So you’ve decided to take up the game of golf. This is a wonderful hobby that many can play for a lifetime with so many benefits;

• A wholesome interest for kids
• A fun way to exercise
• Enhance relationships and create new ones
• A way to build business
• In touch with nature
• Share for a lifetime

Golf can provide little self-worth victories as you gradually achieve game improvement.

How much you enjoy your new hobby can depend very much on how you begin.
Here are some tips that we hope will set you on the road to a lifetime of golf enjoyment and satisfaction.

Mindset;
It’s important that you understand that golf is not an easy game to master. Watching the pros on T.V. or even your buddies who have been playing for awhile can mislead you into thinking that it’s a simple matter of getting a set of golf clubs and heading for the first tee.

Golf can be a frustrating experience for the athletic types who pride themselves in the ability to play all sports with a fair degree of accomplishment. Hey, if you can hit a baseball, tennis ball, or hockey puck that’s moving, how hard can it be to hit a golf ball that’s stationary? The reality is that most new golfers cannot get the ball airborne, AND going in the right direction. A golf ball needs to be hit perfectly in order to accomplish the intended flight and direction. This won’t happen overnight.

• Don’t expect too much of yourself too early
• Becoming even fairly good at golf is a process
• Remember that this is a hobby, not a life changing career

Golf Lessons;
For many new golfers, taking lessons seems to be taboo.
Practice driving ranges are filled with wannabe golfers hitting balls in all directions with no concept or idea of how to achieve their intended flight or target. As a result they tend to develop bad habits that will never provide game satisfaction. Proper stance, grip, and swing are just a few of the combined elements that produce intended ball flight.

Because these elements are not natural and are not relevant to any other sport you may have played, it’s important that you learn properly in the beginning. In addition, you can avoid unnecessary injury by swinging correctly. It’s not just about whacking the ball!

• Lessons will teach you the fundamentals of properly holding and swinging a golf club.
• A golf pro will help you to develop a consistent and repeatable golf swing which will result in overall consistency in your game.
• A golf pro will help a new golfer choose the right equipment to get started.
• A golf pro offers encouragement and feedback at times of frustration during the learning process.
• Learn proper etiquette and the dos and don’ts on a golf course.

Many serious golfers sign up for a few lessons at the beginning of each season. This can shorten the number of rounds that it takes to get back to your previous year’s performance.

It’s important to note that the best golfers in the world take lessons on a continual basis. Yes, even Tiger Woods has a swing coach.

Golf Equipment
Once you are sure that you want to continue to play golf, it’s important to have your own set of clubs. Seek the advise of your golf professional with what golf equipment you need and when. It is important that you obtain clubs which provide newer technologies. These are much easier to hit than their predecessors. You can easily expect to lay out $1,000.00 or more on a new set of clubs. A better alternative in the beginning might be to look for a good set of used clubs. There are lots available on the internet, and your local golf shops.

Your First Round
Now that you’ve taken some lessons, and can hit the ball in the general direction that you want, you’re ready for your first round. Although you’re anxious to get out with your buddies, it might be a better plan to play your first round with your golf teacher. Learning the ropes and getting valuable feedback and encouragement on the course can help to build confidence.

Your first experience at the first tee box is exciting but can also be intimidating. Duffing your tee shot with the other three members of your foursome isn’t fun.

Here are some tips that may help;

• Arrive an hour before your tee time to give you enough time to stretch, and practice; chipping, fairway shots, driving, and putting. You’ll be less intimidated and more prepared to hit the ball at the first tee.
• If you’re playing in a foursome of strangers, let them know that you’re new. Assure them that you won’t hold up their game. They will appreciate this heads-up and most will welcome you with encouragement and sensitivity as to how you may be feeling.
• Don’t worry about your score. Keeping up with your foursome should be your goal. If you have to pick up your ball, don’t worry about it. Your partners will appreciate your respect for their game.
• Don’t expect too much of yourself, relax and enjoy the experience, and DON’T COMPLAIN. Golf is a game of concentration, whining and complaining about your game can alienate you from your foursome if you distract them.
• Understand some of the basic rules of etiquette. Quiet while others are hitting, don’t walk on the putting line of others. If you’re not sure about any of this, let your partners know to guide you along.
• HAVE FUN! Isn’t this the reason, after all, that you took up the game?

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