New to golf - when to join a club?

[foiled]

I've been playing golf for a couple of months, mainly hitting it on the range and taking a few lessons.

I've played a couple of pay and play 9 holes, and it's pretty painful, scoring in the mid 60's

I'm keen to progress and eventually get an handicap and play in some friendly comps, but it seems a long way off.

What's the best way to bridge that gaping hole between hitting a few nice shots on the range and actually playing golf on a course?

I'm based in Cardiff, and a couple of clubs offer taster membership for £99 for 3 months, but they are 5 day membership,not allowed to join in comps, not allowed on the course until the club pros gives you the clear etc etc !

Sorry for the long post, but just looking for some advice to get to the second rung?!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

The best way is to have a look around the various clubs in he area and see if any of them do a "academy" membership or some sort of introduction to golf membership which helps you integrate within the club gently whilst also getting to grips with the game. Any decent club would look to snap you up and nuture you into the game

 

[Matty6]

Any ideas which golf courses you are keen to join? I live in Cardiff too so I'm happy to help out if I can.

 

[Fish]

Do some research online first and make up a shortlist of clubs, contact them and ask what they can then offer you as a new member in your age category, before going to any interviews ask them if they'll afford you courtesy of the course to see if you'd enjoy it, I'd even want to have a drink in the clubhouse a couple of times to gauge the friendliness and general feeling, confirm with them any restrictions they may have until or even after you receive your initial and first handicap.

A lot of clubs do introductory offers now but if you want to play at weekends and in comps once your 3 cards have been submitted that offer needs to match your needs, don't rush into a quick decision, give it as much thought as possible and play the courses on your list if the financial side of joining them is practible.

Good luck 👍

 

[Mike07]

The best way is to have a look around the various clubs in he area and see if any of them do a "academy" membership or some sort of introduction to golf membership which helps you integrate within the club gently whilst also getting to grips with the game. Any decent club would look to snap you up and nuture you into the game

This is great advice. Academy membership would ease you into golf and club life really well.

Maybe look for a course to join that has good practice facilities. My home club doesn't have anything decent in terms of practice and it's very frustrating.

 

[Nickrat]

I got back into golf 8 months ago and was playing just as pay to play at a few different golf clubs. I contacted my local course (its literally 200 yards from my house) and got a really good membership deal. My game has improved so much since joining a club but I think the best thing for me is having people to play with. I play with a group every Saturday and Sunday morning its a really good laugh.

 

[ScienceBoy]

As soon as it feels right.

I joined pretty much straight away after deciding I wanted to take the game up properly. Had been knocking it round casually on and off before hand, usually a handful of rounds a year, if I even played that year.

If you want lessons go get some but throw in a playing lessons as soon as you can, it will take 10 shots off that 60!

 

[foiled]

Thanks for all the replys, guess I'll give a few local ones a call

Any ideas which golf courses you are keen to join? I live in Cardiff too so I'm happy to help out if I can.

Radyr GC is just a mile from my doorstep, but don't think it does an academy or introductory membership, however I have a lesson there tomorrow, so I'll ask. The other two would be Llanishen or Vale, as both do £99 for 3 months including some lessons.

 

[Matty6]

I live in Radyr and I'm a member there too. Great course and members alike. They are very welcoming of new people to golf. I was like you 18 months ago and I was welcomed in with open arms! There is an offer on at the moment regarding the joining fee (£100 iirc), but I don't think they do short term introductory membership. Worth asking them though.

Who do you have a lesson with? I may see you up there as I have lesson today too!

 

[foiled]

Had a lesson with Christian today, very helpful and given me 3 key things to think about, to take to the range.
Always surprises me how different I think my posture looks like, to the reality when shown on video!

 

[Matty6]

Had a lesson with Christian today, very helpful and given me 3 key things to think about, to take to the range.
Always surprises me how different I think my posture looks like, to the reality when shown on video!

Ah Christian. I have lessons with him too. Cracking coach.

Let me know if you want any more info on the club etc.. Happy to help.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Had a lesson with Christian today, very helpful and given me 3 key things to think about, to take to the range.
Always surprises me how different I think my posture looks like, to the reality when shown on video!

I think you need to get into a club asap. Aside from the social aspect of playing with more golfers, and better players will improve your own game, you'll improve far more by playing regularly and learning how to make a score and play different shots