WE’VE GOT TIPS for the golf newbie to improve, and for the rest of us to reinvent our game, in this fun hole-by-hole guide to getting started in golf that first appeared in the premiere issue of GottaGoGolf Magazine. If you’re NOT a newbie, don’t miss the poll at the very end!
1ST HOLE
Watch a few golf swings on your computer. Google “golf swing” and you should find some worthwhile video, as long as you don’t put “Charles Barkley” in the search. (And if you think this is an inside joke, Google “worst golf swings” and see who comes up!)
2ND HOLE
Go to the driving range and buy a small bucket of balls. These may be paid for and dispensed electronically, but you can figure it out – you use ATMs and Laundromats and eBay, how hard can this be? Do remember to put the bucket below the ball dispenser or things could get messy.
3RD HOLE
Borrow a club from the golf course shop or the shack at the range – they’ll be happy to lend you one or two, free of charge, in hopes of hooking you in. A favorite among newbies: 7-iron.
4TH HOLE
Now, try to hit some balls. See how hard it is? Don’t waste a lot of time before moving on to the 5th hole.
5TH HOLE
Look around the range for someone who seems to know what he’s doing – even better, what she’s doing. Go and watch admiringly for a few shots, and then ask if she knows of a good instructor. If you’re really lucky, maybe she is one!
6TH HOLE
Make some calls to find an instructor willing to book you for a series at a convenient time. These usually come in sets of six half-hours starting at as little as $200, depending on the instructor, the area code, the economy. If this doesn’t break your budget, advance to the 9th hole.
7TH HOLE
Whatever you do, don’t hire your spouse, boyfriend, partner or friend. The advice may be good, but your relationship may not stand the stress, cursing and name-calling.
8TH HOLE
Check out group programs – some courses gear these toward women, and the PGA of America’s “Get Golf Ready” program of a series of small-group lessons for as little as $99 has been an especially big hit with women. Your local recreation and parks department may offer bargain basement classes.
9TH HOLE
Practice your new knowledge at least once in between lessons or classes. You will not only get comfortable with the golf swing, you will begin making friends at the range and may find some who will not be too high-falutin’ to play with you.
10TH HOLE
Had a few lessons with that 7-iron? No matter what the sales people say, it is not time for you to get fitted for brand new golf clubs — but do get fitted (free, up to $50) and then use the specs to start shopping for a gently used set. Yes, shopping, you’re good at this! You want irons of at least 6-iron down to SW (sand wedge), a driver, a few fairway woods and a putter.
11TH HOLE
Thinking it’s time to venture onto the course? Ask a good friend for an etiquette lesson that starts with not talking when someone’s hitting, proceeds to fixing divots, and concentrates on moving around the golf course efficiently so as not to slow play.
12TH HOLE
Get yourself an outfit and cute shoes! Leave the jeans at home – many courses don’t allow them. Cover up any low-cut tank tops – they get more revealing as you stand over the ball. Think light, trim layers.
13TH HOLE
Other items to stock before your round: tees, balls, glove (for your nondominant hand), ball markers, divot fixer, lip balm, sunscreen, water bottle. Ask your teacher for ball suggestions — no need to spring for Pro VIs unless your swing speed is super fast. Cheapos probably will do for now.
14TH HOLE
Stretch out. If you’re walking, you’re about to burn approximately 1,450 calories! It’s mostly a cardio workout, but you’ll be calling on muscles in your back, arms, glutes and thighs as your calves and feet propel you around.
15TH HOLE
If you’re driving, make sure you know how to accelerate, brake, steer, shift into reverse and go forward again. Carts do tend to make an annoying noise in reverse, so that’s best avoided. Also, find out course policy on when you can leave the path. Some are cart-path only throughout, most are cart-path only on par-3 holes, most post signs when you should stop going forward and return to the path.
16TH HOLE
OK, here we go: Step up to the first tee and hit it. Yes, you’ll have a million swing thoughts, but don’t let them paralyze you. Maybe focus on one or two things and HIT THE BALL. If a companion then says, “Take a mulligan” forget about that shot and tee up another. But just one and move on. If you need to, pick up and start playing courses from 100 or 150 yards in until that part is mastered.
17TH HOLE
Be the kind of companion you’d like to have – practice the words “nice shot,” “good miss” and “get legs.”
18TH HOLE
Save time for the 19th hole, golf’s celebratory and social ritual of enjoying a beverage while rehashing the round afterward. Then you, like your companions, can go home fantasizing about how much better you’ll be next time out.
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