Learning to play golf on the course.

[Golfnut1957]

Would you?

We teed off after a single this afternoon, so we got to watch him off the 1st. He topped his 1st about 40yrds, teed up a 2nd which went about 10. He walked forward, picked up the 2nd and played the 1st, which he shoved right where it hit a tree and bounced back 50 yards almost to his feet.

Disclaimer, I couldn't help but laugh, not out loud and hiding behind a tree so he couldn't see me. I didn't want to embarrass him.

It was quite obvious that he was new to the game, he had all the gear but as the saying goes "no idea". As we progressed we could see him really struggling, but to his credit he was aware of the situation, and he certainly got a move on.

His nadir for me arrived on the par 3 5th. He had caught a 3 ball up, and they were letting him through. We paused on 4 on the top of the hill, watching in anticipation. The 1st shot was an air shot, the 2nd went 5 yards sideways onto the path, so he picked up and moved on.

We followed him all the way round, and there was nothing to suggest he was getting anything out of this round.

So, the question is would you? We discussed it after the round and agreed that the place to learn is the driving range, with a lesson or two off the Pro.

I started golf with a hand me down set on some football pitches. I progressed eventually to a par 3 course and after an eternity found myself quaking in my boots on the 1st tee of a muni.

This took place on a relatively busy Saturday afternoon. To his credit, he never held anyone up.

 

[The Squirrel]

“To his credit, he never held anyone up.“

In that case, good luck to him. If it was really his first time then this might have taught him that it’s a bit harder than it looks on telly so may have already reached the same conclusions as yourself. Anyway, maybe the best way is to strike up a conversation and let it gently wander on to the topic of how helpful you found some recent lessons with the local pro and what a supportive and encouraging person they are…

 

[Jigger]

Got to hit the course some time. I started on the range and still hit air shots months into playing.

I’m 20years in and despite playing consistently recently I struggled like hell today. Most will be familiar with this feeling. A bit like the guy in front of me in the comp today who toe’d his first and ended up 20yards behind the tee! I’m sure this won’t be a regular occurrence for him.

 

[IanM]

Probably not!

When I started, it was a few range visits, then onto the par 3 course.

When I first ventured onto the main course, the 1st was a par 5. It seemed miles away.

(Hoebridge)

 

[Pin-seeker]

Personally I think start at the range,then onto a short 9 hole course.
18 holes on a “proper course”would be no fun when starting out imo.

 

[Mel Smooth]

Where else do you learn to play golf other than a golf course?

The place isn’t reserved for those that think they are better than they actually are.

 

[clubchamp98]

Personally I think start at the range,then onto a short 9 hole course.
18 holes on a “proper course”would be no fun when starting out imo.

I agree.
You have to be able to hit it reasonably before going on the course.

 

[Backache]

So, the question is would you? We discussed it after the round and agreed that the place to learn is the driving range, with a lesson or two off the Pro.

I started golf with a hand me down set on some football pitches. I progressed eventually to a par 3 course and after an eternity found myself quaking in my boots on the 1st tee of a muni.

This took place on a relatively busy Saturday afternoon. To his credit, he never held anyone up.

I did start out on a golf course.
There was a Muni golf course right next to where I worked and several of us would go and play together a mixture of total beginners and some who had played and were competent.

After a fairly short period I did seek out lessons as I realised it was a tough game.
Back then there were fewer ranges and the closest one was over 30 miles away. In all honesty they were probably more intimidating than the loca Muni courses.
If you're not holding people up a quiet golf course isn't the worst place to learn. Though in all honesty even as an experienced golfer I don't usually go out as a single at busy times.

 

[Pin-seeker]

I agree.
You have to be able to hit it reasonably before going on the course.

I remember my first 18,it’s quite intimidating.
I had it in my head that everyone else on the course would be good.
That thought didn’t last long

 

[2blue]

Personally I think start at the range,then onto a short 9 hole course.
18 holes on a “proper course”would be no fun when starting out imo.

Absolutly correct.... it has to be Group Lessons, driving range & Par 3 or an easy 9 holer. A full 18 hole course is the equivalent of a Marathon for an absolute beginner.

 

[Pin-seeker]

Where else do you learn to play golf other than a golf course?

The place isn’t reserved for those that think they are better than they actually are.

As said,range & a short 9 hole course.
No one’s said it’s reserved for better players.
But imagine stood on the tee with people behind you and you top your tee shot,then you top your 2nd shot.
That’s not fun & could put people off playing again.
First time playing 18 would probably be better off playing twilight when the course is quiet.

 

[chico]

It's alright saying range then 9 hole course etc but if you're starting out not everyone knows this. Fair play to the guy never held anybody up and giving it a go. If he's a member at your club maybe go and say hello and offer him a few pointers.

 

[Voyager EMH]

How I learned to play golf.

I learned to putt first of all. Spent two summers having the occasional go on a putting green.
Then progressed to an 18-hole pitch and putt for the next two summers. Holes varied in length from 40 to 100 yards.
Got on to an 18 hole full course and broke a hundred within a year. I was 10 years old by then.
I did practice on a school field some evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Went to a driving range once with my dad - I didn't like it. Never been again.
I've never been on a nine-par-threes course either - can't see the point of them at all.

 

[Jigger]

I remember my first 18,it’s quite intimidating.
I had it in my head that everyone else on the course would be good.
That thought didn’t last long

I think I hit 142!

 

[Jigger]

This is an interest post for this conversation

 

[Imurg]

I started by mucking about on a cheap 9 hole course, I wasn't taking it too seriously..
Fragged took me for my first 18 at Wexham Park nr Slough and I shot 139.....
Pretty soon after I had to give up Cricket due to dodgy knees and decided to make Golf my game..
There was a cheap'n'cheerful club nearby and I aimed to join it .....but...
Not until I could at least get the ball around in under 120...
So I spent an entire winter, every Sunday morning, on the range at the club - watching the members going out and playing...
I had the magazines, no Internet back then, and just hit shots, working out what worked and what didn't...learning to hit the ball on the range
Finally I decided I was ready...joined, put my 3 cards in and got my Handicap......15!
Went up to 15.3 after the first 3 comps but then started coming down as I was learning how to play golf on the course.
In my opinion the "learn to hit the ball on the range, learn to play golf on the course" is the way.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

Anyone can play on the course regardless of how good they are

only thing they need to display is good etiquette and pace of play

 

[Neilds]

Learn to hit the ball at the range, learn to play golf on the course.

 

[Pin-seeker]

View attachment 57768
This is an interest post for this conversation

That’s where I’m going wrong,I don’t practice.
Find it boring.
Currently playing off 14ish,I’m happy with that tbh.
It’s just nice to get out away from the daily grind.

 

[jim8flog]

My first round was on a pitch and putt (all holes about 100yards long) next was on a full length 9 hole course, had a lesson and played again for a couple of rounds, another lesson and continued to play on that 9 hole course or other nine courses for a couple of years but often would play 2x9.
It was only when a pay and play course opened (Hoebridge Woking) that I got out on an 18 hole course but by that time I was pretty competent any way.

We all had to learn somewhere.