tigerstripes

you're right that the body no longer forces your hands to turn over, but the body also does not dictate what your hands do unless you've got hands coming out of your man boobs.

I would try to learn on an iron (say 5 iron) rather than a driver, since you have to learn to "hit down" on the ball and "pinch" it. It'd be much easier to learn on an iron and translate the swing to hit a driver than vice versa since you hit slighty on the upswing for a driver. If you learn to swing with a driver, you will most likey also try to hit your irons on the upswing and you'll be a big mess. You will also hit many more iron shots on the course than a driver. Just my 2 pennies. Great to hear there's a new golf addict there, welcome to the club.

The idea is to feel the sensation of your right hand turning over left hand. Don't knock it until you've tried it 4sshat.

Take regular stance, then rotate your body clockwise (if RH) so your feet are now perpendicular to your target line so your back is facing your target. Then make practice swings down that original line along the left side of your body. It'll force you to turn your right hand over through the impact zone. Make practice swings like this, then take your regular stance parallel to the target line and hit the ball.

Nope ball doesn't matter as a beginner, what does matter is the number of balls you will lose. Perhaps a yellow or pink ball is the way to go.

My biggest problem with long irons is that I stand too far away from the ball. Try standing in closer to it at address and see what happens.

Those kids are only 15 years old, when I was 15 i didn't care about any of that crap, all I cared about were cars and girls. (and yes, I played golf at 15) I didn't care to learn swing technicalities until well after college. Anyways, to answer your question, I put myself at a 6 on your scale.

Titleist FTW!!!

I see it as physics, and understanding how to consistently deliver the clubhead to the ball through the use of simple motions. Not many people understand what's going on in the swing to know what they're doing wrong... But to answer your question, I think to: 1. develop a repeatable swing is more hand-eye coordination and understanding the swing. 2. score well (HC < 6) you need practice your butt off.

I play SC detour 34". Pro's: it's secksie. Cons: can't actually mash potatoes with it.

That would indeed cause spin leading to a hook. Fix/alter your grip, you'll be all set.

Ya, and he scored a vulture on it according to his scorecard.

I would first figure out what your budget is and plan around that or else you could end up spending waaay too much. If you need to get some equipment and a few lessons, I'd say about $400-500 is minimum you want to start out with as it would get you a decent set of clubs and some lessons. There are a few ways to approach this. What I did when I started out is I purchased all my clubs used and in an orderly fashion. First, buy the irons (used), a golf bag (new), and a putter (either), as these are the 3 essential items you'll need to play on the course...along with a ball of course. As you get better and more experienced, buy a 5 wood, a 3 wood, and finally (most importantly LAST) is the driver. Or, if you decide you suck and want to quit, you haven't really bought all that much equipment and you can limit your losses to half a set of clubs. I'd try to find a nice used set of Silver Scott 845's, Ben Hogan's, RAM's, Taylor Mades, etc. You can probably buy new Dunlops in that range. Typically, I find that the package deals where you get all the clubs for $200 turn out to be really cheap and break. Get less stuff for $200 (read: don't feel like you have to buy every club for your bag now), but get quality stuff. Then once you get a hankerin for some golf, get some shoes, a nice pair of knickers, an argyle sweater vest, and a kangol hat or two. Given your age and size, I highly recommend that you purchase irons with steel shaft (stay away from graphite), and ask the guy at the store (golf store, asking someone at Target will get you blank stares) to match you with either Stiff or Regular flex shafts (I would recommend regular if you're new and learning). You said. "Well to start I would like to learn enough that I can go out and play some golf without making myself look like a complete fool." Believe it or not, looking like a fool on the golf course is all about attitude. If you're a prick who tosses clubs around after a bad shot or swears all the time, you'll be a fool. If you have a great attitude, do your best to have fun and enjoy yourself just being out there, you'll look like the coolest dude ever. Good Luck.

Well, if it makes any difference, I've learned that Mizuno is forged in Japan and Titleist is forged in China. Japan forged > China forged Not sure about TM, prolly Germany or something. I play the 690.CBs and I like them a lot. My next set will be TM's or Mizuno's for sure. Good luck.

I'm a big fan of the Ben Hogan Tour Deep balls, my alternative for when I'm at the pro-shop and the Pro-V1s are marked up 250%.