Complete Beginner: Hello!

[Dornenglanz]

Hello all!

I'm from Hampshire, England, 40 yrs old, complete beginner.  I played a little bit of pitch and putt when I was a teenager, but before this week, I'd never hit a club other than a cheap 9 iron or a cheap putter.

Went out with a friend and colleague early this week, and played 9 holes.  Had a splendid time.  Of course my shots were mostly hopeless, but one or two went where I wanted, and my putting was surprisingly good.

I went to see a local club/course, and they have a 3 month offer, which I think I will take up.  I played 9 holes there by myself on Friday.  My driving and long shots were mostly awful - either topped, or hugely sliced.  Mid length shots from the fairway with irons were also mostly topped or hit the ground and the ball trickled a few feet!  Closer to the green when I used a wedge, the shots were much better, and one or two did exactly what I wanted, including one where I chipped the ball to land at the top of a bank and roll down to near the hole.

Putting was good - I putted in 2 on 7/9 holes, putted in 1 (from about 12 feet away) one, and in 3 the last.

Yesterday I went to the driving range, to see if I could get a feel for hitting the ball.  Hit a hundred or so balls with driver, 3 wood, and 6 iron.  More than half were hopeless, but a fair few went in the air, a decent distance, and more or less in the direction I wanted!

I have a lesson with a pro on wednesday - I figured it'd be worth getting a few lessons before I learn bad habits.

At the moment I'm using my friend's old clubs - Callaway Big Bertha X14 I think, and a Taylor Made driver.  If I stay interested, I'll get some of my own.

Hopefully this forum will be a useful place for me to learn?  I'll likely record some of my swings and shots, and upload them for comment.

I don't see myself wanting to play competitively - just for fun / social / business.  But I'd like to feel like I was making a little improvement over time.

[Shindig]

Welcome to the forum.  I was fairly close to your experience level when I joined and I've gotten a ton of help here since then (and have given some).  

The hopeless ones happen;  don't let them get you down.  But watch as they decrease as you practice well. 

[14ledo81]

Welcome to TST!!

[jamo]

Welcome to The Sand Trap!