Getting into Golf

matty55

I've been thinking of getting into it for years but never knew where to start so excuse for sounding really ignorant!!! Where would you start if you wanted to get into golf (aside from getting the equipment)

nocal

Well - what I would do if getting into golf is as follows:

1) Get a lend of some old (6-7 years) clubs from someone
2) Book 3-4 lessons at the local driving range
3) Practise
4) Buy a cheap putter (or even better get a lend of one to begin with)
5) Play a few rounds on a decent par 3 course
6) Practise
7) Get a lesson or two
8) Start playing a few rounds at a public golf course

Mind you if you are quite sporty - you could just go to a driving range with a friend and then when you can hit a ball go hit a few public courses. If you think the bug will bite you are better off buying your own clubs when you know a bit more about the game and it is important to get lessons sooner rather than later. It is much harder and more frustrating to correct things like grip and stance once the bad habits have bedded in.

foxyboxer

Whereabouts are you based?
If you're close enough to Killarney then get some Irish Open tickets.

Go down to the practice area and watch the people who earn a living from this sordid game as opposed to those of us who struggle to master the unmasterable

Watch the pro's on the driving range and you'll be itching to go!
The clubs and lessons can come after...

death1234567

Definitely get a few lessons first to get the basic's down. Trying to change your swing is a nightmare once your used to swinging it a certain way.

PhilipMarlowe

Depends on how sporty you are or what experience you have.
Pitch and Putt is a good way to learn the game and it's a gentle (and cheap) introduction but if you're an ex-hurler then you're probably going to want to hit the ball out of sight, so maybe lessons at a driving range.
The step from pitch and putt up to a par 3 course is sensible and then onto 'proper' golf but you can always jump right in. It will be more enjoyable though if you have a bit of a grounding before you jump in IMO.

matty55

cheers