06-10-2003, 04:41 AM
Hail Deebye,
I have also just started playing golf. Started a few weeks ago, and have played about five days worth. I also knew of all the rules, but never swang a club. I'm 19, and played all kinds of sports all my life, so I figured adapting to golf wouldn't be too hard.....Was I wrong....
First, I would suggest learning and trying the few proper ways to hold and swing a club (ask a friend, browse the net, or buy a video for a last resort.) If you just go off and try your own style, you'll be so used to it you won't want to switch. I figured, hey, having my own style is just fine- I'll just keep on doing it and get good at it. Well, one of my friends also started golf the same time as me, but he bought a video and forced himself to try the proper style. Starting out I was a better, mostly because he was struggling to hold and swing the proper way. But now he is WAY more consistant and is playing far better then I. From that I learned that the game of golf requires a lot of technique, and when you get the technique down, you allow yourself to struggle less with the physical aspects and focus more on the mental aspects.
Last weekend was my first time playing on a really, really nice golf course. My friends and I were pretty nervous about the ettiquette because we all have never been to a nice golf course. While there was a board and paper notes detailing basic ettiquette, I wanted to know more- so I wouldn't make a complete fool of myself. Everything else I needed to know from ettiquette was from watching others on the first two holes. I suggest you do the same.
Sorry, I can't give you much advice because I've always used a pitching wedge for the needed situations. Though if your clubs are quality, I would think it would be better of using a quality 9-iron then a cheap-o PW.
My recent 18 hole game at a very high quality golf course took about five and a half hours with four friends. Waited about 5 minutes per hole- and I suggest you get a cart. At a quality golf course, it could run you from 60 - 200 a game. I have played on a course that cost seven bucks for nine holes, and a course that cost 75 for 18. I suggest if your just starting out, go to a cheap place. Most cheap places have shorter fields. Which is good if your starting out. Trust me, it would be more fustrating then fun if you just start out on a 500+ distance field.
How many balls depends if you play 9 or 18 holes, and how bad you slice your balls =P When I first started out, and I was about average, and I used 3 balls on 9 holes. On a 18 hole course I used 8 balls. I always carry around 15 on me though. As for tees, just stock up. They are cheap. Plus when you first play, you might forget to pick them up after you tee off, as a lot of people do. Though I have played 9 holes without using my own tees. As I said before, it seems a lot of people forget their tees. I've survived on just golf balls and tees, no other expensive paraphenalia.
Wish I could talk more, but I'm starting a new job tomorrow morning. I'll reply if I find anything else to add. Hope this helped. Golf is indeed a great game. Starting off is a bumpy ride, but there is almost nothing like playing on a nice 18 hole golf course with a bunch of friends.
Quote:I've never played golf before, but I figure it's about time I had a hobby that gets me outside for a few hours per week. Golf looks like it might be right up my alley.
I have also just started playing golf. Started a few weeks ago, and have played about five days worth. I also knew of all the rules, but never swang a club. I'm 19, and played all kinds of sports all my life, so I figured adapting to golf wouldn't be too hard.....Was I wrong....
First, I would suggest learning and trying the few proper ways to hold and swing a club (ask a friend, browse the net, or buy a video for a last resort.) If you just go off and try your own style, you'll be so used to it you won't want to switch. I figured, hey, having my own style is just fine- I'll just keep on doing it and get good at it. Well, one of my friends also started golf the same time as me, but he bought a video and forced himself to try the proper style. Starting out I was a better, mostly because he was struggling to hold and swing the proper way. But now he is WAY more consistant and is playing far better then I. From that I learned that the game of golf requires a lot of technique, and when you get the technique down, you allow yourself to struggle less with the physical aspects and focus more on the mental aspects.
Quote:What kind of ettiquette should I be aware of while playing on local courses?
Last weekend was my first time playing on a really, really nice golf course. My friends and I were pretty nervous about the ettiquette because we all have never been to a nice golf course. While there was a board and paper notes detailing basic ettiquette, I wanted to know more- so I wouldn't make a complete fool of myself. Everything else I needed to know from ettiquette was from watching others on the first two holes. I suggest you do the same.
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?
Sorry, I can't give you much advice because I've always used a pitching wedge for the needed situations. Though if your clubs are quality, I would think it would be better of using a quality 9-iron then a cheap-o PW.
Quote:How long does a normal game (18 holes) of golf take, assuming - say - I play with 2 other people? Cost?
My recent 18 hole game at a very high quality golf course took about five and a half hours with four friends. Waited about 5 minutes per hole- and I suggest you get a cart. At a quality golf course, it could run you from 60 - 200 a game. I have played on a course that cost seven bucks for nine holes, and a course that cost 75 for 18. I suggest if your just starting out, go to a cheap place. Most cheap places have shorter fields. Which is good if your starting out. Trust me, it would be more fustrating then fun if you just start out on a 500+ distance field.
Quote:How many balls should I buy for my first round? Tees? Other paraphenalia? Is the really expensive gear THAT much better than the cheap stuff?
How many balls depends if you play 9 or 18 holes, and how bad you slice your balls =P When I first started out, and I was about average, and I used 3 balls on 9 holes. On a 18 hole course I used 8 balls. I always carry around 15 on me though. As for tees, just stock up. They are cheap. Plus when you first play, you might forget to pick them up after you tee off, as a lot of people do. Though I have played 9 holes without using my own tees. As I said before, it seems a lot of people forget their tees. I've survived on just golf balls and tees, no other expensive paraphenalia.
Wish I could talk more, but I'm starting a new job tomorrow morning. I'll reply if I find anything else to add. Hope this helped. Golf is indeed a great game. Starting off is a bumpy ride, but there is almost nothing like playing on a nice 18 hole golf course with a bunch of friends.