Comlete Amateur :)

[Shaun_Atkinson]

Hi Guys, I'm Shaun just found the forum and joined up. I'm 26 and from Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

I am really really wanting to get into Golfing, I have tossed the idea around for a while now but never had the chance to actually do it... But now I have!

I'm generally looking for as much info to get me on my way as possible - Best place to shop, any specific range of equiment to go for (for a beginner) What to look out for, any terminology I need to know/learn lol etc...

Any info/advice at all would be highly appreciated

Thanks in advance.

Shaun

 

[G1BB0]

Hi SHaun,

I started playing last year, 1st off I bought a cheap set of md clubs (mistake) then went to the range a few times before playing my 1st round which battered me.

My advice would be to start with a lesson. You wont need clubs or any golf gear as most pro's should supply a club to start off. After that maybe pick up a 6 iron to suit (pro can recommend or off ebay) and goto the range and groove what the pro taught you. If you find its for you then look at a decent quality set of 2nd hand clubs. Myaybe then once you feel comfortable with your swing venture onto a course or a par 3 course.

Also any advice you can ask away here, theres always someone able to help out

Most importantly enjoy it as golf is a great sport/hobby and I only wish I had taken it up when I was younger :thup:

 

[Andy808]

Welcome to the loony bin er I mean thoughtfull, interesting, interlectual forum.
No I was right the first time loony bin!

Golf is a fullfilly sport that will, in time, have you ripping your hair out and wanting to kill.
Best thing is to find your nearest club and have a chat with the pro there. He will be able to advise you on lessons and what gear you will need to get started.

 

[Shaun_Atkinson]

Thanks for the replies guys

My local club is Tapton Park Golf Club, I don't know if any of you have played it, but it's apparently a top club!
There is a guy there called Craig Pollard who is a PGA qualified coach, so I'm presuming he is up to the job lol

I know it is in NO way anything like playing golf properly, but I have experimented with a couple of clubs on a huge field and if I say so myself, I can hit not half bad, nice, straight and acurate-ish with good distance. I have been looking around at the starter sets that a few websites are doing at the moment, full set of clubs, bag, trolley and balls for a non eye watering £200 ish.

I think i will get myself down to the club and ask a few too many questions though like you guys have said

 

[Shaun_Atkinson]

These are the kind of packages I have been looking at...

http://www.golfonline.co.uk/wilson-...-inch-long-complete-graphite-2011-p-4820.html

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would get some lessons first and get the basic sorted before shelling out on any fancy sticks or even a full package. Once you are hitting it half decent then you can shop around with a degree more confidence and perhaps look for better quality 2nd hand bargains

 

[pbrown7582]

Hello and welcome Shaun, the PGA pro is the best place to start have a trip down the club and have a chat.

If you don't feel comfortable with its reputation for being a top club search out a municipal (more pay and play rather than private members) nearby and go there instead.
Have a couple lessons and see what the pro says regarding gear.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Shaun_Atkinson]

Thanks for all the advice I will take a trip down and have a word with the pro
I will keep you all posted on what im upto lol

Without sounding too dumb... What is a persons Handicap? What does it mean?

thanks again, much appreciated

 

[CMAC]

Welcome Shaun, PGA pro is your first port of call then come back for anything else you'd like to discuss.

P.s remember to get Golf Monthly as well

 

[pbrown7582]

Thanks for all the advice I will take a trip down and have a word with the pro
I will keep you all posted on what im upto lol
Without sounding too dumb... What is a persons Handicap? What does it mean?
thanks again, much appreciated

A handicap is a person standard, so that we can all have a match on an approximate level playing field so in theory you can roll up to the course and have a decent game against anyone. Also it's a way of giving everyone equal chance in nett competition as the result in these is total score minus handicap allowance.

 

[Yerman]

My son lives in Chesterfield so I've played over there occasionally.

I've played Tapton a couple of times, very friendly municipal but prone to get the odd idiot and can be slow when busy but some great holes and a monster par 5. Chesterfield GC is a very nice club and I've also played Rother Valley which you can book through Teetimes.co.uk.

Enjoy your golf :thup:

 

[kev_off_the_tee]

Most importantly enjoy it as golf is a great sport/hobby and I only wish I had taken it up when I was younger :thup:

Hi Shaun, As Gibbo said, golf is a sport to enjoy and appreciate, but be careful not to get bogged down with lowering your handicap or smashing a 300 yard drive, this will come with time. I LEARNT THE HARD WAY


Seek advice and never assume you know best, that was my problem. After 2 years I've finally sought advice from a pro who has guided me in the right direction. My biggest problems were buying cheapo Dunlop specials from Sports Direct (you can have them if you want) and then impulse buying when I thought I knew what I was doing. The only time you'll get away with this is the putter as this is purely personal to everyone and you'll try a few before you settle on one.

You'll find most on here very friendly and everyone has a view. Some conflict as everyone has an opinion and these are usually backed up with reasoning but advice is usually very helpful.

I hope you do get into golf and enjoy it as much as the rest of us