muellator

I think it was, first year golfing since elementary school, was shooting in the 110s at the beggining of the season, shot 4 rounds in a row in the 90s, with a 93 yesterday (42 on the back nine).

It's never "all quiet" though. There's birds chirping, bugs buzzing around you, wind blowing the leaves. You need to learn to focus on your swing and not the things around you. I'll play with my buds and one of them will put the cart in reverse so it beeps during the downswing, doesn't make a difference.

I don't understand how people talking/yelling can distract someone, how can it be that hard to lose your focus?

No one is that bad at gauging smaller distances, you only see drives from behind, it's harder to estimate, and people usually over-estimate for their ego.

I notice it helps me relax, but if I have too many, I get lazy and rush things (reading putts, for example). I need to find the perfect medium.

Shot a 110, 5th time out, missed a 1 footer for a par (yes choke) and had a few pretty bad mishits (couple nasty slices, wind didn't help though). Had a few really solid drives, would have had more had I focused on my swing more. I've made a lot of improvements overall though. http://www.oobgolf.com/golfers/score.php?id=400324

Use a towel to wipe down the grips, get a rain hood for your bag. Water is a part of the game. I don't understand what you're saying, do you hold the umbrella over your clubs, that seems a little impractical.

Since I'm more or less just starting out golf this year, goals are hard to say since I haven't actually golfed since grade 9 (about 6 years ago). 1) Average scores of mid-low 90s 2) Get a birdie 3) No more slicing (though I may have sorted this out in the two times I've been to the range this year) 4) Increase distance while hitting straight

None are really necessary, ball mark repair tools, you can use a tee to repair ball marks on greens, golf gloves and shoes aren't necessary, though, they can help. I like wearing a golf glove, helps me hold the club lighter, shoes help too, but runners would work just fine. Headcovers are nice for woods or putters, but they usually come with the clubs. Umbrella you won't need if you know how to use the weather network, and wear rain gear if it's going to rain, its just water. Tees you'll want.

I'm just getting back into the game again too, not as big of a gap as you though. I played back in elementary school, but haven't played since the summer after Grade 8. I'm 20 now, but one of the ranges just opened up a couple weeks ago and I've gone a few times. I picked up a used set of TaylorMade Firesole Woods and Burner LCG Irons. Had a couple Goliath (Canadian clone company) wedges, and I just bought a Yes Callie Forged Putter. I'll be looking to get a new driver this season, and possibly some wedges, but it just feels good to hit a ball again, and surprisingly they haven't been too bad haha. None of the courses have opened up yet, but hopefully they will next week...but it just snowed a bit an hour ago... I was never a great golfer, but I'm going to be going to the range a lot this year and put some effort in.

Just go walking/running in the morning too, walk every 2nd time or something when you play. Just don't make excuses not to walk, there are benches if you really need to sit inbetween holes.

gjdm, go hit some balls in the woods

can't wait to see you on tour brah, just don't get caught using dat dere cell tech

I saw these discounted too, about 1/3 the normal sticker price of 299.99. Didn't dig the dial, I might have thought it was cool in grade 3, but then again, I had those shoes with the red LEDs...

Definitely check out the previous year's models too. If you're lucky enough to find something in your size, you can usually get a mad deal on a great shoe.