Need beginner golf advice

[sundermann]

We've been here a few months and have gone from "we don't golf" to "we don't golf yet" to "we're looking for clubs." I sure could some advice for two truly beginning golfers - neighbors say to get used clubs but no one seems to be able to get the fact that we don't even know what to look for. I've measured our wrist/floor length and know my husband uses standard size (left handed though) and I am short (5'2") but figure I could use standard to get started. I've seen Dunlop & Northwestern at garage sales. Which irons do we get to just get started on the executive courses? We plan to take lessons but I'm amazed there isn't anything offered through the weekly rec. centers (or have I been too busy with everything else to catch it)!

[Russ_Boston]

My 2 cents worth as a regular golfer:

I would take the 'new to golf' program http://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-academy/newtogolf.asp

It costs $225 per person but it will be a great introduction to the game, the swing, the rules and the proper etiquette. It also includes a club fitting which would be useful even if you go elsewhere to pick up some clubs. I would assume that you could rent some clubs from them for the program length prior to purchasing.

This is how my wife is going to approach it when we move down.

Russ

[jrjr729]

Just be realistic. You are going to be brand new golfers. It doesn't make sense to buy an expensive set. I recommend that you check out garage sales. You should start with a 5, 7, 9, PW and SW for irons. Woods should be limited to a three wood. You will need a putter, also. Pick sizes that feel comfortable. If you are going to use a ten finger grip be sure to get the clubs re-gripped with a fatter grip. That will cost you about $3 per club.

The simplest golf swing that I know of is something called Natural Golf. Do not make the mistake of buying their CDs on line. I m sure you can find the book titled Natural Golf by Peter Fox ISBN 1-57028-125-4. Costs about $15.

Get the clubs, read the book and go to the driving range. After you feel comfortable hitting the ball about 100 yards straight start playing Turtle Mound and the other level one courses. Enjoy yourselves you are going to be terrible for about a year. Do not keep score until you are in your second year of play.

Hope this helps/

[Muncle]

My 2 cents worth as a regular golfer:

I would take the 'new to golf' program http://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-academy/newtogolf.asp.

It costs $225 per person but it will be a great introduction to the game, the swing, the rules and the proper etiquette. It also includes a club fitting which would be useful even if you go elsewhere to pick up some clubs. I would assume that you could rent some clubs from them for the program length prior to purchasing.

This is how my wife is going to approach it when we move down.

Russ

Agree completely with Russ. First of all, buying clubs ain't what it used to be, if it ever was. With length, shaft, loft, flex, et al, it's real easy to get very confused. Any club will work, but the right club is hard to get.

But a really good point is that you're starting fresh. Oh how I envy you. I'd played just enough golf over the years to learn wrong and develop and solidify some atrocious habits. I'll never be rid of them. You, however, have the chance to put yourself in the hands of good instructors who'll show you how to do it right and ingrain those lessons. No vile habits to unlearn.

Agree with Russ about the New to Golf course taught at Palmer. However, there are a ton of excellent certified instructors both on and off campus at a variety of prices. You should be able to find something/someone to fit your needs and your purse. Then you can worry about clubs.



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[redwitch]

I am most definitely a non-golfer and will probably stay that way (but refuse to never say never). Anyway, I do have several friends who do golf, including a few ladies who are tiny. They range from decent beginners to downright good. Four of them are under 5'3". They all three swear by the clubs sold at Wal-Mart for kids/teens. Say they are the perfect height and really cheap and even come in pink (not my first choice for anything but they are truly ladies).

[chuckinca]

My 2 cents worth as a regular golfer:

I would take the 'new to golf' program http://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-academy/newtogolf.asp.

It costs $225 per person but it will be a great introduction to the game, the swing, the rules and the proper etiquette. It also includes a club fitting which would be useful even if you go elsewhere to pick up some clubs. I would assume that you could rent some clubs from them for the program length prior to purchasing.

This is how my wife is going to approach it when we move down.

Russ



Russ:

Link wouldn't work - went to the golf the villages site and found this:

http://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-academy/newtogolf.asp same as what you put up but with out the ... in the middle.

Chuck

It did it to mine too (added the . . . in the middle) now when I try the link it comes back to this message?

[chuckinca]

I am most definitely a non-golfer and will probably stay that way (but refuse to never say never). Anyway, I do have several friends who do golf, including a few ladies who are tiny. They range from decent beginners to downright good. Four of them are under 5'3". They all three swear by the clubs sold at Wal-Mart for kids/teens. Say they are the perfect height and really cheap and even come in pink (not my first choice for anything but they are truly ladies).


I just bought some new clubs from Costco. The Mfgr had three different sizes available: Cadet for 5'-6" and under; Regular for 5'-4" to 6'-3" and Tall for 6'-1" and taller.

.

[graciegirl]

Costco has tremendous buying power. That bears looking into.

I do agree with jrjr as to which clubs to get. If you can find any at a garage sale or sometimes golf shops have a barrel of mismatched clubs if you can get them really cheaply, in order to go and hit a bucket of balls. (It is NOT as easy as it looks, believe me)

I also agree with learning correctly. It is a lot of dough but I think you will be glad you spent it to go to decent lessons at Arnold Palmer.

[BarbinNH]

I agree with Russ. I had never golfed before when we moved here in April this year. I just completed the week long course at Palmer "New to Golf;" I'm so glad I did this before buying clubs. Maria Brooks (the instructor) was very good, and our group of 6 women had a lot of fun as well as good instruction. If you don't have clubs, Maria will give you clubs to use during the lessons. At the end of the course you get a "mini-fitting." In the process of the course I learned a lot about clubs and what would be best for me. Also, the course is good for teaching you golf rules and etiquette, as well as technique.

I was so eager to play after the course, that the next day I went out with my husband and used his clubs. YUCK! Although they are good for him, they just didn't work for me. I bought my own clubs the next day.

I bought mine from a golf outlet store on I-75 in Belleview. I also bought my golf shoes there. I got great help in choosing clubs.

There is also a "golf liquidator" store on 466 just east of Morse that was recommended to me as a good place to buy clubs.

If you can afford it, I really recommend starting first with the instruction at Palmer, then buying clubs.

Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

Barb (NOT in NH)

[katezbox]

Hi Barb,

Sounds like you are really getting into TV - us too! Our next door neighbor (also Barbara) played with us for the first time yesterday and used my clubs. I will recommend the class at Palmer to her.

PS - your house is looking good! Finley and I have checked it out on our morning walks.

k

[BarbinNH]

Kate--Thanks for the compliment on the house. Only about a month longer until closing. And, yes, I've really gotten into the whole Villages thing. I'm so busy my head is spinning :loco:

For Sundermann and Kate's OTHER friend named Barbara--I just found out today that there are 3-day beginner courses at Tree Tops Golf on Rolling Acres Road (Palmer's is a 5-day). This might be another way to go. Because they are only 3 days, they are cheaper.

HTH

Barb

[sundermann]

Thanks everyone for the advice - just what I needed - :eclipsee_gold_cup: you are all great!