Any Golf Players?

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Thought I'd dig up this thread...

After not having been on a course since I hacked my way through 9 holes 15 years ago, I've decided this summer to really try to make an effort to learn the game. So I've been to the driving range a handful of times. And I'm hoping that next spring/summer I'll take some formal lessons.

But here's my question. If you're just starting off on your own by going to the range. What's the best way to start. Just take out the driver and unload, practice with all the various clubs, pick one particular club (could be a driver, could be another) and perfect your swing with that one? This weekend I practiced my swing with only the pitching wedge. Good idea?

First get comfortable hitting each of your clubs consistently. Ben Crenshaw once told me to learn the game from the green back to the tee because most of your strokes are on or around the green. With that being said learn to put, then learn to hit your wedges, then your irons, then your woods and driver.

Once you can hit pretty much all of your clubs consistently (takes a while, years even), then you should start playing a mock round of golf from the Driving range. Confused? Pretend that you are on par 4 or whatever and you are 400 yards or so from the green. Hit your driver and say you got about 280 yards. Next take whatever club you need for 120 and pick a taket that distance away and try to get it. Continue to play consecutive shots until you are close enough to hypothetically put. DO NOT PUT. People will look at you crazy. Continue to play different types of holes and scenarios in your head, on the range until you either run out of balls, are satisfied, or have played a full mock round.

The above practice will help you learn how to play the game with a good lie. The only way to learn how to play with a bad lie is to actually play the game. Needless to say the above scenario will only help you as long as you are hitting good shots. It will not help you with playing out of crap with crappy lies, but it does help non the less.