Beginners nerves

[NimbleNeil]

Hi all,
I have been interested in golf since the end of august this year and have played about 10 rounds of a local 9 hole.
I've found that I always get quite nervous when I play.It's not about getting hit by a ball myself but i'm always afraid of either hitting or landing my ball near another player or causing some other sort of disruption due to my lack of experience.

If anybody else had this when they were first starting could you offer any advice on building confidence on the course?

 

[bluewolf]

Just keep playing mate. The nerves will soon dissipate as you become more relaxed.. Then you'll have to learn how to combat the Competition nerves.. Then the 1st Tee with everyone watching nerves.. Then the 4ft putt for the money nerves...

You'll soon realize that it's just a game... :thup:

 

[Junior]

Easy to say, but, just relax, enjoy and embrase the game
Trust me, even the best players spray the ball to all parts

 

[bluewolf]

Trust me, even the best players spray the ball to all parts

You're referring to me aren't you?

 

[Junior]

You're referring to me aren't you?

Of course i am bud

 

[NimbleNeil]

Then the 1st Tee with everyone watching nerves..

Oh I've had that before, the first time I went to the course I had my best friend, his scratch golfer parents and his 3 siblings staring at me as I tried to hit my first drive, ever hahaaa - Nothing compared to competitions and the like but it was certainly a distraction.

I guess i'll grow out of it as I get better, thank you

 

[bluewolf]

Oh I've had that before, the first time I went to the course I had my best friend, his scratch golfer parents and his 3 siblings staring at me as I tried to hit my first drive, ever hahaaa - Nothing compared to competitions and the like but it was certainly a distraction.

I guess i'll grow out of it as I get better, thank you

Everyone still gets a bit nervous when they step on the first tee. But it's the nerves that remind you that you're still alive and trying to achieve something. Anyone can get rid of the nerves by sitting on the couch and doing nothing.. Learn to appreciate the nerves for what they are..

 

[garyinderry]

Golf courses are quite open spaces. Once you have teed off it is unlikely that you will hit anyone. If your ball goes near someone just shout ''fore''. others will do the same if their ball goes near you. its part of the game.


Sounds like you have access to a lot of great tips from these scratch golfers. Don't be afraid to ask him what to do.

Avoid busy times at the course. Evenings are usually quiet around my place. You can hit a few balls if your first attempt wasn't that good. This is a good way if improving and you wont feel like you are holding anyone up and you can just relax and learn to play.

 

[Smiffy]

It's only on the 1st tee that you'll be noticed. Once you're out on the course you blend into the surroundings

 

[matt611]

I wouldn't worry, everyone has been there

 

[Doon frae Troon]

The worlds greatest golfer......Jack Nicklaus was asked if he got nervous on the 1st tee.
'Of course I do, he replied, I might miss the ball'.

 

[North Mimms]

It's only on the 1st tee that you'll be noticed. Once you're out on the course you blend into the surroundings

When I first took up golf with Mr Mimms, if there was anyone near the first tee, i wouldn't play until we got to the second!

 

[bluewolf]

When I first took up golf with Mr Mimms, if there was anyone near the first tee, i wouldn't play until we got to the second!

I do that on the first 10-12 holes.

 

[Liverbirdie]

Hi all,
I have been interested in golf since the end of august this year and have played about 10 rounds of a local 9 hole.
I've found that I always get quite nervous when I play.It's not about getting hit by a ball myself but i'm always afraid of either hitting or landing my ball near another player or causing some other sort of disruption due to my lack of experience.

If anybody else had this when they were first starting could you offer any advice on building confidence on the course?

95% of us were first like this when we started the game. Like when you have your first driving lesson, kiss the girl you fancy (or boy), dance in a night club.............

You'll wonder what all the big fuss was in a few months time.

Welcome, BTW.

And no, your not kissing me.:whoo:

 

[Franco]

The OP expressed concern about being hit by a ball. While I was playing my ball next to a bunker, a ball from the group behind landed in the sand. As I put my club in the bag, another ball landed in the sand. You don't have to be paranoid in order to believe that they are out to get you.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Nerves on the 1st are a good thing, providing you learn to control them. Personally, the more golfers you meet, the more competitions you can play the less of a problem it becomes.