Golf - how to get started.

By Frank J. Peter, editor at LearnAboutGolf.com

Golf anybody?

Golf is a great game: sometimes rewarding, often frustrating but highly addictive. Getting started in it is actually not so difficult, and hopefully this article can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls.

The very first steps.

The biggest mistake by people wanting to start in golf is to rush out and buy a brand new set of shiny and expensive golf clubs. While they are nice to look at you should keep in mind that today’s golf equipment comes in great varieties to cater for different golfing types and abilities. Since you're just starting out you do not know which set fits you best. Just imagine the envious looks you get at the driving range when you come with your $2000 set, and the subsequent laughter when you try and just 'hack away' - not worth the embarrassment! Once you spend a few hundred or even thousand $$ on a set that doesn't suit your style you're stuck with it or you have to sell it to somebody else at a loss.

If you feel you want your own clubs get a half set. This generally comprises five irons and perhaps two woods and a putter. Usually the irons are the odd numbers 3,5,7,9 and wedge. These clubs are more than enough to get you started.

A better alternatively: most Driving Ranges will have clubs for hire, so you can try out a few different ones. You can also borrow one or two clubs from a friend. The shortest iron (nine iron) or a wedge are the best clubs to start, practicing with it will give you the feeling of hitting the ball in the air and should be fairly straight forward.
Where to get golf clubs?

Most Pro shops and driving ranges sell second hand clubs. They will also be able to offer you advice and let you try some clubs out. Alternatively, nearly all driving ranges will have clubs for hire if you want to have a go without committing to a set until you get the hang of it. Or ask other people at the driving range, you will soon find out that many have another set of clubs at home because they made the exact same mistakes I mentioned above. Make sure you try before you buy, if they fit (and only if they fit!) you can often get them for a steal. Make use of these opportunities, and also take a look at our website ‘LearnAboutGolf.com’ as to how to choose a club. I again stress that you need to have a basic understanding on which club suits you reasonably well before you buy. DO NOT buy expensive brands at this stage.

"I want to play, I want to play!"

As hard as it will be to contain yourself, don't even contemplate going anywhere near a golf course. Golf is technically quite demanding, and without at least some basic training you'll end up with a lot of frustration. You've seen the top players on TV loosing their cool in frustration, imagine how you will feel if not even a single shot goes where you want it to. Besides, the other people having to wait for you will also not be happy.

As a beginner at the great game of golf, start off at a driving range, take at least four or five lessons, learn the fundamentals, progress to a 9 hole course and eventually venture out into the great unknown of an 18 hole golf course. Believe me, it will be a lot more fun for you and those around you if you follow this path.

Where to get lessons?

You will meet plenty of people at the range who will teach you the 'innermost secrets' of golf. Fact is that most of them have started playing not long before you. So the answer to the above question is: go to a Professional. As you have seen on TV, even the world’s top players have a coach. Tiger Woods, probably the best golfer the world, still takes lessons. Certified Golf Professionals are the only people qualified to teach you how to play the game. Lessons from a Pro will cost you money but will be the best investment you'll ever make. Taking the advise from the 'know-it-all' people at the range will likely screw-up your game at the very early stage, and it will take a long time to correct the faults later.

Bend the flagstick slightly if you have to keep your feet out of another player's line. When the shot is taken, pull the pin so your competitor does not get penalized for hitting the flagstick. When it's someone else's turn, ask if he or she needs the pin tended. When you think you may need it tended, ask someone to hold it for you.

The game of golf originated out of fun. There are those that take it quite seriously. Follow most of these tips, and it could be quite enjoyable, and you may not have a problem finding a foursome to tee it up with.

About the Author

Started the game of golf as a caddie. You can find tee times at http://www.golfanchor.net

 

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Golf Basics For Kids

by: Hana Lee

When teaching golf to kids, FUN is the name of the game. Throw in all the technical jargon at the beginning and you will effectively kill a child's desire to learn. Allow a child to "play" golf for enjoyment, and he'll become a life-long convert of the game!

Hours of practice will only overwhelm a child, so just allow him or her to practice a little bit at first, say 30 minutes. This will keep motivation for practice high.

And it's okay to let them start by hitting the ball hard. That's part of the fun! Don't worry about their grip right off the bat. Just have them keep the right hand under the left and then swing away!

I'd also make sure the child keeps his or her feet on the ground while following through.

Now, if you want to buy a child's set of clubs, that's fine, but you're likely to do just as well with a used set of women's clubs. They're lighter and nice for kids. All you need is a women's 9 iron, a 6 iron, 3-wood and a putter.

Let your child start out with little chipping and putting games. This play will help him or her get the feel for the club and the ball. Kids can bounce the ball off the face of a wedge and try hitting leaves or twigs.

Little contests and games keep motivation high. Avoid pressure or competition early on. You want your child to enjoy the game and want to play it every chance they get, not end up so confused and unfocused that they can't figure out what to do and just quit in frustration.

If you're encouraging, your child will love for you to play alongside of them. Just don't start demanding wins and emphasizing competition, or you'll pop the enthusiasm really fast.

Children will move along as they're ready. Letting them progress at their own pace prevents future burnout. Never make a child play the game, unless he wants to. The game should be fun, and a simple joy. Laugh and have a blast yourself!

If your child's interest increases, you might consider golf camp or some private lessons with someone experienced in teaching children. If you do seek a personal instructor for your child, watch how the person teaches first. You really want an encouraging person with a knack for teaching kids.

Also, please remember to teach your child the etiquette of golf. Little things are very important, like… Don't talk while someone else is swinging. Don't step in front of someone while they're swinging. Stand still. Don't walk in front of someone else's line or through line.

Finally, never criticize. Praise their shots and swings. Encourage them to correct certain moves, but don't dwell on what was done incorrectly.

If you concentrate on the most important aspects of golf – the enjoyment and the basics – you may end up with a child who rivals you on the range and who enjoys a lifelong love for the game.

 

About The Author:

Ths article provided courtesy of http://www.golf-swing-guide.com

Copyright Hana Lee - http://www.golf-swing-guide.com

The two places to get golf lessons are at driving ranges and golf clubs. You don't have to be a member of a club to get a lesson from the Pro. You bring in money, so they will be glad to help. The usual cost is about $25-40 per 45 min, but you will get reductions for a block booking. If you are a bit on the budget see if they do group bookings, those are also cheaper than individual lessons.

What else to do?

Books and videos can be invaluable in learning the basics. To build a sound golf swing you will need the three fundamentals: Grip, Stance and Posture. There are some very good books and videos on the market that will help you to establish the three fundamentals. And watch the Pro's on the TV, or better still video them and play back in slow motion, you'll learn a lot this way. Don't get blinded by too much science, you're still a beginner. Stick to Grip, Stance and Posture and you'll be on your way. Take a look at the golf tips and golf lessons on our website ‘LearnAboutGolf.com’ for some advice as well.

Summary
1.Don't waste your money on expensive clubs until you have reached a basic level of competency.
2.Don't go near a Golf Course, again until you have reached a basic level.
3.Get lessons from a qualified professional.
4.Learn the three fundamentals
5.Watch the Pro's.
6.Practice.
7.Learn the rules of golf and the basic golf etiquette .
I hope that this article has been of some help to avoid costly mistakes many people made, including myself. Follow the above basics and you are on your way to all the fun (and frustration) golf can offer. Enjoy!

 

Frank Peter is the webmaster of learnaboutgolf.com where he offers valuable tips for beginners and intermediates in Golf. To find more advice, lessons and resources to help you succeed in your game, visit: http://www.learnaboutgolf.com

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Golf Etiquette Tips For The Beginner

by: George Gabriel

I've played with a lot of golfers who truly take the game of golf seriously and a lot of golfers who don't. It's okay to have fun out there, keeping in mind respect for other players who do take it serious.

The tee box

Think of the tee box as a stage with a spotlight. Everybody gets his or her turn to shine. Try to remain quiet and out of the golfer's view, including your shadow that may hinder the golfer's concentration at address. The best position to stand when a player is addressing the golf ball would be to the other side, opposite of his golfer's arm extension. You should be standing far enough back to see the club head and golf ball of the player addressing the ball. By taking this position, you would definitely be giving the player room to concentrate, unless he can see your shadow or hear the chatter of your clubs or talk. When you must stand behind or front of a golfer addressing his or her shot, take a second to ask if it's okay and or are you far enough away. Act like a caddie when another player is playing a shot. Watch the golf ball finish rolling and mark the spot with a tree or bush. A lot of golfers do not like to watch their ball land, if it's a bad shot. By doing this for your fellow golfer, it will help speed up play. Try to refrain from yelling nice shot or great shot, when you're around another tee box or green. When you must tell a joke, wait until it's you're stage.

The green

Around the green can be a little more complex for the new golfer. Fix as many golf marks as you can, besides your own. A lot of golfers do not fix their ball marks on approaches to the green. Sometimes players get excited about their golf shot and forget. Ask other player's to help, if there is more than a couple and your not holding up other players behind you.

There are typically four or three golf balls lying on the green. The key goal here is not to walk on another's players line to the golf hole. When you find another player is further back from the hole, you should mark your ball. When approaching your golf ball, you have to be careful as to where you walk. Another player's line to the hole should not have a big footprint to go over. Try stepping over the player's line to the hole, or go around carefully watching for other player's golf positions to the hole. When you're not sure, because of a marked ball. Ask your competitor where his ball is marked. When another golfer is about to putt, stay still until he or she takes their putting stroke, unless they give you the okay to walk. When you must walk to where you want to go. Do not stop, walk, stop, and walk again. It could be more distracting than a continuous walk.

The golfer closer to the hole should tend the pin. Ask your competitor if they need the stick tended. When tending the pin, be careful not to cast a shadow over the player's line. Also keep the flag from waving in the wind by holding it against the flagstick. Position yourself with both feet together together away from the hole.

Continued next column

How To Get Your Child Started in Golf

by: Tim Geddis

The game of golf is experiencing a “boom” of new life as youth are discovering the excitement of a day at the course. New facilities that offer children affordable access to play the game are being constructed throughout the country and the world. This article is written for parents to offer tips on how to attract their youngsters to play this “game for a lifetime”.

Ideally, your son or daughter will approach you one day and express an interest in learning to play golf. You may have to cultivate that interest in them because you appreciate the qualities that golf embodies and want your children to share those experiences. No matter because you, the parent, are the person who must provide access and offer encouragement to your children.

One of the keys to getting your child interested in golf is finding a program that they enjoy participating in. Select a program that nurtures their interest and stresses having fun. A visit to www.juniorlinks.com is a way to find out what programs are available in your area. Other information sources may be your local recreation department or your local PGA Professional. Many schools also have golf programs and these are a great way for the serious junior golfer to develop his or her interest.

Ultimately, parents are the catalyst to the growth of their child’s interest in golf. A visit to the driving range where your child and you can spend time together is an excellent way to get started. Invite some of your child’s friends along so that they associate golf with FUN. Unless you are qualified to teach, don’t worry too much about instructing your child. Just make sure that he or she gets an opportunity to hit some balls and enjoy the exercise.

Once a strong foundation has been developed, a visit to your local course or Par 3 course is warranted. Try to play in non-peak hours so that your child is not subject to the pressures of pace of play requirements of a busy facility.

Children learn by imitation, encourage watching a PGA or LPGA event on TV. If you should have a tour event in your local area, go to the course. The crowds and excitement of big time golf are great magnets for a young person’s imagination.

Many recreation departments and most public golf facilities offer junior programs (usually in the summer months). One advantage of utilizing these programs is the social interaction that your child experiences with the other children in the clinic. Kids learn that golf is a social game played by rules of conduct and proper etiquette.

For advanced juniors who show an interest, junior tournaments are a great way to test their skills. It is important that participation in tournaments is the child’s idea. Access and encouragement are two important things that parents can provide to their children to help them learn and enjoy golf.

Article Prepared by US Golf Camps
www.usgolfcamps.com

About the author:

US Golf Camps conduct the Ultimate Junior Golf Camp Experience for junior golfers 9-17 years old.

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The Beginners Game of Golf

by: Glenn Boulton

A professional should give beginner golf swing instruction. In this way, you will learn to correct way to grip your clubs, stand, and swing. They will concentrate on the three fundamentals grip, stance, and posture so you will have the basic foundation to play the game.

Free golf tips for beginners can be found from any person wandering around on the driving range or golf course, but you will want to take these with a grain of salt. Free golf tips can be found on the internet also. They will have sections for tips on driving the golf ball and putting.

The best place to practice your driving and putting is at a driving range or par-3 golf course. This will give you a less stressed place to learn your fundamentals. When you are more comfortable with your technique and your game then you may want to try a 18 hole course.

The belly putter technique uses a two-gripped longer shafted putter, which rests against your belly and is swung in a smooth motion. This technique is great for golfers who have problems keeping their pivots steady. Your pivot point includes your elbows, shoulders, and head. This enables the player to have a smooth and even tempo stroke.

Beginners should take the time to research the game and learn the rules of golf etiquette. The game of golf is a challenging game, but with a little learning and practice, you will want to play more and more!

About the Author

Glenn Boulton is webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing.Sportz-Online.Com
He presents reviews, information, and tips for improving your game on his website.