IceMike

Day 6 Back onto the backswing, shape seems to be better but unable to hit the range to see output so 'theoretical improvement', still some inconsistency with back elbow angle but improvements. Beginning to look at how to shift weight on downswing to ensure this isnt lost before contact.

Day 5 Bit if a niggle in my right side after over practising backswing yesterday so giving it the day to ease. A switch to putting and trying to control pace.

I dont watch enough golf to really care who owns PGA or unifies it all etc but if it goes ahead then those who remained loyal to PGA are getting screwed and deserve a payout of some kind. I understood the appeal of a LIV payout to those on a tailend of a career looking to play less and earn but for me it was always going to be a retirement division - regardless of age etc

Day 4 Still working on backswing trying to limit the bend in my elbow/wrist. Found when controlling my elbow more (capped to 90) my wrist was over extending which means far more correction on down swing and more twist. Breaking it into stages and just holding form to get a proper feel for positioning.

Day 3 Following some great feedback on my awful swing technique this will he my focus. Managed my setup/approach and that is feeling more natural, focusing on shoulder twist whilst keeping hips flat as this doesnt feel comfortable (partly due to a back issue). Spent time working through the backswing in stages.

I've been Playing Golf for: Day 1 My current handicap index or average score is: Unknown My typical ball flight is: 80-120yds The shot I hate or the "miss" I'm trying to reduce/eliminate is: Achieve more consistency Videos: Carrying an ankle injury (leading leg) and a lower back issue. According to the camera a few extra lbs aswell. Planning to update bi-weekly and hopefully get more consistent contact so I feel comfortable stepping on the course.

Day 2: Time at the range First opportunity to try and swing and hit a ball at range - woefully bad. Varied through Driver/3wood/5wood/6-8-9iron. As expected alot of whiffs and slices. Longest hit was around 175 with the Driver from the tee, got a 130 with the 3wood from the floor. Cleanest hit by far was a 9iron to around 125y dead center. Lots to focus on before I head back down next week, mainly maintaining shape through the swing and avoiding addition wrist movement that was causing a few slices, didnt hook much but only had 50balls this week

That was what through me off initially as XPutt is a game for l golf clubhouses etc I think Exputt is probably out of my budget for the foreseable, the second hand clubs I picked up will do me for a while but i'll need to replace in parts relatively soon, probably throughout next summer and I dont want to push my luck with my wifes support of my interest. With that said the cost of putting matts that cover the more advanced elements are in the ~£150 range so going for the Exputt would make more sense once im set club wise.

Day 1 Clubs arrived last night so I can finally start my journey. Whilst I've done some chipping/putting I set myself a clear focus for today. Get comfortable with a grip, position of the club across the palm - tried different finger positions found the interlock felt more comfortable for me. Also some early stage swing work trying to understand and be more aware of the wrist movement.

Just checking im not missing something, that looks like an arcade machine? Or is it something else? Fun sidenote: bought an adjustable cup to aim at and ended up buying a chipping net for the garden, figure i cant do much damage to my garden at this point

I'll do mine and buck the golf trend. As a Welsh lad I imagine my sports/selections will be a bit different Golf: Rory Rugby: Adam Jones Basketball: Jordan Ice Hockey: Frank Pietrangelo My personal rushmore. Rory over Tiger as although Tiger was great for the sport his off-field antics etc have a negative impact. Rory to me is a great rep. Adam Jones was a tough call vs Leigh Halfpenny but both national treasures. Jordan just because of work rate over his years, immense athlete and good attitude throughout. Imagine most dont know Frank, he played for Manchester Storm when I was about 12. He was the main goal tender for my first few live games then he got injured and was in the box next to us. Spent the entire game chatting to me, signing my jersey, he defined a player of the people to me. Far beyond what you just see on the ice.

Thanks for this, just picked up a second hand set of lh clubs for £50 (inc some balls/tee's) so i'll be in a position to do this come Friday and potentially some funds towards a better surface as needed moving forward.

Seeking guidance from the collective wisdom of experienced players. I am still struggling with a back&ankle injury but keen to start my journey with some home putting practice so when I head to the course it's a smoother transition. Looking for drills I can do at home, ideally on carpet/laminate (garden would be considered dee rough), I dont have any special cup/greeb equipment but if you can recommend cheap options I'll take a look. Space is finite best areas would be around 8-10x3ft. Previously checked drills but all seem to be more on the green or bigger areas.

From a newbie perspective I can only comment on how accessible it is now for me. Acquiring clubs - one off expense to begin, understandably necessary and second hand will do the job (a little harder for a left hander). Not a major obstacle and most local clubs allow you to hire them for a round. Green fees are quite high on alot of nearby courses but membership isnt (if you consider bi-weekly play for 4hrs, 8months a year its less than £35 a round inc fees/club) more reasonable if you play more frequently. Also saw a local Stonehaven course which looks great and is £50 for visitors. Lessons here are around £30 an hour or hire the simulator for £10 an hour. Reasonable cost to experience it and get a feel. Apparrel is the unusual one, you dont hire it or typically get second hand so its a one off expense, typically quite restrictive so wont get much use outside of golf (if you dont stick at it) and the cost can be quite high to fully kit out (I priced at half the cost of the new beginner clubs) Whereas realistically does it matter if you play golf wearing three quarter length gym trousers or cargo pants? Provided your shoots dont damage the ground it seems unnecessarily prohibitive. Especially when its for course not club. I currently have an ankle/back injury so able to ease in and spread my cost. Likely take advantage of reduced winter membership which will bring my initial outlay to £900 for apparel, clubs (new), membership, 3hrs coaching + simulator time. As opposed to £1400 if i jumped in peak season. Not sure about the average golfer but I dont tend to have that much disposable income for my hobbies.

Following on from the advice here I had a chat with the local club pro. He's able to support me even as left handed which is a positive Im currently with a physio for my back so no golf for atleast 6weeks, however he suggested a couple of lessons to give me the basics then practise on the range. They have a studio I can book for £10/hr to give me some feedback on how im progressing beyond the range (and find my club range). Then I can pop in a refresher with them before I head onto the course. Cant wait to get started, for now though need to focus on fixing my back so I can move forward pain free (hopefully)

Thanks for the feedback, I'll be honest I hadn't given much thought to lessons with the pro. I saw online that alot struggle with left handed players so I just went on a video binge to pick up some basics. I've reached out to the club now to enquire if they can support me and if not guide me to another nearby club that can (theirs a dozen courses within 20miles). The site I was reading recommended 3 lessons to start to get the fundementals, does this seem right to you? I've also enquired on membership options, the last few years although its got cold our conditions havent been to bad and at £150 for 6months, 4 of which should be somewhat playable I feel thats a fairly solid intro price, but if the membership is pro-rata I could possibly bring the timeline forward to get some actual sun in.

Hi guys, Enjoyed reading around the forum, blog and alot of videos and the sky sports golf channel over the last few days and im a little obsessed (and overwhelmed) so seeking guidance. Ive never played before but picked out some golf clubs (not ordered yet) - Callaway Strata 18pc set (LH) I was looking at my local course and the membership options etc, they offer a Winter membership from Oct-Mar which is hugely discounted. Given I have no experience does it make sense to spend June-Sept on the on the range and local putting green before tackling the course. Finally, Ive read alot about handicaps and for now I dont know any other players so initially I will do solo rounds (or random pairings), but to get an official handicap I need a full membership, would it make sense to stay course only for a year or two (and track unofficially) until im more comfortable or would you recommend diving in full hog from the outset? Appreciate any help and hope Ive posted in the right place

Hello everyone, Thought the best place to start would be an intro thread. I'm 35 and considering my options to take up the game of sport. Over the last few years (since covid) i noticed my weight steadily increasing as my activity declined until I cracked 21st (133.4kg). Determined to make a change and introduce some positive traits Ive quit smoking (17months and counting) and this year began regularly attending a gym at min 3 times a week. I'll be starting to play Rugby next season for my local team but felt I needed something that would get me active and moving around nailing that 10k steps. I've always found golf games (computer) relaxing and love me a golf movie (tin cup, baggervance, greatest game ever played etc) but never really swung a club, despite living close to 2 courses. My wife suggested I pick up some clubs and see what I thought. Currently on the hunt for some lefties locally so I can try out the range/putting green and get a feel for it before I invest in a new set and full membership. As the only reference for my skill level I did minigolf and scored 28 on 9holes at the weekend. So consider me a very blank slate, who has no idea what an open/closed stance is, what to use where or even how to adjust where I stand for different shot types etc Keen to learn and get active (and according to early research, go a little more crazy each week)

To get some clubs and actually take a shot at the game in real life. Enjoy golf games since playing on the Megadrive about 25ish years ago but never played. This year ive been getting more active to shift some weight and take up Rugby next season, thought I'd give golf a try to aid in getting up and out more frequently. Fortunately live 5min from Arbroath Golf Links and a short drive from Carnoustie Links