Beginner

[Jambo84]

Hello all I'm jamie from West Midlands... I've never played before but I've been looking to play for a while...my uncle plays and he's twisted my arm into starting up..what should I do???
Should I get a few lessons off a pro???
I'm also looking for some clubs to get me started so I don't want to pay silly money straight away...budget around £200-250..
Thanks in advance

 

[Mugs]

There's plenty of decent clubs for that budget, look for some of last years etc on special offers or auction sites, prices seem to tumble with all the "new" technology and distance promised each year by manufacturers

 

[Jambo84]

Thanks I was overwhelmed when I was on the auction site so many to choose from..I'll keep looking

 

[Region3]

The common recommendations for players new to the game are Callaway X* or Ping G*, where * represents a number.

The ones that ring a bell to me are 16&18 for Callaway and 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 & 30 for Ping.

Higher number are newer clubs in both ranges.

If you've never played before it's worth having a few lessons to get the basics right. They don't have to be one on one, a lot of pro's do group lessons for beginners.

Oh, and welcome

 

[Capella]

Welcome to the forum.

You could look for a beginners course at a local golf club or driving range. Many pros offer a series of group lessons which will not only cover basic technique, but also an introduction to rules and etiquette that cost a lot less than individual lessons. You might even be able to borrow equipment there, until you know enough about it to buy something sensible for yourself. Plus you get to know other beginners, so you have someone to play your first rounds with. Way less scary than just showing up at a golf course on your own as a total newbie.

 

[virtuocity]

Many pros offer a series of group lessons which will not only cover basic technique, but also an introduction to rules and etiquette that cost a lot less than individual lessons. You might even be able to borrow equipment there, until you know enough about it to buy something sensible for yourself. Plus you get to know other beginners, so you have someone to play your first rounds with. Way less scary than just showing up at a golf course on your own as a total newbie.

This is a great idea. Beginner group lessons are great and you know everyone else is in the same boat.

As for gear- second hand is a good place to start.

If I was to spend £250 on clubs, I'd go for:

Cleveland CG16 irons (approx £100) 5 iron to sand wedge
Adams Idea hybrid (one new on eBay for £34.99 just now)
Ping K15 driver 12 degree loft (£90)
MD Mallet Putter (£20)

Check out gumtree and eBay as you can sometimes get bargains when people sell their sets as a whole.

 

[Biggleswade Blue]

I agree. Some lessons, a bit of time practising what you are being taught in between them, and don't worry about what other people think of you. Everyone else is far too busy worrying about their own bad shots to worry about yours!

After a few lessons, your pro can advise you on clubs.

 

[Jambo84]

Cheers for the replies ...time to find some local clubs

 

[Dan151]

I have just had my first lesson tonight and safe to say once the insructor taught me how to get my stance right, how to hold and position the club and about my swing, I was 100% better than before. I could actually hit the ball straight and quite far (134 yards with a 7 iron in my eyes was great haha)

get a few lessons and you will sharp be hooked

 

[virtuocity]

I have just had my first lesson tonight and safe to say once the insructor taught me how to get my stance right, how to hold and position the club and about my swing, I was 100% better than before. I could actually hit the ball straight and quite far (134 yards with a 7 iron in my eyes was great haha)

get a few lessons and you will sharp be hooked

Nothing bad about hitting a 7 iron 134 in a straight direction. Well done- keep it up.

 

[Dan151]

Nothing bad about hitting a 7 iron 134 in a straight direction. Well done- keep it up.

The instructor said it was a good start and with fine tuning there's no reason it can't get better. Got my next lesson next Wednesday and can't wait. Told me to get on the range and just keep practising my swing.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Welcome along. Lessons to start. Get the basics right from the start will be a sold foundation for your golf going forward. Enjoy your golf and being on here

 

[DaveL]

Have you played your first round yet (op)? If you haven't, when you do don't get to disheartened if it all goes south, it's a bit different hitting ball after ball than it is playing a round. Try not to hit the ball to hard and play to your handicap so if it's a par 4 and you get 2 shots, play it as a par 6, and if you score 7 it's 1 over and if you get a 5 it's a birdie