Complete, Absolute, BEGINNER!!

Well folks, it finally had to happen, a complete and utter newbie on the site!
I have played a lot of various sports in my time, but now old (middle!) age has sneaked up on me, and can no longer last 90 seconds on a soccer field, let alone 90 minutes...so, as I have played a lot of 'virtual golf' on the computer, I have never got around to the real thing...until NOW! I was recently gifted a set of clubs, which, although not 'fitted' to my swing (as I havent even GOT a swing yet!) should suffice to get me started.
My problems are twofold...
1) my lifestyle precludes a lot of freetime...
2) my budget precludes expensive club membership and tuition fees.
SO...the bottom line is....what can people suggest would be a suitable course of action to allow me to develop enough to be able to enjoy the real game as much as I enjoy the virtual one?

thanks for ANY useful advice!

Bladerunner,

You came to tthe right place. Start on the left column and go through the Golf Swing section. video lessons and new drills section and do some reading. That should give you the basics of good fundamentals. Try to get your swing speed up from the begining and fix any control problems later. It's difficult to teach clubhead speed.

GolfBald

I would suggest that someone starting out spend time on the driving range until they become comfortable hitting the ball. I hate to see a beginner get beat up on the course and then give up because they can't hit it as far or as straight as others in their group. Plan to spend a least 3 months doing nothing but being a range rat. Then spend a month to six weeks around some practice putting green working on nothing but chipping and putting...this is where you score.

Then find a friendly course...a short course...not necessaryly a par 3 but just a short course that again won't beat you up.

Finally find a few good friends who are fun to play with hopefully at your level or slightly better. Then... TEE IT UP!

Hi Bladerunner,

Welcome to the site. I would advise that you get a few lessons to start with. Find a good PGA pro who will give you a few lessons on the basics of the swing. There is nothing worse and harder to get rid of the bad habbits you pick up as a beginner.

The most important thing is to enjoy the game, do not over play yourself. Practice your lessons on the range, then gradually work your way onto the course.

If you need any help with any aspects of the game post your questions and we will be glad to help...

__________________
Thanks

Greg Hutton
Head P.G.A. Professional
golftuitiononline.com

Bladerunner,
This is my first year playing and I'll tell you the approach that I used. I like the advice from pgapro, take a couple of lessons for an introduction to the fundamentals. Be advised that your grip, take-away, swing and everything else that feels natural to you will be wrong. That will get your prepped to spend some time at the driving range. Hit the range a half dozen times and then schedule another lesson. Hit the range a few more times and try out your short game at a pitch and putt course.
Find someone with some experience on a course to guide you through your first few rounds. As long as you keep moving and don't hold anyone up you'll do fine. Balls are cheap, if you send a few off into the weeds - drop another one - give it a whack - and move on.

gopherit

Welcome bladerunner from another absolute beginner.

You have come to the right place. Keep posting your questions and be confident that the replies you get will be helpfull.

I just joined the site recently and spent time on the lessons and posted a few questions and just went out and played 18 holes the other day.

I spent a little time on the range and did fairly well I thought but don't be surprised if it doesn't go quite as well on the course.

I think I'm hooked and I am looking for clubs now to get ready for next year.

Good luck,

John

Hey Bladerunner.

Im lucky.
I work on a golf course, so I get to watch people play, and I also get free use of all the facilities. Practice Green, Range and range balls and when I got good enough I can play the course for free too.

Right now, Im on the range. Slapping, slicing and killing the balls.
Im trying to post my results from each trip to the range so I can others can see whats going on.

Anyway, its a great game. You just gotta get over the frirst hurdle... the swing.

Welcome.

You already received mails from the regulars. A few friendly tips from someone who started last year (at the age of 49!!!).

Before even thinking about going on to a course (the temptation is too great to resist) get loads and loads of practice. I endorse the view that a few lessons on the fundamentals from Pros supplemented by the excellent material avaiable from this site would be a good starting point. Things such as grip, stance, ball position etc can be learnt better if there is someone to see and correct you.

No use practicing with bad habits - so if you thinking you are doing exactly as advised but find the balls do not listen to you, check again. Balls do not carry grudges. Something is missing or you might have picked up a bad habit.

Most important thing is to find friendly but more senior partners, not someone who appears to intimidate with deadly straight three yard shots, but someone you can relate to. You can watch and learn.

I secured my 28 handicap in about six months and went on to win three medals in about 15 months!!!

This is a great game but requires lots of dedication. More important is to make the experience a pleasure. You will never regret it.

Sekhar