Golf beginner - where to start and what do I need?

[MICHAEL55]

I've been thinking about taking up golf over the last couple of years. Other than going to the driving range and making an ass of myself with my friends or playing mini golf, I am new to the game. I know the rules, terminology, just need to learn how to develop and refine my swing.

And I also need to know what kind of equipment I need.

Also, what is the best way to get decent discounts on green fees?

 

[Smiffy]

Go and book some trial lessons up with a friendly local pro.
Most of them give a "discount" if you book up half a dozen in advance, maybe giving you an additional lesson free.
As far as cheap green fees are concerned, twoforeone vouchers come in quite handy if you have got a like minded friend who wants to play with you.
But as far as starting out is concerned, Pro...who will advise you on clubs too.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Go to a local PGA pro and get the basics of GASP (grip, stance, alignment and posture) sorted. If you get fundamentals sorted from the beginning it makes it easier to sort any problems later on as you won't have the ingrained bad habits most of us on here carry with us.

For a starter set of clubs you have many options. You can get starter sets pretty cheaply from AG (normally include a bag and putter) or you can check out the small ads in your local press. You would be better suited to cavity backs as they are more forgiving. Alternatively you could go for a 2nd hand set from a golf retailer or online store (golfbidder etc). You could also think about just a 1/2 set to begin with.

Whatever you decide I hope you grow to love the game as much as I do. I hope you'll hang around and join in the main forum as there is always something to talk about.

 

[cm_qs]

Am I the only one getting deja vu with this post.

This exact question - word for word - was posted a few days ago by a different user.

Curious, no ?

 

[DelB]

Am I the only one getting deja vu with this post.

This exact question - word for word - was posted a few days ago by a different user.

Curious, no ?

Maybe he's got a split-personality???

 

[WILLIAM21]

The first time you go out golfing, asked an experienced golfer with you to be brutal about your etiquette:

Fixing ballmarks
Talking/moving
Ready golf vs whose turn is it
Picking up tees
Taking extra shots
Slowing down the group
Line of sight distraction
Searching for lost balls
Walking across putting line
etc etc.......

Take a few golf lessons to get the fundamentals down pat for starters.

It's much easier to learn the right way than to uncorrect your wrong doings once they are habit from prematurely playing on courses and going to driving ranges without the proper instruction first.

Check out

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Couldn't agree more. Get the etiquette right and most golfers will play with you no matter how badly you spray it around the course.