again. I Felt like I was making good enough contact to give it a try on the par 3 course. I knew I wasn't going to be good but I just decided I wouldn't hold anyone up. My score was terrible. Par is 29 I shot a 44. I had a great time though. Nobody got upset with me and I got to play 9 holes. I think once you get over your nerves of being new it's easier to play a round of golf. I'm a little more confident since I played a few rounds.  That's the only advice I can give since I'm new but I hope it helps.

[realed]

I started playing when I was 24 after coming back from Iraq in 2004. I bought a set of Ping I3+ and a copy of "Golf For Dummies". I think it was by Gary McCord. Pretty funny now that I think back on it. Anyways, I was determined to learn and read the book religiously and went to the range almost everyday for about 4 months before I decided I was ready to try the course. Anyways, I was able to break 100 in about a month and lingered around the mid to upper 90s for the next few months and finally decided to get a package of 5 lessons. Had a total swing makeover...hardest thing was getting rid of my reverse pivot. After 2 lessons within a month I was able to consistently break 90. Fast forward...now I have kids and for the past 4-5 years I have averaged 1 round of golf a year. This April after not swinging a club in almost 2 years I found some time to work on my swing again at the range once a week. I was determined to break 100 which is my goal every year when I get to play that one round. Anyways, I shot a 91 in July and look forward to break 90 come September when I plan to play every weekend. Although I haven't played much I have learned much about the golf swing from this site and find myself practicing my form at home every now and then. This site has been a great resource.