Some of these have helped me to overcome the depths of despair into which I have been plunged into from time to time by the vicissitudes of the game, when I couldn't seem to get anything right & my handicap was steadily moving out.
Others have helped me hold the game together when I've started off well, but then found my game falling apart in the middle of a competition round.
Still others have lifted my game to new levels, unfortunately usually only temporarily, as without constant practice the effect of a new technique seems to wear off, or the technique is forgotten over time & the bad old ways sneak back!
This process must inevitably be spread over several articles, as I should really start with advice for potential newcomers to the game. They may have been drawn to it after watching it on TV, or hearing friends talk, or because they have no interest in team games, or because they have retired and have time on their hands, or their doctor has advised them to get some exercise, or their wife wants them out of her hair for a while (more on that later), or any number of other reasons.
The first thing they need to understand is that the idea behind the game of golf is simple, the object being to hit a small ball from a starting point (the tee) over a variety of terrain & get it into a hole in the ground some distance away in the least number of shots using a variety of clubs.
That is not to say the game is easy! There is a vast difference between the idea and the practice, so we'll go straight into practicalities.
I am firmly of the opinion that a beginner should not spend a vast amount on equipment. After all, you may decide after the first few weeks that it is not what you were looking for. However, bearing in mind Abe Lincoln's advice that "If you have 8 hours to fell a tree, spend the first 6 sharpening your axe", professional tuition at the start is a must.
Friends who play the game will be able to advise you which club professional in the area offers the best tuition. If you live in a country area with only one club, then you may have no choice, but any professional tuition at the start is better than none. Tips from well meaning friends, however low their handicap, will only confuse until you learn the basics.
This need not be expensive either. Most club professionals have beginners classes where, for a reasonable fee, a group class is tutored once or twice a week for a few weeks & the professional may supply the clubs too from hire sets (at least in Australia in my experience).
Once you decide that the game may be worth further investigation, you have several options. You can pick up a few cheap clubs & a bag from friends or at car boot sales & hone your skills on the practice range until you feel reasonably confident to go out with friends for a social round. Or you can go on eBay, or see if your local golf shop or professional has any cheap sets available. Used balls can be obtained cheaply at the golf club, or found on the course if that is allowed.
Eventually, however, you should see a professional to get measured for clubs, as the lie angle of the clubhead and the length and flex of the club shaft have a significant effect on your game. As in every field of endeavour, some professionals are better than others at measuring & fitting you out, so discuss this with your friends who play. You should not be talked into buying a new full set at this point. If your pro is any good, he will give you some options. These could include buying a decent second hand set which can be altered to your measurements, or buying a new half set made to measure. What bag you need will depend on which option you take, or how close it is to your birthday or Christmas!
Hopefully you will feel that you know enough now to make a decision whether to investigate this wonderful game further. The next article will cover common beginners problems & what I found useful to fix these. Meanwhile here are some Hot golf books
for light reading over the festive season, or if you want some swing tips Click Here!.
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