Newbie

[hippyman]

Hi, I feel kind of awkward posting on here, having never played anything above putt-putt, but everyone has to start somewhere.  Anyway, I'm 32 years old, single, and a bodybuilder/weightlifter by trade.  I have been finding myself drawn to golf lately, for some odd reason.  I don't know what it is, but my problem is, nobody I know golfs, so I have no idea how to get started.  Can anyone give me some advice?

[14ledo81]

Welcome to TST!!

 

I would suggest trying a driving range first.  Many will have a few clubs you can try.  That way you can see if you like it before you put a lot of money towards it.

 

[boogielicious]

10 minutes ago, hippyman said:

Hi, I feel kind of awkward posting on here, having never played anything above putt-putt, but everyone has to start somewhere.  Anyway, I'm 32 years old, single, and a bodybuilder/weightlifter by trade.  I have been finding myself drawn to golf lately, for some odd reason.  I don't know what it is, but my problem is, nobody I know golfs, so I have no idea how to get started.  Can anyone give me some advice?

Welcome to The Sand Trap. There are a few ways. First, I would recommend going to a local driving range. They usually have clubs there for you to use. Watch some of the other folks there hitting balls and then try to hit some. I would start with a driver. 

Being a body builder, you are obviously strong. But don't try to muscle your swing. Start by swinging easy, with short backswings and 50% downswings. The focus is to make good contact. Power will come later.

Then switch to an iron. I recommend a 7 or 8 if they have one. Do the same this. Easy swings, shorter backswing and make good contact.

This will give you a sense of golf and you will find out if you enjoy it.

[hippyman]

7 hours ago, 14ledo81 said:

Welcome to TST!!

 

I would suggest trying a driving range first.  Many will have a few clubs you can try.  That way you can see if you like it before you put a lot of money towards it.

 

Stupid question...Would most country clubs have a driving range where I could rent clubs, or are those 2 seperate things?

Edited March 9, 2016 by hippyman

[DaveP043]

Most "country clubs" are private clubs, They're not likely to let you use their facilities.  On the other hand, almost all public stand-alone driving ranges will have clubs you can borrow.  Many public golf courses will have an attached driving range, and may have clubs you can use on the range.

Good luck, and welcome to our world of addiction!

[hippyman]

7 minutes ago, DaveP043 said:

Most "country clubs" are private clubs, They're not likely to let you use their facilities.  On the other hand, almost all public stand-alone driving ranges will have clubs you can borrow.  Many public golf courses will have an attached driving range, and may have clubs you can use on the range.

Good luck, and welcome to our world of addiction!

Here's where I get confused.  A few years ago, our country club "opened up" to the public, due to lacking membership.  I've been to the restaurant a couple of times, but I'm not sure if they opened anything else up, like the course.

[pumaAttack]

2 minutes ago, hippyman said:

Here's where I get confused.  A few years ago, our country club "opened up" to the public, due to lacking membership.  I've been to the restaurant a couple of times, but I'm not sure if they opened anything else up, like the course.

 

Some Country Clubs will allow public use.  It really depends on the club, and yes it usually means they are hurting financially.  

If you can join there, without paying the huge initiation fees, that would be a good deal.  The club near me had summer memberships for like $250 a month, for all you can golf.

[DaveP043]

18 minutes ago, hippyman said:

Here's where I get confused.  A few years ago, our country club "opened up" to the public, due to lacking membership.  I've been to the restaurant a couple of times, but I'm not sure if they opened anything else up, like the course.

In that case, all I can suggest is that you call the pro shop and ask.   I bet they'll be helpful, especially if it means a chance of getting a new customer or member.