Teach me about golf please....

[84porsche]

I started a new job at a golf course and looking for what you guys know about golf and golf clubs. What can you teach me? I want to purchase a good set and want to learn as much as I can. I had many preconceived notions about the sport before and now beginning to realize I was completely wrong.

[slodave]

Go to the pro shop first and demo clubs. Should be easy for you. Spend time at the driving range, take out the guy who collects the balls. Take lessons!!! Very important, so as to not develop bad habits.

Dave

EDIT: Watch Caddyshack a few times

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by 84porsche
I had many preconceived notions about the sport before and now beginning to realize I was completely wrong.

Your first mistake is thinking that golf is a sport. It's an outdoor activity, not a sport.

My biggest issue with golf - how the f**k do men justify so much time away from their family. The temporal and financial commitments are astounding and I can only guess the guy who finds it acceptable to be really selfish. There, I said it. I feel better now.

[slodave]

Oh yeah, replace your divots and watch out for the exploding golf ball trick! Beer and golf go hand in hand, like fishing.

Dave

[HardDrive]

Run man, run.

For god sake....think of all the wonderful things you could be doing in life. Instead, you want to chase a little ball around in a field with a bunch of drunks? Golf is an evil cult, dressed up in expensive pants.

[Scooter]

Once you determine which club works best for you, buy them used. Don't go out and spend big $$$ on new clubs, because you will likely be replacing them within a couple of years. Enjoy!

[pwd72s]

"the first time I laid eyes on a golf course, I knew I was looking at an outdoor pool hall." -Bobby Riggs

[cantdrv55]

If no one has said it yet, take lessons.

[Joeaksa]

Your first mistake is thinking that golf is a sport. It's an outdoor activity, not a sport.

Dave and Hard drive said it very well. Its not a sport. Wasting time chasing a little white ball, while paying $50-$200 to a club to let you do it is silly. Take up parachuting, scuba diving, snow skiing or something other than frigging golf.

[Nathans_Dad]

I'll ignore all the golf haters on the thread, lol.

First step is to get in touch with a good instructor. I would do this even before you bought a single piece of equipment. Talk with them over the phone or set up a quick 30 minute session for them to talk to you about what you want out of the game and recommend some clubs for you.

I would recommend going with a middle of the line set to start. By that I mean irons that will cost you less than $500 for the set. There are lots of good manufacturers out there for that price, I played with Tommy Armour clubs for 10 years, they retail for $199 for a full set of irons. Driver should cost you $150-$200. Don't fall into the trap of buying the titanium 460 cc driver, you won't notice a difference in the equipment anyway.

I would stay away from the super cheap clubs personally, like the Nicklaus clubs that cost $300 for a full set, irons, woods, putter, etc. They're ok clubs, but I think you will outgrow them quickly.

Another great resource is looking at a good set of used clubs. You can often get great clubs at serious discounts that have been used for a season or two. See if there is a used club dealer in your area or try eBay.

Lastly, learn the game and the etiquette of the game. You should start out with putting and chipping and then move over to the full shots. Again, your instructor will guide you here. I don't suggest trying to play until you have spent a good amount of time on the range. Again, ask your instructor, often you can set up a playing lesson where they will go out with you and help you on the course.

I've been playing golf for over 20 years now, it is the only hobby that I continue to come back to. I've tried R/C airplanes, wooden ship models, computer gaming, scuba diving, fishing, boating...I always come back to golf.

[Don Plumley]

I played a fair amount for a lot of years. The track has strongly replaced any interest I used to have in "A good walk spoiled."

+1 on most of the advice above. Here are my suggestions:

1) Used Clubs from a Golf Store. Tell the pro you are a beginner, set a budget. Most have a 30 day return policy so if you hate them, you can swap for a different set. Having well-made, basic clubs now with a big sweet spot and shafts matched to your natural swing speed is all you need. Make sure the grips are in good condition. Stay away from the big box discounters.

2) Learn proper etiquette (please). It's easy to forgive (and enjoy) playing with a beginner golfer if they understand and respect the basic rules of the game. Don't walk across someone's line on the putting surface. Be quiet (don't jingle change, wash clubs, etc.) during your fellow-competitor's address and swing. Turn your cell phone off. Play Ready Golf - always be prepared to hit with the right clubs handy. And as a beginner, the last 3 foot put after 11 strokes getting there is not going to win the Masters. Learn when to pick up and move to the next hole.

3) Become a student of the game. If you are going to do it, do it right. It's all about fun, being outside, being challenged, camaraderie, 19th hole, etc. But having a little appreciation for the history of the game will separate you from the louts.

4) The harder you try, the worse it will be. "I'm going to kill the ball" (it goes 10 yards). "If I just swing a little faster" (big bannana slice). Think slow and steady - a smooth, quiet backswing starts off a smooth and powerful swing. A quick violent backswing brings on a Benny Hill moment.

5) Enjoy it. It's a very frustrating (okay, call it challenging) game to learn. There's a steep learning curve and many plateaus. So every time a ball goes astray or you find yourself wanting to throw a club (don't), take a big deep breath, look at the trees and grass, and remind yourself you are doing this for fun, not for a shot at the Tour.

Have Fun!

[dhoward]

Get used to saying "Fck!" alot....

[Paco Anton]

http://www.pinemeadowgolf.com/ is your friend.

You won't notice the difference from name brands at a fraction of their proce. Ask me how I know!!!

[gprsh924]

when you first start playing, either walk the course or take a caddie. you will learn so much more about the course (or courses) and the nuances of the game will become much more apparent then if you are just whacking the ball then jumping in the cart

[alf]

My wife palys and my boys are getting into it, so it is a pretty good family activity.
Lots of great advise here and i would add...
Develop your game from the hole out; putting, chipping, pitching, approach then drives in that order.
Golf is one of the few sports that you could enjoy till you die. Take your time and enjoy it.

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by CS119laCoS

Don't hurry to get out on a golf course. You'll just get frustrated, and you'll waste your money, your time and the time of the group behind you. Focus on the driving range and practice green.

I disagree. Get out there at least once and the course will "school" you. If you don't know what you're doing, it will be your best game ever. It's all downhill from there.

Seriously, play a round or two. See if you like the game before chunking a bunch of time and money into clubs and practice balls.

Have fun!

[84porsche]

Thank you for all the opinions and ideas. I will get out there and take a swing or two. I spent 2 days at the driving range last week with a set of clubs from the 70s that a buddy of mine gave me. I figured as a perk of working there, I could learn a recreational activity as well and possibly make some contacts that could open a future door for me careerwise if needed.

[dagriff]

I think they've changed the name back to Rabbit.

[TerryBPP]

Can't go wrong with Taylor Made. Pricey but well worth it. Stay away from graphite irons, too much flex.

As far as learning golf, buy David Ledbetters school of golf. Great DVD, tons of info, and there is porn at the end (not really ).

[TerryH]

If it hasn't already been mentioned only subscribe to one instructional golf magazine. I know there are a dozen out there, but I guarantee if you get two, they will confuse you with conflicting instruction.