New Member - New Golfer

Hey there!

I'm a new member and a new golfer! It all started when I got my Dad a half set for xmas, and I was the one that became hooked. I've been to the driving range plenty and also the pitch and putt, but last week I got my first full set, and some shoes and tonight a work colleague is taking me for 9 holes. My first time on a course! At the range I have been hitting straight at about 200 with a driver, which I'm not sure if thats good, bad or OK, but I need advice badly. I am a taller than average golfer, standing at 6'5", so was wondering if there could be anything I should do different to others. Even though I have some terrible shots now and then (which I believe are affected by my level of concentration) I believe I can hit a ball fairly well off the tee. It's my short game that sucks! I always overpower short shots. i.e. even if the SW is to powerful for a shot, so you wouldn't put full power on it. I do! And it's a one thats hard to control. The other thing I need to know is how do I put more backspin on or forward spin or spin to the side. Is it with the positioning of the feet??? Help please... Thanks in advance guys.

one of the best things I ever learned is that with a SW and PW you can use a putter type stroke to not overpower. It's pretty simple to think of but hard to do. You don't need a full swing just go back and fourth just like a putter. The best thing you can do is go to the range and spend a large bucket on just your wedges. Try to shoot for different spots. Try moving the ball back and fourth in your stance and see what results you get. Practice like you play and play like you practice.

Right now you dont need to worry about spin if you have just picked up the game, develop a sound swing and a decent golf game, then and only then think about spin. I have only started focusing on spin just a few months ago and i play under 10. Don't worry about spin for a great while. Also, let the length of your backswing determine how far you hit the ball. This means attacking through the ball, and i think you will see better results for control.

Thanks guys, I'll give them both a whirl. I do spend quite a bit of time at the range with my PW, but I'll try that 'putter swing'.

I went around the course last night, like I said for the first time, and it went really well. I was worried so much before hand, but as soon as I got on the course it just seemed to come back to me from what I'd learnt at the range and the pitch and putt. It mainly 1 over pars on the 3 and 4 par holes, a couple over on the 5 par holes (very hard holes, 524 yards + 511 yards) and then a couple lost balls here and there. One thing I did notice is that the ball was fading to the right a lot more than at the range when driving off. Can anyone help me combat this? Is it because I am not hitting the ball square on with the driver?

Anyhow, thanks for your advice so far, please keep it coming.

I know when I first started out the ball spent a while going every direction but straight. The guy teaching me focused on making sure that I always addressed the ball the same way. Making sure that I lined it up in the same spot that my shoulders were always square and that my grip remained exactly the same. Only then can you really start working with the face of the club he said. I spent a while fixing one thing, then breaking another. So don't give up.

Hey people, just wondering. I have been going out a lot lately, especially to the range, and I can see myself improving slightly. But I've pulled by back and I think this is related to golf. How many times do others go to the range in a week?