Beginner golfer

[welshjim22]

I have just got back into the sport, after 12 years, and have been playing for three months. Most of this has been down the driving range and i have played three rounds at Ashford golf club. I used to play as a kid so have had one lesson to get back into it. I seem to be averaging two or three over par most holes with the odd one alot higher or even making par. Almost made a birdie recently. My putting and chipping are improving steadily so not keen on a lesson to fix that just yet.I have bought custom Big Bertha 2008 and my iron swing is inconsistent, as expected for a beginner, some times it is hard to get a single shot go anywhere near straight and others weeks they are mostly straight this i guess will come with time. Is it normal for a beginner to use a 1/3 or 1/2 swing with drivers and woods to start with? Will the fuller swing, and distance come naturally with practice or am i starting off down the wrong route which i should remedy sooner rather than later? My iron swing is probably about 3/4 of a full swing. I tend to use my driver more than my 3 wood as I seem to have more success with it. I am visiting Orlando in the summer, where i will be playing my Dad for the first time, and hope to buy a new or as new preowned Callaway, Taylor made or Nike driver then. Although JJB sports do a good deal on the Nike at present.

Any other Ashford golfers who play at Great chart or Homelands?

 

[HTL]

First of all its good to have another Welsh lad on the forum.

You being a relative beginner and buying custom fitted irons will cause quite a stir on here. I would have waited until you have a repeatable swing.

Why are you using a half swing for woods?

 

[welshjim22]

When i went for fitting it was because i had played a round and used af friends clubs on some holes which were longer, i am almost 6'2" and i just felt more comfortable and even at fitting the swings apart from the first were reasonable consistent. I needed new clubs as mine were about 15 to 17 years old needed new grips and one of the heads flew off in my lesson. When i used to play as a kid my irons were quite consistent. As for the 1/2 swing anything more and i am lucky to hit the ball at present. When i had my lesson in February i was told not to worry about it as it would come naturally but in fairness i only hit irons then. In fairness to my irons i think when i have a bad start it just gets worse but when i slow it down i normally get roughly the same direction and a close distance spread.

 

[viscount17]

Welcome to the strange world of GMfuGS.

Is one lesson really enough? In the main we're quite keen on the value of lessons with a good PGA pro here. There are quite a few from your neck of the woods who could no doubt give you some recommendations.

I wouldn't be surprised if you're not trying too hard with the woods, remembering past glories and swinging too fast - mostly with the arms? If so you're not alone.

 

[billyg]

How about using a full swing and choking(sp.) the clubs a little for more control until you've got your eye in?

just a thought

welcome by the way

 

[welshjim22]

I had planned to get one lesson and then a few more after practice on my own at the range. I just wondered really if 1/2 swing was unusual for a beginner to start with. it would appear not so i will book another lesson to focus on the woods. I generally feel the irons are improving with practice. I think part of the problem is i just don't feel comfortable with the woods, i feel too far away from the ball.

 

[TonyN]

Half swing to start with isnt a problem, When i have a lesson, we always start with half swings, you watch any pro warm up, they normally start with half swings. As long as you are hitting sraight, turning ya hands over at the right time etc, there is no reason why you cant start out like this, but eventually you will have to start taking full swings, so dont sit on it for too long!

 

[Parmo]

I started in August after 15 years out of the game and have found its like riding a bike, the swing is getting their and the hcp dropping, roll on the dry weather and extra distance

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would strongly advocate a minimum of three lessons with a decent PGA pro. The first should be about the basics, grip, stance and alignment and the basic swing mechanics. The second would quickly refresh the basics, and then build on the swing and the 3rd would be full shots with a wood (and maybe a bit of chipping).

I have to say I am surprised that you opted for custom fitting so quickly. Although you may be taller than average a lot of your inconsistencies may not have been caused by the clubs being too short but by problems with your posture and swing path.

Anyway it is down to personal preference so if you are happy then go for it. Hope you soon get back into the swing of it and make plenty of birdies like the good old days