Golf

[oracleslave]

Ok couple of things from me

1) You need to commit to give the sport at least 3 years before you expect to start being what would be remotely called good.

I'd agree that it is not a sport that one can pick up quickly and easily. I have known people to become decent players within 18 months though

2) Before you get lessons or anything read a book - some pro's will try and teach you how to swing like them which is not the best way. You need to understand the mechanics of what you are trying to do and then learn to swing a club to do it.

I disagree. I don't believe a complete novice will be able to achieve much from a book. Books can be useful for giving new ideas and potential things to try once you have a swing foundation.

(note you are not trying to hit a ball you are trying to consistently swing a club in the same way - the ball just happens to be in the way)

This is very true and something that a god coach will emphasise.

5) Do regularly go to the driving range - however in a real round of golf maybe 50% of your shots will be putts - which most people rarely practice so try n practice them

I would only regularly go to the driving range with a specific goal in mind and not just to aimlessly bash a 100 balls. Putting can come later. A beginner needs the swing fundamentals in place first and imho the best place to get that is through professional instruction.

[Gittins Gal]

This is very true and something that a god coach will emphasise.

Is that Dhoogie?

[Doggy Styles]

I would concentrate on your long game first of all. Probably best to get yourself a 7 iron and head down to your local driving range as others have said.

Once you've got your long game working, you'll need to concentrate on your short game.

To perfect this, I'd recommend practicing on fast greens. The greens at my local club are as smooth as a baby's bum and are VERY fast. The way I play fast greens is to use a technique I call spot putting. Imagine you have a 30 foot putt. Then imagine your ball is just 1 yard from the hole and hit the ball with just enough force to make that imaginary hole. 9 times out of 10 the ball will have the legs to reach the hole but won't overrun.

However, as others have said I can't stress how imporant it is to have someone right behind you at all times as you get your golfing career on track.

Hi Gricer!

I found that practicing with one's short irons is just as important as the long. This is because, having arrived anywhere within 100 yards of your target by whatever means, a good "pitch" can put you very close to the hole and get you "up and down".

Long clubs are about controlling your swing plane at speed. Short clubs are more about touch and feel, especially your putter. Putting practice, often neglected because it isn't as much fun as a hearty bit of swinging, is vital for getting your score down. As we golfers say, "Drive for show, putt for dough!"