Golf Help!
 

Hey Guys,

Well, on Friday I'm playing golf, for my first time. I've wanted to learn for a while now -- but I'm fairly petrified of destroying the course. I need as many hints as you can throw towards me! Gman gave me some great advice.

-Dont try to hit the ball hard at first.
-Stay loose
-Etc

Re: Golf Help!
 

If you have time, go hit a bucket today and tomorrow to hone down your swing, so at least you know where it's going to go when you hit the course on Friday.

The other thing to focus on is keeping your head down. For me, I usually pick a spot on the ground behind where the ball is teed up. During your backswing and foreswing, do not take your eye off that spot. Once you're done your follow through, bring your head up to see where the ball went. I tend to bring my head up way too early, so this helps me stay focused on keeping my head down. Again, if you can go hit today and/or tomorrow, that will help you get a feel for your swing.

Just have fun. It's your first time. Keep score, but don't worry about the outcome. You are not going to be Tiger Woods coming out of the shoot. If you can break 120 for 18 (60 for 9), you'll be doing just fine.

Re: Golf Help!
 

Yeah, apparently they're all bad and they're okay with my just picking up my ball if Im holding up the group behind us.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;599831]Hey Guys,

Well, on Friday I'm playing golf, for my first time. I've wanted to learn for a while now -- [B]but I'm fairly petrified of destroying the course[/B]. I need as many hints as you can throw towards me! Gman gave me some great advice.

-Dont try to hit the ball hard at first.
-Stay loose
-Etc[/quote]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]First of all good luck...you are going to need it. You are going to be so worried about the rest of the stuff going on that you would forget any Golf tips that can be provided to you right now. In all honesty you will probably slow down play considerably and will focus all your attention on trying to speed up so that you are not hindering others. This may include rushing shots and even running across the course to pick up your one of the 7 balls that you just shanked off of the tee. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The most important thing that you can understand right now is courtesy. Take any necessary steps that you can so that you are still having a good time but not killing the day for the rest of the golfers out there. Some examples are as follow.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Don't hit anything more than 1 provisional shot off of the tee and only do it if it is absolutely necessary. If you can’t get a good shot off after two attempts the just drop with one of your buddies.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]When you do drop, drop it in the fairway so that you are giving yourself a chance to hit a decent shot. There is nothing more frustrating than watching a newbie hack away in the trees for 3 minutes.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Do not rush in front of the guys that you are playing with to find your ball. I know that it helps speed up the game but some guys are anal about that sort of thing because it distracts them while they are hitting.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Never spend more than 3 min looking for a ball. Buy lots of balls, you will need them.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Taking your time while hitting will save you time in the long run. Concentrate more on your shot and less time trying to speed up.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Don't worry about keeping an accurate score...you aren't good enough for that yet. Picking up as soon as you realize that you can do no better than a tripple bogie helps save time and frustration.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Finally, as far as the bolded statement goes. You are paying for green fees, so essentially you are paying to destroy the course. Just do your best to fix and fill divots and rake the sand pits.[/FONT][/COLOR]

Re: Golf Help!
 

The biggest fundamental in all of golf is to keep your head still. Through the backswing and the downswing, your head should never move. Imagine your head is fixed on a stake, and your shoulders hips and arms all rotate around it.

If your head moves your eyes move, and that makes it appear like the ball is moving. Hard to hit a moving target. Keep that head still and it's half the battle.

Re: Golf Help!
 

The first thing you should do is GO TAKE GOLF LESSONS. Sure you can learn to hit the ball OK on your own but to play consitent golf you need to learn a proper swing. Why do the pros have a coach that follows them to every event and watches them warm up before each round? I play golf with a bunch of guys who have played golf a long time but they have never really had any lessons so I take their money 99.99% of the time and they never get any better even with all the golf they play. Sure you can hit buckets of balls but if you do not have a decent swing you are just waisting your time and learning bad habits. Take those lessons and hit some balls then take some more lessons and then take a few leasons every year. This will make playing golf alot more fun and I'll bet you anything you will be beating you buddies who play golf and never had a lesson in a short time. Ther are things you will learn by just getting out on the course that you cannot learn from a lesson but those lessons will help you with that learning curve. This will not help you this Friday but it will help you for years to come and that the real goal here. Others say just keep your head down but if you do not have a good swing that does not help very much.

Re: Golf Help!
 

FD -- I definitely plan on taking lessons, but this outing is a bit last minute. Im just trying to get some basics. I will certainly take that advice though. My friend worked at a golf club and played a ton and gave me some pointers a while ago, but I was still pretty bad... Before I go much further, I will get lessons, definitely.

Angry, if I'm one thing, it's courteous. I know that's hard to believe here on TWP, but I'm often over concerned with trying to be polite and fair with others. So I have no issues picking up my ball and taking a 0. I think they've put a few of us on a team expected to do awful -- so we wont mess up any of the more competitive players. I don't mind picking up my ball and taking a 500, or whatever the absolute worst you can have.

Thanks for the advice, Ive been reading that keeping your head still and your body relaxed is important. I think Gman's advice about not trying to really drive the ball is important. I don't think Ill use my driver at all.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Schneed10;599875]The biggest fundamental in all of golf is to keep your head still. Through the backswing and the downswing, your head should never move. Imagine your head is fixed on a stake, and your shoulders hips and arms all rotate around it.

If your head moves your eyes move, and that makes it appear like the ball is moving. Hard to hit a moving target. Keep that head still and it's half the battle.[/quote]

Why was this the third tip?

Moving your head is probably the cause of 85+% of bad shots hit on a golf course. If you're moving your head, most of your body is moving and that destroys your swing.

Keep your head down, looking at the ball and watch yourself make contact. If you can do that, everything else will be much easier in the future.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;599942]FD -- I definitely plan on taking lessons, but this outing is a bit last minute. Im just trying to get some basics. I will certainly take that advice though. My friend worked at a golf club and played a ton and gave me some pointers a while ago, [B]but I was still pretty bad[/B]... Before I go much further, I will get lessons, definitely.

Angry, if I'm one thing, it's courteous. I know that's hard to believe here on TWP, but I'm often over concerned with trying to be polite and fair with others. So I have no issues picking up my ball and taking a 0. I think they've put a few of us on a team expected to do awful -- so we wont mess up any of the more competitive players. I don't mind picking up my ball and taking a 500, or whatever the absolute worst you can have.

Thanks for the advice, Ive been reading that keeping your head still and your body relaxed is important. I think Gman's advice about not trying to really drive the ball is important. I don't think Ill use my driver at all.[/quote]

Don't worry about that, even most of the "good" golfers at any course are still pretty bad in the long run.

Golf is simultaneously the most fun and most frustrating/difficult thing one can do, but you'll definitely have a shot or two that make you come back every time.

Re: Golf Help!
 

I dont play as much golf as I used to (used to be 3-4 times a week). all the tips aoubt keeping you head still, and keeping your eyes on the ball, not swinging to hard and letting the club do the work for you are true but hard to really ingrain into your swing if you're just starting out.

so my advice is two things:

1) dont be embarrassed or nervous aobut other people watching you swing/tee off. you are going to look bad, sometimes missing the ball entirely or dribbling it 10 feet in front of you. the best thing to do imo is to stay loose, happy to just enjoy the nice weather. if you get frustrated or embarrassed at not being a good golfer the first time you play its not going to be a fun outing. after i would have a bad shot/tee off i would make a joke, laugh or buy a beer. after a bad shot do me mindful that you should try and address and advance your ball as soon as possible.

and

2) THIS IS IMPORTANT IMO: find a comfort club and use it ALOT. its probaly going to be around a 7 iron for you. go to the range, hit alot of balls and try to find 1 comfort club you feel comfortable swinging and getting good contact on. on a bad day i would tee off with nothing less than a 4 iron sometimes. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TEE OFF WITH A 6 or 7 IRON, 150 yds relatively straight with good loft will make you feel a whole lot better than dribbling the ball 10 feet in front of you with a driver.

good luck!!

Re: Golf Help!
 

As Firstdown has already iterated, swing mechanics is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can learn. When you have a good swing, the game is fun....allegedly. If you do not, it not nearly as much fun and can make for some very long rounds.
SEE A TEACHING PRO. If you do not, you will probably never have a good swing. Most of all have fun. As has already been mentioned, be courteous to the other guys.
There is way to much you need to know (but you will learn) to do it here. It is by far the greatest game and better yet, you can play til' you die.
Good Luck!

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;599942]FD -- I definitely plan on taking lessons, but this outing is a bit last minute. Im just trying to get some basics. I will certainly take that advice though. My friend worked at a golf club and played a ton and gave me some pointers a while ago, but I was still pretty bad... Before I go much further, I will get lessons, definitely.

Angry, if I'm one thing, it's courteous. I know that's hard to believe here on TWP, but I'm often over concerned with trying to be polite and fair with others. So I have no issues picking up my ball and taking a 0. I think they've put a few of us on a team expected to do awful -- so we wont mess up any of the more competitive players. I don't mind picking up my ball and taking a 500, or whatever the absolute worst you can have.

Thanks for the advice, Ive been reading that keeping your head still and your body relaxed is important. I think Gman's advice about not trying to really drive the ball is important. I don't think Ill use my driver at all.[/quote]

Are you playing in a FL Best Ball Tournament? Also at this point in your game your not suppose to take anything over a tripple boggy.

Re: Golf Help!
 

I might be the only person who chimes in here saying that my few experiences with golf were the worst times I've ever spent doing something supposedly fun.

I've played three times, taking a LOT of care to be courteous to other players, but each time I went and tried to learn, someone was screaming at me from three hundred yards away for hitting in the rough on THEIR course. Sure, I'm bad, but I can't learn if I don't try. It was a horrendous experience for me and each time was a different course and each time almost everyone there acted like they were better than me and were more concerned with bothering a rookie than caring about themselves.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;600127]I might be the only person who chimes in here saying that my few experiences with golf were the worst times I've ever spent doing something supposedly fun.

I've played three times, taking a LOT of care to be courteous to other players, but each time I went and tried to learn, someone was screaming at me from three hundred yards away for hitting in the rough on THEIR course. Sure, I'm bad, but I can't learn if I don't try. It was a horrendous experience for me and each time was a different course and each time almost everyone there acted like they were better than me and were more concerned with bothering a rookie than caring about themselves.[/quote]

Some people can be an ass on the course but it is also hard as a new golfer to know all the rules and how to be courteous. This summer I have played several times with a new golfer and I tell them I'm not trying to tell them what to do just explaining to them what to and not to do on the course. It helps to play with someone to show you around the course. For example if you hit your ball over on their hole you have three things you can do. 1 If your too far out for them to hit you proceed to your ball and hit your shot and get out of the way. 2) go to the edge of the fairway area and look back to see if they will wave you out to hit your shot. 3) If they are hitting wait out of the way and when they are done go take your shot. Don't let a few a$$ holes keep you from a great sport that you can play for pretty much the rest of your life.

Re: Golf Help!
 

I think a lot of that will be minimized by the size of our particular group. We are playing best ball tourny, mind explaining what that is for me?

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;600137]I think a lot of that will be minimized by the size of our particular group. We are playing best ball tourny, mind explaining what that is for me?[/quote]
Essentially each player plays his own ball through the hole and the "best" of the group is used on the card.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Hog1;600149]Essentially each player plays his own ball through the hole and the "best" of the group is used on the card.[/quote]

Eh...I'd think it's probably more of a scramble format. That's become the new "best ball."

It's probably going to be that you all hit a shot and then you all play your next shot from the best out of that.

For example:
4 players hit their drive and only Player B hit a decent shot. All 4 players will then hit their next shot from where Player B's ball ended up.

It will either be that format or what Hog1 described, but in my experience recently, "best ball" has replaced the term "scramble."

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=jdlea;600222]Eh...I'd think it's probably more of a scramble format. That's become the new "best ball."

It's probably going to be that you all hit a shot and then you all play your next shot from the best out of that.

For example:
4 players hit their drive and only Player B hit a decent shot. All 4 players will then hit their next shot from where Player B's ball ended up.

It will either be that format or what Hog1 described, but in my experience recently, "best ball" has replaced the term "scramble."[/quote]
I hear you. Actually if it is a "scramble", it is a lot of fun to play, plays fast, and will [B]SERIOUSLY MINIMIZE[/B] your......newbie challenges. You will have a much better time with much of the pressure to perform removed. AND, your team may well use some of your shots during the round.
It may also have a "shotgun start" where each group spreads out over the entire course with each team starting on a different hole simultaneously. It will be fun......

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=jdlea;600222]Eh...I'd think it's probably more of a scramble format. That's become the new "best ball."

It's probably going to be that you all hit a shot and then you all play your next shot from the best out of that.

For example:
4 players hit their drive and only Player B hit a decent shot. All 4 players will then hit their next shot from where Player B's ball ended up.

It will either be that format or what Hog1 described, but in my experience recently, "best ball" has replaced the term "scramble."[/quote]

I'd say it your first example with all players hitting their next shot from players B shot. This format will make it much easier for you to play if you have a few decent golfers in your group. When putting you may want to offer to putt first if the other golfers are better. Sense all of you will be putting from the same spot this will allow the better golfers to watch your putt and get a feel for how the ball will break. When we play we always go from the worse golfer to the best on every shot.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;600137]I think a lot of that will be minimized by the size of our particular group. We are playing best ball tourny, mind explaining what that is for me?[/quote]


Everybody hits one from the tee. Then everybody plays one shot from where the best ball landed. This process continues until the team has put the ball in the hole. You only count the best ball strokes not the number of strokes that you took alltogether.

Example:

Tim hit the best drive. Everybody goes and hits from where Tims ball landed. Ted hit the best second shot and landed on the green; everbody putts from where Ted's ball landed. Mark sinks the put on his first try. The score for this hole is a 3.

Re: Golf Help!
 

Scrambles are definitely fun to play in regardless of your skill level. If you have 1 person who is consistently decent on a group of 4 you'll play fairly well regardless of what the other 3 do.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=jdlea;600350]Scrambles are definitely fun to play in regardless of your skill level. If you have 1 person who is consistently decent on a group of 4 you'll play fairly well regardless of what the other 3 do.[/quote]
Last year I played in one and the three guys playing with me all worked for the same Co. and all had to work and backed out. I had to scramble to find a team. I had a kid who was 21 and played little golf, a lady who plays ok, and an older guy who was getting up in age and just an OK golfer. After 9 holes we were 10 under par with a whole lot of luck in the mix. The bad news was that it pourd down ran so we never got the chance to finish the round and they just raffled off the prizes. Also alot of these thing get flighted after all the score cards are turned in so everyone has a chance to win something.

Re: Golf Help!
 

You could play as bad as you can tomorrow and it has to be better then reading some of these threads and post.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=firstdown;600489]You could play as bad as you can tomorrow and it has to be better then reading some of these threads and post.[/quote]

speak.......for yourself...........

Re: Golf Help!
 

Don't have golf shoes, any suggestions for appropriate shoes?

Re: Golf Help!
 

Also, any suggestions on number of tees/balls to take?

Re: Golf Help!
 

Stay medium.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;600530]Don't have golf shoes, any suggestions for appropriate shoes?[/quote]
Talk to your compadres for shoes. You can probably get away with your favorite tennis shoes. Some better courses get a little finicky about people o the greens without "golf shoes" but you should be ok. If your boys are not familiar with the course and rules, call the club house at the course and ask.
You can buy a bag of tee's at the course if need, they are cheap. If I were you, I would take a dozen balls....maybe a few more if possible. AND, if possible, get some "range balls", or previously owned balls, used? You are going to lose a few if there is ANY substancial wooded area's or water hazards. You DO NOT want to be losing balls all day a $2 a hit? Much better to lose used balls @ .25.....

Re: Golf Help!
 

As Hog1 said, comfortable tennis shoes will be fine. If you have time, hit up your local sporting goods store and buy a bag of tees for less than $3. While you're there, get yourself a box of golf balls (no need to get anything expensive, don't pay more than $20 for a dozen+) then once you hit the club house, hit up the used ball bin and get yourself another 6-12.

If anything, ask your buddies if you can borrow tees instead of buying them there at the course. I usually carry a spare bag of tees just to have extra.

Re: Golf Help!
 

Well, looks like my trip is canceled. I setup to meet this guy for some clubs this morning and he didn't show and the course doesn't rent them. Craigslist failed me. Oh well, gives me some time to get some clubs and practice.

Re: Golf Help!
 

Sorry about the cancelation.....definite pissoff! It might be better to spend some money on a lesson or two, and have the Pro help direct you for clubs....they're very good at that sort of thing............

Re: Golf Help!
 

Yeah Hog, that's my next move. All in all, it may be for the best. Except I have to work today instead of playing golf on the clock, boo!

Re: Golf Help!
 

NOT being able to play blows, but seeing a pro will help eliminate many problems fast rather than spend years fighting them

Re: Golf Help!
 

Sorry to hear about it Daseal. Once you talk to a Pro and get some lessons lined up and he makes suggestions equipment wise, check out Play It Again Sports, Golfdom, or any other place (brick and mortar or online) that sells used equipment. A lot of times the used stuff is immaculate and has been used maybe once or twice before the user sells it to buy something else. No reason to pay full price for brand new equipment when gently used stuff works just as well.

Re: Golf Help!
 

As BD points out, there are some great deals in used. I regularly browse Ebay looking for...whatever. There are some crazy deals on "Mint" used, and New gear of all golfing descriptions.

Re: Golf Help!
 

That sucks. I agree with others that you can find some nice used clubs for a great deal. Its call sticker shock. See people try out a new set of irons or driver and they hit them so good they buy them. Then when they get to the course remove the sticker price they are shock at how bad they now hit the clubs. After you have found some clubs and had some lessons its a good idea to have the clubs fitted for uyour swing which most people never do. What it does is a guy watches you set up with eash club and bends the head so it lies flat on the ground for your stance. If you watch most people have the tow of their club up higher then the heal of the club and it makes hitting the ball that much harder. Don't get them fitted if you buy a cheap starter set and wait until you buy irons worth spending the extra money. I think it cost me like $10 per iron to have them fitted and not all of them will need adjusting.

Re: Golf Help!
 

Thanks for the advice guys, maybe we can have a TWP tourny some day. I'm really excited. Any hints on places I can practice (probably just driving/putting) during the winter in the NoVA area? What should I expect to pay for used starter clubs? Just so I have an idea.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;600882]Thanks for the advice guys, maybe we can have a TWP tourny some day. I'm really excited. Any hints on places I can practice (probably just driving/putting) during the winter in the NoVA area? What should I expect to pay for used starter clubs? Just so I have an idea.[/quote]

There is a Driving Range just off of the Dale BLVD exit (heading East) in Dale City. I believe that they have greens to putt and chip on too. That might be further than you want to travel though. There are tons of courses in Fairfax, just google some.

Re: Golf Help!
 

[quote=Daseal;600882]Thanks for the advice guys, maybe we can have a TWP tourny some day. I'm really excited. Any hints on places I can practice (probably just driving/putting) during the winter in the NoVA area? What should I expect to pay for used starter clubs? Just so I have an idea.[/quote]
I'd think you could get a decent set for under $200. Here is link to a set of irons like the ones I have for $100. [url=http://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/1397422485.html]GOLF CLUBS IRON SET WITH PUTTER - Tommy Armour 855s Silver Scott[/url]
Just about all golf course have a driving rang and a putting to practice. The driving rang will cost about $5 to $8 for a bucket of balls and the putting green is free to use. I'd call your local course and talk to the pro about lessons because you really only need one golf club to start off and he will have something you can use. Then pick his brain about a good starter set and he might even have some used clubs to sell. Just let the pro know that you want to learn and your starting off with nothing and would like his help with leassons. Just be careful and don't let them sell you a new exspensive set of clubs before you even know how or if you want to keep playing golf. There are plenty of starter sets out there under $300 so keep that in mind or a better used set like the irons I linked.

Re: Golf Help!
 

Here you go: [url=http://www.golflink.com/golf-driving-ranges/city.aspx?dest=Fairfax+VA]Fairfax Golf Driving Ranges and Practice Facilities[/url]

I've always wanted to go here: [url=http://www.topgolfusa.com/locations/us/alexandria/Default.aspx]TopGolf Alexandria - Bringing Entertainment and Fun to the Driving Range[/url]