going to golf course

im sorry everybody, this is my third post today, i just have so many questions
How good do i have to be to actually start playing on the course. I am to afraid people behind me or infront of me will complain.. etc...

any replies

thanks,

sikwitit_23@hotmail.com

The answer, of course, is 'it depends'.

What time are you going to play the course? What kind of course are you going to play? How consistently do you hit the ball?

For me, I didn't have a driving range nearby (closest one is 1hr away), so I had no choice but to learn on the course.

I would only play after 6pm, (or just after lunch) when the course was slow, and hack my way around.

If you can get access to a pitch 'n' putt course (or an executive course - all par 3 holes), they'd be a good place to start.

After two or three lessons, of course.

is hitting off the fairway harder than hitting off the mat?

like i want to be good enough to shoot under 100, do you know how far in or after you start that will be? i am in vancouver..

thanks,

sikwitit_23@hotmail.com

Ali

If you have paid your fees then you have every right to be on the course just like the other guys. We all have to start somewhere, sometime, and unless you are really slow no-one should begrudge you the right to play your sport. If you are worried, or self-conscious, choose a time when the course is not so busy and then you can take as long as you please. In my experience it isnt the number of shots that a novice takes that is the problem but rather the time taken to actually hit each shot. New golfers often take an age to shape up to the shot. So if you just get up and blaze away it wont hold up anyone (unless of course you keep losing your ball in the rough).

My advice is to ask the club pro when the course is not so busy and arrange to play at that time. Take as many shots as you need but commit to each shot with a minimum of practice swings and you will be surprised how fast the round goes. Walk quickly between shots. And when it comes to finishing out the hole apply the same to putting. Dont stand for an eternity over every putt. You probably wont improve the accuracy by freezing when it is time to make the putt. Just hit it!

Hope this helps.

A.

Are you from Vancouver, BC? That's where I'm from.

Just know when to pick up and move on (or when to stop searching for your ball in the woods) and you'll be OK.

Heh.. have you never hit off of grass? You might be in for a little treat called the "Fat Shot". Mats tend to kick the club back up resulting in a solid shot if you happen to hit fat, where as, grass, you dig a trench.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your round.

i have hit off thick lawn grass fine!! i am not worried about that factor

If you are playing alone or with a partner try to tee off just in front of a four ball.

Spend a maximum of 5 minutes looking for lost balls then do a drop if you do not find them.

Be sure to take at least as many balls as holes. 20 or more for a full round.

If you are caught up then let them play past at next tee. Or stand to one side and let them pass you on fairway, within reason. They should do the same.

The rules of golf apply to them as well, By the way most courses state that a single player has no standing so they have no right to hassle you. Mind you common sense and manners should be applied by all players.

Just enjoy your game and you will be OK. You will find plenty of 120 round hacks out there. So dont think you are the only one.

There's more than one Vancouver? In the world?

I think there's also another Vancouver in Washington.

thanks, these are great replies

just to clarify i am from west van, bc

You're good enough to play on a course now. Don't worry about anyone else.
Just keep up with the group in front and if you fall behind call the group behind you thou so you don't slow the whole feild down.
Grass is different to mats but theres only one way to get used to it so start playing.
Remember we were all hackers(not very good) in the beginning, heck alot of us are still are hackers. Play for the enjoyement that's what its all about and if you don't hold anyone up no cares how bad you go,hell it evens makes some people happy

So go out there and have fun

thanks everybody, because of all your encouragment i am going to go to the course on saturday!!

thanks everybody,

sikwitit_23@hotmail.com