What to learn about golf...?

[tplyons]

Well, now that I'm a college graduate with a degree in business management and I'm trying to break into the workforce, I've got time to kill, and I figure learning to play golf won't hurt.

I plan on taking lessons, but am soon going to be looking to purchase a set of clubs. What do I need to know? What to look for?

I know a bunch of you guys play golf on a regular basis, what advice can you offer someone with absolutely no clue?

[NJL]

keep your head down

[MakiSupaStar]

Golf is both the most rewarding and humiliating game in existence. The amount of strategy that goes into it rivals chess, the amount of money you'll spend on it rivals buying into a leaky fix-it up yacht, yet like Vegas it gives you these glimmers of hope that make you feel proud of yourself, like you might actually know what you're doing, and then just when you get sucked in, you're bitchslapped so hard you actually feel like crying. On top of all that you get to play while drinking beer. In short, it is the devil, and I'm an athiest.

Buy a used set of clubs on craigslist. Good luck and hit them straight you poor soul.

[Happynoj]

Originally Posted by tplyons

I figure learning to play golf won't hurt.

Are you deliberately trying to become a cliché?

[WRBass]

Learn golf etiquette first. There are many places to learn this on the web. Better players don't mind playing with a beginner, as long as they follow proper etiquette. When you play with better players, watch what they do. How they are ready to hit. How they play in order. How they mark their ball, etc...
http://www.usga.org/playing/etiquette/etiquette.html
http://golf.about.com/cs/beginnersgu...fetiquette.htm
http://www.golf-information.info/golf-etiquette.html

Golf is a window into the soul. People will judge you not based on how well you hit the ball, but on how you behave. This is critical to understand if you are going to mix golf and business.

Learn the rules. For a beginner, the rules are very difficult. But, it's good to know when you are breaking them. If you are going to slow everyone down, you can break the rules as a beginner. Just explain it to everyone as you are doing it so they won't label you as a cheater.

When I play with a beginner, I don't mind if they break a few rules (unless there is money involved) as long as they don't slow us down and they follow proper etiquette.

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on clubs at first. You may end up hating the game. But, just like with bass, you will probably want to move up to some better clubs after you get the hang of it. Then you will want some clubs that fit your swing. Shaft selection is critical.

Lessons are great. Video lessons are even better.

[Big Joe]

Buy a decent used set.

Get lessons to start.

Keep your head down and your knees bent and flexible.

Here is the hardest part: Don't swing too hard. keep your swing natural, fluid, and smooth and let the club do the work. Hitting a nice straight shot from the sweet spot of the club is one of the most addicting feelings in sports. Swinging too hard will not make you hit further, it will make your drives less controlled.

After you've gotten a lesson or two on how to stand, grip the club, and swing, go to the range and bring your 3-wood and a 7-iron and start there. They are the easiest, most forgiving clubs to hit.

After you have that down, see if there is a course near you that has a chip and putt course on it (all short par 3's) to work on the overall speed of the game, approach to the green, chipping and putting... There's one right by my house and if you ever want to make the trip up to Scranton, your round is on me.

[MakiSupaStar]

Originally Posted by WRBass

Learn golf etiquette first. There are many places to learn this on the web. Better players don't mind playing with a beginner, as long as they follow proper etiquette. When you play with better players, watch what they do. How they are ready to hit. How they play in order. How they mark their ball, etc...
http://www.usga.org/playing/etiquette/etiquette.html
http://golf.about.com/cs/beginnersgu...fetiquette.htm
http://www.golf-information.info/golf-etiquette.html

Golf is a window into the soul. People will judge you not based on how well you hit the ball, but on how you behave. This is critical to understand if you are going to mix golf and business.

Learn the rules. For a beginner, the rules are very difficult. But, it's good to know when you are breaking them. If you are going to slow everyone down, you can break the rules as a beginner. Just explain it to everyone as you are doing it so they won't label you as a cheater.

When I play with a beginner, I don't mind if they break a few rules (unless there is money involved) as long as they don't slow us down and they follow proper etiquette.

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on clubs at first. You may end up hating the game. But, just like with bass, you will probably want to move up to some better clubs after you get the hang of it. Then you will want some clubs that fit your swing. Shaft selection is critical.

Lessons are great. Video lessons are even better.

Originally Posted by Big Joe

Buy a decent used set.

Get lessons to start.

Keep your head down and your knees bent and flexible.

Here is the hardest part: Don't swing too hard. keep your swing natural, fluid, and smooth and let the club do the work. Hitting a nice straight shot from the sweet spot of the club is one of the most addicting feelings in sports. Swinging too hard will not make you hit further, it will make your drives less controlled.

After you've gotten a lesson or two on how to stand, grip the club, and swing, go to the range and bring your 3-wood and a 7-iron and start there. They are the easiest, most forgiving clubs to hit.

After you have that down, see if there is a course near you that has a chip and putt course on it (all short par 3's) to work on the overall speed of the game, approach to the green, chipping and putting... There's one right by my house and if you ever want to make the trip up to Scranton, your round is on me.

Just quoting these because these are good advice. I know I threw my post in there for comic relief, but Golf is a great game. Addicting as hell, but so rewarding when you nail a good round. Etiquette is key. Know the rules. It's a gentleman's sport, but it's also a great networking tool. I've met some amazing people playing golf. Once, I was a single playing pick up around some courses in Palm Springs. I played a round and shared a cart with a guy who, as he put it was "in the fish business". He handed me his card later and said to call him if I needed anything. Turns out he was the CEO of Van De Kamps. He was doing the same thing as me, playing rounds as a single while on a business trip. We had a great time, and both played well. Bought each other rounds of beers all day.

I've stumbled into games with pros, who have been gracious enough to help me with my swing and elements of my game. Be humble with it, and you'd be amazed at what this game has to offer.

[Joe Gress]

EDIT: Not suitable.

[NJL]

Originally Posted by joeinsprings

EDIT: Not suitable.

tease

[Joe Gress]

Originally Posted by NJL

tease

Old joke anyways. You guys have probably heard it.

[tplyons]

How's this set look for a basic beginner set?

http://www.discountgolfworld.com/pro...-15-piece.html

I'm trying to stay cheap for now as I'm an absolute beginner. Haven't played anything more than mini golf in years.

However, I will be taking a class and maybe some private lessons.

Cliche, a bit... but advice I've gotten from several businessmen I know... learn the game, especially if you're trying to convince someone you're trustworthy. I've been told playing a good clean game speaks very loudly among businessmen.

If not, it at least gives me a reason to hang out with my brother more.

[Grizzly700]

That set should be fine atleast until your swing speed gets higher. When I first started playing golf after about 6 months of taking lessons I started breaking cheap drivers.

My advice to you is make putting your priority, learn good etiquette, and don't start bad habits.

[popinfresh]

Learn to put the ball in the hole.

And to swing like happy gilmore.

And finally get a hot chick to teach you how to putt.

[J. Crawford]

Originally Posted by popinfresh

Learn to put the ball in the hole.

And to swing like happy gilmore.

And finally get a hot chick to teach you how to putt.

Its all in the hips. Im 16 and almost a scratch golfer at local courses. PM me if you ever have any questions, Ill try to help.

[MJ5150]

Once you are sure you want to take this seriously, start saving up for a set of real custom clubs. Equipment does make a big difference in this game.

Hang out at some driving ranges and find out who the best custom club maker is in your hood.

-Mike

[ajhuntsman]

Honestly, I would shop carefully and buy good used clubs that are name brand. Look on eBay and Craig's List for "game improvement" irons by Callaway or Taylor Made. Better clubs will definitely help you improve more quickly, and it will be much longer before you have to upgrade.

Driver, fairway woods, and putters are usually bought individually. You can save 50% - 80% on clubs that are 2-3 years old. Get a driver, only 1 fairway wood (3-wood or 5-wood), and a cheap putter.

If you enjoy other sports, you'll probably love golf. Go to the range once or twice per week, and don't be afraid to ask someone for advice.

Keep your:
head down for a full second AFTER you strike the ball
knees bent
backswing slow
left arm fairly straight
spine angle upright as opposed to looming over the top of the ball

[Eric Perry]

All good advice.For me, the consistency part kills me. There are days I play great par golf. there are days that I... Well, I don't! Maki and Joe both offer good explanations and tips. Go have fun.

[Eric Perry]

Originally Posted by Big Joe

Buy a decent used set.

Get lessons to start.

Keep your head down and your knees bent and flexible.

Here is the hardest part: Don't swing too hard. keep your swing natural, fluid, and smooth and let the club do the work. Hitting a nice straight shot from the sweet spot of the club is one of the most addicting feelings in sports. Swinging too hard will not make you hit further, it will make your drives less controlled.

After you've gotten a lesson or two on how to stand, grip the club, and swing, go to the range and bring your 3-wood and a 7-iron and start there. They are the easiest, most forgiving clubs to hit.

After you have that down, see if there is a course near you that has a chip and putt course on it (all short par 3's) to work on the overall speed of the game, approach to the green, chipping and putting... There's one right by my house and if you ever want to make the trip up to Scranton, your round is on me.

Hey buddy, I'm heading back to Scranton next month. Care to meet up for a round (and some drinks) at some point this summer?

[fo shizzle]

Don't exhale on your backswing.......

[PSPookie]

Caddyshack
Happy Gilmore

That's all you really need to know right there.