View Full Version : Thinking of taking up golf
GreyJackal
30-10-2003, 23:34
Anyone got any suggestions, tips, anything really for someone who's played exactly one round in his life and has just randomly decided he'd quite fancy giving it a "proper" go? :)
don't do it! wait until you are too old to do "proper" sports and then take it up.
GreyJackal
31-10-2003, 00:27
:p
Dunno why, it's taken my fancy. Probably because I can't be bothered with "proper" sports :D
i'm waiting until i'm too old/fat/knackered (delete as applicable) to play rugby before i take it up
GreyJackal
31-10-2003, 00:44
Ah, passed that one. Although I'm only about to hit 30, the cigs have knackered me on that front :D
essex_max
31-10-2003, 12:43
GreyJackal, if you're in Reading, pop down to the driving range at Rivermead leisure centre.
You can get lessons there which look quite good and the staff seem to know what they are talking about.
As for clubs (if you need any), go into Nevada Bobs on Northumberland Ave. They're really good also.
StephenM
31-10-2003, 15:38
I started playing golf about 18 months ago.
Get yourself a decent set of clubs, a secondhand set can be picked up fairly reasonably. Don't buy Argyle tops...ever.
Go to a driving range. Don't look for blasting a ball 250 yards down the course. Relax and concentrate on keeping the ball going straight and at your target. After a couple of weekends, you should develop some rhythm.
Get some lessons. These guys will pull your game apart, but they will steer you in the right direction.
Spend far too long on the putting green. All greens are different, but again concentrate on getting the ball where you want it to go. A neat tip is to practise putting at home on your carpet.
Play a few rounds. Try to play with a friend that has been playing for a while, as they will drive you on.
Don't let your temper get to you. It's a hobby and you should enjoy it. I've seen people that have been playing for 10 years go nuts after ONE bad shot and the rest of their round is spoiled.
GreyJackal
01-11-2003, 00:12
Cheers essex_max - already considered the Rivermead range. I'll head down there when I get back off holiday. Do you know if they hire clubs? I don't want to buy anything until I've had a chance to play about a bit and determined whether I enjoy it enough :)
StephenM - re lessons, I've had a look at a few clubs in the area but they're members only. Is it just a case of looking for a public course and finding teachers or do private clubs do any kind of tuition for non-members?
As for frustration - nah, I don't get easily wound up :)
Ta for the advice :thumbs:
Art Vanderlay
01-11-2003, 13:05
Most driving ranges will have someone available to give lessons if you don't want to approach a private club.
Ive been playing golf for two and a half years now. Its an excellent sport.
If youre just starting get your self a seconghand set of clubs which can be picked up fairly cheap and go to youre local course and start practising on the driving range and par 3 course.
Crouching Tiger
06-11-2003, 23:52
Borrow some clubs if you're not sure you will take it up. I'd get lessons straight away before you start learning bad habbits.
Don't try to hit the ball to hard. You need to position your feet and chest so that you can consistently hit straight. Try to achieve a smooth, slow and regular pullback and then hit through the ball on a consitent arc with a steady follow through. Try to keep your head still and keep your eyes on the tee for as long as you can.
Bend your knees and visualise the shot.
A pro teacher will describe a setup to use for every shot which will be aimed at achieving a consistent swing.
Good luck. Remember its fun but the rules can be a pain in the arse.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2012, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.