Golf...where to start?

Golf. A game I never really much appreciated. A game that held no interest to me. A game that I always found boring, uninteresting, dull, and quite frankly, incomprehensible to the level of seriousness I see others put into it.

How do I start to play this game?

A little background. My new CEO at our company 'suggested strongly' that I take up the game...for 'career development'. I honestly thought that kind of development was old boy school, but apparently not. Seems to this day, alot of deal making is done by swinging clubs on the greens. So, being the career obsessed middle manager that I am, I found me a set of decent (so I've been told) clubs, and I'm starting to wonder how do I start.

I've only ever played ONCE in my life, and that was a few weeks ago, at a customer's social function. It was best ball, and I was teamed up with some lovely ladies who know how to play the game, so I didn't feel too bad, but my performance was dismal at best. I mean, just once, I would have liked to drive the ball past the woman's tee...just once...sigh. I've played mini golf a few times, but that was years ago, but that was the most exposure to golf I ever had.

I know alot of you here play regularly, so I'm asking for advise. Do I start at the local driving ranges? Take lessons? Other than clubs, balls, tees, and a bag, should I have anything else with me? How much am I looking to spend as a beginner? What places are the best to play if you're a total new comer to this game? Do I really need a pair of golf shoes or not?

Probably alot to ask, but as with everything I've done in the past, both feet in without looking. Poker was the same way when I started until I started learning more about the game.

I'm not looking to be the next Tiger Woods or Mike Weir, just want to be able to respect myself next time I go to a company tournament.

BTW, I live in Brampton. I've heard some very unnerving things about the cost to play and the seriousness of the play in the greater Toronto area, so I'm willing to go elsewhere to play/learn. If there's anyone that wouldn't mind having a green horn like myself hanging around during a round or two, and have the patience to put up with me, I wouldn't mind joining them sometime.

Comments

  • Well I don't have any direct advice, ie I'm not good enough to actually help but I would strongly suggest lessons before developing any bad habits. It's a lot easier to get going in the right direction rather than start the wrong way and then have to correct. Now I'm not sure of the best place to take lessons but I'm sure there are others on here who will. Good luck!
  • Lessons off the bat are a really good idea. I have been playing since I was 7 and at times can actually "play" a little bit, but, I have been making the same mistakes since I was 7.

    Every year I tell myself that this is the year I take lessons....I rarely get to play anymore so, I go out, get loaded with BigE and have a good time.

    Invest in Lessons, that Pro can help you with Club selection (you don't have to spend a fortune) shafts etc and help you get started and enjoy it.

    I love golfing, I really do wish I had taken lessons 30 years ago. Good luck with it and enjoy.

    D
  • On Hurontario just north of the 401 there is a little driving range. I took lessons there many years ago which were a good deal at the time. Derryhill golf course is just around the corner on Derry rd. and it was pretty reasonable to play there as well when I lived in Mississauga.
  • I 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. lessons. Then try to take some time at the range after each and before the next too...

    For price, a lot of places have an after 3 pm, 4pm, 6pm, etc deals. You can always call courses in your area or search the web for these kind of specials.

    My textbook swing advice...
    1. keep your eye on the ball when you try to hit it (don't look up before you connect, lol)
    2. don't try to hit the snot out of it

    Good luck!
  • I"d love to help you but I"m a bad golfer. BTW AJ you know about not hitting it past the ladies tees, there's the dick out rule...... LOL
  • AcidJoe wrote: »
    I"d love to help you but I"m a bad golfer. BTW AJ you know about not hitting it past the ladies tees, there's the dick out rule...... LOL

    Heard about that rule...fortunately, the ladies I was with didn't enforce it...THIS TIME!
  • Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range Driving Range .. and then more Driving Range..

    except yer not there to just drive.. Go over to the grass tees and hit off them.. use your irons off the grass and get used to hitting it from there..

    All you need to figure out: A drive that can go 200 yards straight and an iron you can hit about 140-150 from the fairway.

    No need for 300 yd drives or crazy shit like 230yd three irons.

    Also, play with shitty balls when you golf with other people. Shank one into the forest? Let it go.. I personally play with Titleist X-outs.. Anyway, Golf is a game of repetition and practise. You are going to need to swing a club ever y weekend if you actually want to improve.. 3-4 times a summer will never do it..
  • BBC Z wrote: »
    No need for 300 yd drives or crazy shit like 230yd three irons.
    230 yard 5-iron right here. BOOYAH!

    /g2
  • yeah but can you hit a Three iron? The lack of loft makes it a bitch.
  • Yes, but I took it out of my bag so I could add a wedge.

    /g2
  • LESSONS.

    You have an advantage over most other golfers. Having not golfed (much) before, you don't have lots of bad habits ingrained in your golf swing. Heck, you don't even have a golf swing yet. Go see a pro and develop some good habits and routines. It will be worth it in the short term and in the long run.

    btw - the driving range, range, and more range advice that BBC gave is horrible. You'd just start swinging, frustrating yourself and practicing poor technique. Wasting time, money and causing more work later on to correct what you're doing wrong.
  • I'm a golf donk, but I know hork plays too much, so go with his advice..

    Handwedge anyone?
  • I play a lot of golf (around 150 games a year) and am a low single digit handicapper and if I was starting, I would do exactly what Hork posted. Learn a proper swing and putting stroke first from someone who knows what they are talking about, then practice, practice, practice.
    When you do start playing, don't worry about what you shoot. Keep trying with the swing you were taught and in time it will come. Don't take it too seriously and remember to have fun. There is nothing worse then being out on the course for 4-5 hours with someone who is throwing temper tantrums and clubs.
    If I am going to see you in any poker tournies, I will bring you a bunch of balls. You will lose a lot when you first start and if you don't pay for them, you don't have to worry about losing them.
    I don't know any pros in your area, so I don't have anyone to recommend to you. My favourite days in the summer are golf in the morning and playing poker in the afternoon. Good luck and I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

    Dave
  • Buzzzardd wrote: »
    I play a lot of golf (around 150 games a year)

    Jesus, is that even possible??
    Buzzzardd wrote: »
    and am a low single digit handicapper and if I was starting,

    huh???
    Buzzzardd wrote: »
    If I am going to see you in any poker tournies, I will bring you a bunch of balls. You will lose a lot when you first start and if you don't pay for them, you don't have to worry about losing them.

    Appreciate it Dave. I'll be at Ryder, and I do think I met you at The Shop once already, maybe we'll hook up again there in the near future.

    There's a new Golf Town opening up just around the corner from me, and I've been told they can help out alot as well, so maybe I'll check them out. Thanks to everyone who volunteer advice. Much appreciated.

    If I don't see you on the felt, maybe I'll see you on the greens.
  • Okay, so I'm heading to the new Golf Town that opened up in Brampton to check out what they can offer a newbie like me. May God have MERCY on my soul! And my pocket book!
  • I hope you got a few dimes from poker winnings to spend on clubs. :)
  • AcidJoe wrote: »
    I hope you got a few dimes from poker winnings to spend on clubs. :)

    No kidding. Great store that Golf Town, but I was definitely suffering sticker shock!

    Already got a set of irons, driver, and putter, and the guy I talked to actually told me that's all I need for now, just go out and learn and have fun. Felt no sales pressure whatsoever, even when I booked the lessons.
  • STR82ACE wrote: »
    just go out and learn and have fun. .

    This is key. Remember that a bad day on the golf course is still better than a good day at work!

    I love to practice my putting. The flat stick is the most valuable club in your bag. "Drive for show, Putt for dough" is so very true.
    If you have a long stretch of carpet in your house, practice your putting for awhile. Between hands while you are playing poker online, maybe?

    Johnnie.
  • JohnnieH wrote: »
    If you have a long stretch of carpet in your house, practice your putting for awhile. Between hands while you are playing poker online, maybe?

    Johnnie.

    Actually tried to do that a couple of times. Damn dog thought we were playing and kept stealing and running off with the damn balls!

    Been watching alot of video tips on golflink...quite good too. But it does show I have alot to learn. Like, what the hell is a handicap anyway??
  • STR82ACE wrote: »
    Actually tried to do that a couple of times. Damn dog thought we were playing and kept stealing and running off with the damn balls!

    My dog does the same thing. So I'll practice my chipping on the lawn (into a Recycling bin) , and let him retrieve the balls for me!
Sign In or Register to comment.