quote:

Originally posted by TexasScrub:
Never ever buy a Scotty Cameron putter. They're expensive and I now have 5. Wanna buy one?

bitten by the scotty bug do you have a huge collection of covers too? drop the big bucks for a tour putter.

I’d advise to first determine your objective.

Will you prioritize scoring? If so, heed the above comments regarding putting & other aspects of the short game.

Will you instead prioritize the more subjective, less rewarded aspects of your swing? If so, that will be more challenging for any adult that picks up the sport. It’s hard to develop a natural, fluid, powerful swing if you don’t start at age 12. But, is that important to you?

As an analogy using skiing - Do you simply want to claim that you skied a double black? Or do you instead want to be known for how effortlessly you skied the double black? Many can achieve the former with work. It’s a larger challenge to achieve the latter.

Also, do you have the mental edge for golf? Would you love to have the chance to kick the easy 30-yd field goal to win the game or do you dread that opportunity? Too many kickers have the physical talent but not the mental edge.

Caddy for a summer. Single bag is fine, you can get singles. Get good at estimating distances.

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
Easy.

First off, DON"T GO OUT AND SPEND A FORTUNE ON CLUBS AND STUFF.

That's what everyone wants to do.

Or thinks they need to do. But, yeah, this ^^^^^, and everything else Kevin wrote.

Ok, so, learning the game.

A bunch of random thoughts from another golf newbie, in no particular order...

Lessons will not mirror hitting at the range, much less on the course.

Hitting from grass is much different than hitting off a mat.

Don't underestimate the value of playing around in the backyard with limited-flight practice balls or even wiffle balls. E.g.: After my budding swing went straight in the toilet, recently, the next day I got out my pitching wedge and a wiffle ball, and just unstressfully, idly hit that ball around the back yard off the tops of the grass. It was enjoyable, I ironed-out some of my swing issues, and regained my confidence.

The single biggest hurdle will be getting your swing right and consistent. I'm finally starting to get there after four beginner classes, one intermediate class, and hours and hours of practice.

If you're like most, you will not be able to integrate all the bits that go into a good swing all at once. For me it's been a case of discovering and correcting flaws one-at-a-time. Just discovered one, w/in the last two days. A significant one. One I'm surprised my instructor missed.

And that leads to: Not all instructors suit all students, and even a good instructor, well-suited to you, will not spot or be able to help you to correct, everything. Part of the reason for that is...

Eventually you will find the swing that works for you. Yes, there are certain swing fundamentals that are more-or-less invariable. From there each individual's swing will be their swing.

Your smart phone, a tripod, and a tripod adapter for your smartphone, with which to video your own swing, is a great aid. People can tell you all kinds of things. It's different when you see it with your own eyes.

Yeah, somebody can video you, but then somebody's watching. Guess what: That will affect you. (Another reason course play isn't reflected in range practice or lessons.)

Do not think of hitting the ball. Think instead of swinging the club and the ball just happens to be in the way. Thinking in terms of hitting the ball unconsciously leads one to hack at it, as if swinging a bat, hockey stick, or axe. I've come to think of the ball more as a point through which I want the club head to pass, rather than something I need to hit

Along those lines: It takes less "power" than you'd think to make the ball go a long ways. You don't have to power through the swing. Just swing well and physics will get the job done.

Unless you're a very young man or woman: Don't underestimate the value of doing flexibility exercises before going out to swing a club--even for practice.

As others have said: Don't go right out and spend a bunch of bucks on clubs. Conversely: Don't hesitate to replace a club that you can tell simply does not work for you. (I've had it happen twice, already [putter and sand wedge--the former too long, the latter too short], and I haven't even played, yet.)

When you get set to play the first time, DO NOT go spending $25, $35, $45 a box for balls. You won't be good enough to take advantage of their characteristics and you will almost certainly lose many of them. (I bought a couple boxes of Wilson balls on sale for $10/15.)

Before going out to a course for the first time, make sure you've learned course and playing etiquette.

When you're having a bad time of it, and you will, from time-to-time, best to just step away from it rather than continue hacking it it. Which leads to...

Even in practice, in learning to swing, etc.: You will have good days and bad days. The bad days may make you question the wisdom of embarking upon this venture--particularly once you've already spent a few hundred bucks. The good days will make you feel like this is the best decision you've ever made in your life, why did you wait so long, and, what the hell, it's only money.

Welcome to golf

Couldn't imagine actually wanting to start this silly game. Go buy some guns or a car, get any other hobby.

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:
Couldn't imagine actually wanting to start this silly game. Go buy some guns or a car, get any other hobby.

As I noted in my thread: I studiously avoided it for my entire life. In a moment of Bourbon-infused weakness, I took my neighbor's suggestion of taking a swing at a ball with his 7-iron...

...and proceed to hit it high and true, right down the middle of his yard and into the woods, for about an 80 yard hit. (I said 100 yards in my OP. Since checked and it was closer to 80.)

That was my undoing. It's is those kinds of successes that keep you hooked. As in...

The other day, practicing off a mat, hitting limited-flight balls with my 9-iron, I hit three of five balls to w/in about twelve yards of one another (±40 yards), with three of them having no more than about six inches of dispersion. The "slice" was in the same area, and no more than a couple feet right. The "hook" no more than a couple feet left.

Assuming real balls and my attempting to get them all on the green, near the hole, from around ninety yards out, they would have all put me in a good putting position.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:
Couldn't imagine actually wanting to start this silly game. Go buy some guns or a car, get any other hobby.

As I noted in my thread: I studiously avoided it for my entire life. In a moment of Bourbon-infused weakness, I took my neighbor's suggestion of taking a swing at a ball with his 7-iron...

...and proceed to hit it high and true, right down the middle of his yard and into the woods, for about an 80 yard hit. (I said 100 yards in my OP. Since checked and it was closer to 80.)

That was my undoing. It's is those kinds of successes that keep you hooked. As in...

The other day, practicing off a mat, hitting limited-flight balls with my 9-iron, I hit three of five balls to w/in about twelve yards of one another (±40 yards), with three of them having no more than about six inches of dispersion. The "slice" was in the same area, and no more than a couple feet right. The "hook" no more than a couple feet left.

Assuming real balls and my attempting to get them all on the green, near the hole, from around ninety yards out, they would have all put me in a good putting position.

I fear as soon as you invest time and money in this...your initial successes will be a thing of the past. How it seems to go. LOL. Have fun.

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:
I fear as soon as you invest time and money in this...

That boat sailed a long time ago

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:
...your initial successes will be a thing of the past. How it seems to go. LOL. Have fun.

We shall see. I think if I can hit the course w/o unreasonable expectations (i.e.: pro tour performance) and just have fun, like I did with the wiffle balls in the backyard the other day, all will be well.

Heck, I learned to sail a boat. (Hint: To do it well is trickier than it looks.) I should be able to become at least mediocre hitting a little white ball around on the grass--or in the woods, as the case may be

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Lessons.

Take Lessons.

Unlearning all the wrong stuff is harder and much more frustrating than learning the right way from the get-go.

You will find equipment that you like as you learn to play. Either rent stuff where you take the lessons or find a set for sale in a pawn shop or used sporting goods store.

Once you are into golf, you will know what you want, and will likely be able to pick up the clubs you want for a decent price when you get in the rhythm of the golf pricing cycle.

100% this!

Many years ago I learned the ultimate secret of the game of golf. You're never to young to quit.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
Yeah, somebody can video you, but then somebody's watching. Guess what: That will affect you. (Another reason course play isn't reflected in range practice or lessons.)

Just to insert a quick point, the range CAN NOT be brought to the course. You HAVE to bring the course to the range.
My best friend is a machine gunner on the range. Hit ball, rake another over before it even lands.
No consequences at all for a bad shot...and he laments that beating balls doesn’t improve his course play.

So I ‘set up’ a hole we both know on the driving range by using trees, range markers, etc.
(2nd hole at 500 Club is a 525yd par 5)
You hit your tee shot - you then use whatever club you would use on the course. Fairway? Great. Not fairway, punch out from the trees or rough - proceed like you would on the course. Funny thing, when we play a “hole” on the range, he hits the ball like he hits on the course. Hmm...

Block practice has it’s place to groove a swing. Random practice means not hitting the same shot twice - which you don’t do on the course unless you blasted it OB. Bet yourself a dime or quarter for every fairway/green missed. When the money builds up, go buy more golf stuff!

ETA: I *really* like Ensigmatic’s tip about the ball just being a point the club passes through on the swing. Good thought!

quote:

Originally posted by Greymann:
Apparently all you need is one putter.
This fella won a tournament with only one club...a putter.

https://golfweek.usatoday.com/...izona-amateur-event/

Scottish pro Tommy Armour often only used a 4 iron when a member at his club insisted he play a round with him. He almost always won anyway. His How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time was the first golf book I read at 12

Buy used clubs to start with, get good lessons from an instructor you understand what they’re telling you, some instructors I just couldn’t “get it” from. I found one that helped me from Golftec, I couldn’t break a 100 most of the time when I went to see him and now I fluctuate between a 7 and a 9 handicap, so I highly recommend lessons.

When you get the golf bug it is the most addicting thing that’s ever hit me, enjoy!

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:
Couldn't imagine actually wanting to start this silly game. Go buy some guns or a car, get any other hobby.

I have to disagree. I spent maybe $350 on clubs in the 1980's. Never took a lesson. Was actually pretty good. Played about the same as my wife, who was a Division 1 Volleyball player in the early 80's (but really wanted to be a D1 basketball player). She was a very good golfer. Had a hole in one at a local public course, etc. Then came the six kids (Oh, did I mention that my wife is a pretty traditional Catholic?). After the second child we started playing golf again. I screwed up my shoulder & stopped playing. Then the third kid was on his way.
I bought the shell of an original 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint Convertible that originally had a 260 V8 in it. I have the original block (bored .60 over). My wife loved it. We spent about $30K total to restore. It has a more manageable C4 trans and a 289 V8 in it. Repainted it the original Rangoon Red. My wife hates it because it has manual steering and manual brakes. It drives great, but I don't really fit in it because I'm 6'2". I guess I'm going to need to sell it at a loss, because it just sits in the garage.
So, for me, golf equals $350. Car equals $30K.
Plus, I can still use the remaining golf clubs to whack a mole (we have a number of moles in our yard).

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:

quote:

Originally posted by Greymann:
Apparently all you need is one putter.
This fella won a tournament with only one club...a putter.

Scottish pro Tommy Armour often only used a 4 iron when a member at his club insisted he play a round with him. He almost always won anyway.

And there's the difference: Skill will beat hardware every time.

I currently have more clubs than I'll be able to use effectively for some time--if ever. TBH: I'd probably be fine with a 3-wood, 7-iron, ±54° wedge, and a putter.

So I have friends that golf. One of my four immediate supervisors (owners) was a golf pro (not a pro golfer, something I learned is different).
Anyways, I know a bunch of golfers and everyone wants me to go play. Everyone says it’s my kind of game, and something I would probably live, and enjoy.
Let’s also forget that it’s the one sport my wife banned when we first met. Seriously, she asked if I golfed, and we wouldn’t have dated if I had said yes.

Back to my point.
To me golfing is like salmon fishing the Nisqually river on the stretch between Nisqually Road, and the train tracks. After many days if snags, cutting line, trying again, and snags, and wait, did I mention snags...
If I ever decide to fish the Nisqually River again, just take my tackle box to the bridge, open it up, shake the contents into the river, and go home. The same result will be achieved, with far less frustration.

Golf is no different. It’ll suck the money from my account like a Hoover sucking dust from the carpet. Nope. Not happening.

Anyways, I hope this was found as humorous. That was my intent.

Oh, if you want to fish salmon in Washington, don’t go to the Nisqually River. Just throw out your tackle box and buy a beer. Feel free to email me if you’re really curious as to why this is fact.

Find an instructor that works on the basic fundamentals. You don't need to hit tons of balls - work on the grip, shifting your weight and the swing. You get that down everything else will work.

Perhaps find a PGA or LPGA Teaching professional in your area if your serious about learning.

Don't buy anything, except for maybe a single iron to practice.

When your ready for a set, let your instructor guide you. Don't just purchase anything.

The last club you should learn to hit is your driver. If the instructor puts a driver in your hands to start - find a new instructor.

Feel free to email if you have any questions.. I'll do my best to answer.

Beancooker, that was pretty funny

An oft-overlooked aspect: Grip size. Here's how a golf club grip should fit your hand:



Note that in the "correct" photo the two longest fingers are just touching the palm.

Grips come in undersize/junior, standard, midsize, and jumbo. Most clubs, except putters, come fitted with standard. Jumbo grips on putters are popular, right now. (My new putter came stock with a midsize grip.) They also come in a variety of tapers.

If grips are worn or the wrong size for you, re-gripping is relatively inexpensive, even if you have a pro shop do it, and well worth the investment, IMO.

Here's why sufficiently grippy grips of the right size are important: In gripping the club you want to grip no more tightly than necessary to control the club and not have it follow the ball down-range. This should not require a death grip (except certain circumstances) and, in fact, a death grip can be counter productive because it can introduce several swing errors. Somebody once said "Grip it like you were holding a baby bird."

quote:

Originally posted by XLT:

quote:

Originally posted by TexasScrub:
Never ever buy a Scotty Cameron putter. They're expensive and I now have 5. Wanna buy one?

bitten by the scotty bug do you have a huge collection of covers too? drop the big bucks for a tour putter.

I have avoided the big dollar putters. My current putter is a recent Ping Anser version, which Scotty Cameron copied anyway. (No knock on Cameron, everyone copies the Anser.) The Ping wasn't cheap, but it wasn't $450, either.

Golf doesn't have to be super expensive. You can buy used clubs that will be 98% as good as this year's latest and greatest at half the price. Of just last year's model, at 75% of the price. You can find perfectly lovely courses to play for $40 or $50 a round. It isn't the cheapest hobby, but it is no more expensive than shooting unless you make it so.

You can spend a fortune, but you don't have to.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
You can find perfectly lovely courses to play for $40 or $50 a round.

They best be lovely at that price. Places I'll play will be more like $25-$35/18 with a cart. Cheaper with senior rates on particular days at particular times.

If I had to pay $40-$50/18 I would run the other way right now.