06-10-2003, 04:34 AM
Those that hate golf... and those that hate golf and still play it. I'm one of the latter.
No, you don't. If you want to lug around the extra weight, more power to you. When you're first on the driving range you'll notice one thing: Every damned club hits the exact same distance (usually ~150 yards). You're going to have to get used to the clubs and how they swing, where to place the ball in your stance (forward, back, in, out) before you truly start benefiting from the loft of the irons and the distance of the woods. Woods, by the way, are usually the Achilles' Heel for most beginners; it has everything to do with the length of the shaft and distance from your body. You'll find more control when the shaft is shorter and you're swinging closer to your body... hence the low irons will usually come into line first.
Summary: Get a feel for the game before you start investing in additional/different clubs. Knowing if you are enjoying playing vs. helicoptering your clubs into the nearest water hazard also helps make the decision.
Assuming urban course, midday, midweek, stopping for a beer and sandwich after nine: about 3 - 3.5 hours. If you're dealing with weekend, evening or anything else that brings out the masses... be prepared to stand around a lot.
Cost ranges from amazingly cheap to friggin' goddamn 'spensive. Again: urban vs. rural vs. public vs. private vs. ripped-up vs. impeccably groomed.
Balls: one box. CHEAP box. You don't need to practice hitting Titlests into the drink.
Tees: one bag should do you a season. I've known several people that eschew tees completely.
Other: A cap for your noggin. Sunscreen SPF 45 (trust me). Insect repellent with Deet in it.
No. Certainly not for a beginner, and debatable for a professional. The USGA regulates equipment so that no one person can gain an unfair advantage over another via equipment alone. That includes balls, clubs, T-shirts or anything else. Don't believe the hype, here or any other place it hypes itself.
Gordie Howe once won a tournament with the cheapest set he could buy (MacGregors... I think he doled out $150). A duffer with a complete set of Taylor Made's is still a duffer. He looks good... until he actually swings. No one on the course is impressed with a moron that owns $2k worth of equipment and looks like he's excavating with it.
Enjoy!
Quote:I bought a 7-piece set. That's 4 irons, 2 drivers, and a putter. What about a wedge? Do I really need one? Could I just use a 9-iron to pitch out of bunkers for now, and buy a cheap-o used wedge down the road?
No, you don't. If you want to lug around the extra weight, more power to you. When you're first on the driving range you'll notice one thing: Every damned club hits the exact same distance (usually ~150 yards). You're going to have to get used to the clubs and how they swing, where to place the ball in your stance (forward, back, in, out) before you truly start benefiting from the loft of the irons and the distance of the woods. Woods, by the way, are usually the Achilles' Heel for most beginners; it has everything to do with the length of the shaft and distance from your body. You'll find more control when the shaft is shorter and you're swinging closer to your body... hence the low irons will usually come into line first.
Summary: Get a feel for the game before you start investing in additional/different clubs. Knowing if you are enjoying playing vs. helicoptering your clubs into the nearest water hazard also helps make the decision.
Quote:How long does a normal game (18 holes) of golf take, assuming - say - I play with 2 other people? Cost?
Assuming urban course, midday, midweek, stopping for a beer and sandwich after nine: about 3 - 3.5 hours. If you're dealing with weekend, evening or anything else that brings out the masses... be prepared to stand around a lot.
Cost ranges from amazingly cheap to friggin' goddamn 'spensive. Again: urban vs. rural vs. public vs. private vs. ripped-up vs. impeccably groomed.
Quote:How many balls should I buy for my first round? Tees? Other paraphenalia?
Balls: one box. CHEAP box. You don't need to practice hitting Titlests into the drink.
Tees: one bag should do you a season. I've known several people that eschew tees completely.
Other: A cap for your noggin. Sunscreen SPF 45 (trust me). Insect repellent with Deet in it.
Quote:Is the really expensive gear THAT much better than the cheap stuff?
No. Certainly not for a beginner, and debatable for a professional. The USGA regulates equipment so that no one person can gain an unfair advantage over another via equipment alone. That includes balls, clubs, T-shirts or anything else. Don't believe the hype, here or any other place it hypes itself.
Gordie Howe once won a tournament with the cheapest set he could buy (MacGregors... I think he doled out $150). A duffer with a complete set of Taylor Made's is still a duffer. He looks good... until he actually swings. No one on the course is impressed with a moron that owns $2k worth of equipment and looks like he's excavating with it.
Enjoy!
Garnered Wisdom --
If it has more than four legs, kill it immediately.
Never hesitate to put another bullet into the skull of the movie's main villain; it'll save time on the denouement.
Eight hours per day of children's TV programming can reduce a grown man to tears -- PM me for details.
If it has more than four legs, kill it immediately.
Never hesitate to put another bullet into the skull of the movie's main villain; it'll save time on the denouement.
Eight hours per day of children's TV programming can reduce a grown man to tears -- PM me for details.