Advice on Learning to Play Golf

[Francie]

I'll be living in TV for 4 months starting in November. I played golf over 20 years ago, but that was very limited. I want to learn how to play again and enjoy the executive courses. Any advice where to get some lessons, who to call, where to rent some clubs, etc? I'm not in the shape I was 20 years ago, but still want to give it a try and see what I can do.

[Barefoot]

I'll be living in TV for 4 months starting in November. I played golf over 20 years ago, but that was very limited. I want to learn how to play again and enjoy the executive courses. Any advice where to get some lessons, who to call, where to rent some clubs, etc? I'm not in the shape I was 20 years ago, but still want to give it a try and see what I can do.
Francie, what Village will you be living in? We are often looking for lady players starting in November.
Please send me a PM if you're interested.
Our group doesn't take the game too seriously; some of us don't keep score, it's all about having fun and a relaxed game.
I'm sure someone could find golf clubs you could use.

(Before serious golfers yell at me, we play Good Golf, move the game along, and follow the rules.)

[Nucky]

I'll be living in TV for 4 months starting in November. I played golf over 20 years ago, but that was very limited. I want to learn how to play again and enjoy the executive courses. Any advice where to get some lessons, who to call, where to rent some clubs, etc? I'm not in the shape I was 20 years ago, but still want to give it a try and see what I can do.

Mrs. Nucky just got a bag and full set of clubs for $25.00. The man who sells them has over 100 full bag & club sets ready to go mens and ladies clubs. Very accommodating husband and wife team who actually dealt directly with Mr. Harold Schwartz when The Villages just started growing. The irons are Callaways by the way. Send me a PM if you want his address.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Just took lessons from Sandra Chester, Golf Your Best - 352-751-5122

Really enjoyed it and learned a lot.

[justjim]

Lessons will be worth the time, money and effort. Arnold Palmer's is good and so are the professionals at Sarasota practice facility.

[golfing eagles]

Francie, what Village will you be living in? We are often looking for lady players starting in November.
Please send me a PM if you're interested.
Our group doesn't take the game too seriously; some of us don't keep score, it's all about having fun and a relaxed game.
I'm sure someone could find golf clubs you could use.

(Before serious golfers yell at me, we play Good Golf, move the game along, and follow the rules.)

I thought you used hockey sticks:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[kcrazorbackfan]

Lessons will be worth the time, money and effort. Arnold Palmer's is good and so are the professionals at Sarasota practice facility.

:agree:

[sallybowron]

I've heard Sandra Chessney is the best. Phone number given ib an earlier post

[Francie]

I'll be living in the Village of La Belle. Thanks to all for the information and guidance!

[graciegirl]

I'll be living in the Village of La Belle. Thanks to all for the information and guidance!

What amazes and delights me and sometimes annoys me, is that many new to the game do so WELL. I am sure you will fall right back into it as you did play some time ago.. Taking the golf seminar offered by The Villages may be something you'd enjoy.

[kcrazorbackfan]

PLEASE, please, please - learn golf etiquette. Learn how to keep up pace of play, learn how to fix ball marks, sand divots and how to rake bunkers. Be respectful of people's property along the courses. And you know something? You can do all of this and still have fun.

[Fredman]

PLEASE, please, please - learn golf etiquette. Learn how to keep up pace of play, learn how to fix ball marks, sand divots and how to rake bunkers. Be respectful of people's property along the courses. And you know something? You can do all of this and still have fun.

Well said

[David114]

Another vote for Sandra Chester, took a set of six lessons with her last year & will be signing my wife up this year very soon

[IndianaJones]

George at Golf Southern Style at the driving range behind WalMart off of 466. They’re very patient, have a great method, & quite reasonable.

[rubicon]

I like to play with people who like to play ready golf.

Its not so much fun when a player is on his 13th stroke and laments " I'm not giving up" ...but...but...but you are still on the fairway:D

[baustgen]

John Daily said it best "Grip it and rip it". Pick up after double par and keep moving.

[maggie1]

I second the recommendation of George. I've been golfing for 60 years, and during that time I've developed some pretty bad habits. George noticed the flaw(s) immediately, and now I'm hitting the ball straighter and further than ever. And the best part was that I paid nothing, because they offer a free half hour lesson.

[graciegirl]

Francie, what Village will you be living in? We are often looking for lady players starting in November.
Please send me a PM if you're interested.
Our group doesn't take the game too seriously; some of us don't keep score, it's all about having fun and a relaxed game.
I'm sure someone could find golf clubs you could use.

(Before serious golfers yell at me, we play Good Golf, move the game along, and follow the rules.)

Many (Not all) experienced golfers enjoy playing with anyone and most don't keep score on executive courses. In golf you always play your own game and play against your own best. Keeping the pace of play is all that matters to most people who are "serious" golfers.


I remember I wanted to play with your group....Bare. Sigh. I am not golfing anymore.

[SDiMonda]

Sandra Chester

[jpvillager]

If you are like me. I was apprehensive after coming to The Villages and back to golf after many years. Go to a driving range and watch. You will find many others in the same boat. This will give you confidence to smack some balls around yourself. When I play with one group we don't even keep score. We just enjoy being there and each other's company.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Here is the best advice you will ever get regarding learning to play. Caveat...this takes patience.

Start your lessons two feet from the cup and as you master that distance, double it...master...double..master....double..etc

[CFrance]

Many (Not all) experienced golfers enjoy playing with anyone and most don't keep score on executive courses. In golf you always play your own game and play against your own best. Keeping the pace of play is all that matters to most people who are "serious" golfers.


I remember I wanted to play with your group....Bare. Sigh. I am not golfing anymore.
WHAT??? Oh, I'm so sorry. I remember you talking about your group and how much fun you had, and how Helene liked riding along.:(

[golf2140]

Please start on the courses that are rated as one, then as you improve move up the chart. You can get a chart at the golf schools. Good luck.

[TidalWalkers]

I would highly recommend Tom Williams. tomlwilliams@hotmail.com

[GorgeousGrandma]

We took lessons from Sandra Chester at Golf Your Best (352) 751-5122. Both of us learned a lot and loved her teaching style. She gets my vote!

[CFrance]

We took lessons from Sandra Chester at Golf Your Best (352) 751-5122. Both of us learned a lot and loved her teaching style. She gets my vote!
FYI, they lost their lease on 301 and have moved. They are now at the country club located on 44 between Buena Vista and Morse.

[GorgeousGrandma]

I've heard Sandra Chessney is the best. Phone number given ib an earlier post
I would agree ... I have taken lessons at The Villages Golf Academy, also on Rolling Acres, but Sandra Chester (Golf Your Best) was the best teacher. She really customized the lessons to me and showed me how to take advantage of my strengths.

[kaseydog]

i live in charlotte. my cousin & i looking to play golf with a group of ladies who just want to have fun & are not serious.

[daca55]

Just took lessons from Sandra Chester, Golf Your Best - 352-751-5122

Really enjoyed it and learned a lot.


Is Sandra affiliated with the Villages or is she off the the Villages? I have a Villages gift certificate I want to use.

Thanks

Bob

[bagboy]

She is located at Continental Country Club on Route 44. That's outside the Villages. To use a gift card for a golf lesson, check with Palmer CC and the Sarasota practice facility.

[tv2016]

Is Sandra affiliated with the Villages or is she off the the Villages? I have a Villages gift certificate I want to use.

Thanks

Bob


Miriam at Sarasota Golf Academy is very good. Schedule as soon as you can. They are busy this time of year. Have fun!

[dnobles]

I'll be living in TV for 4 months starting in November. I played golf over 20 years ago, but that was very limited. I want to learn how to play again and enjoy the executive courses. Any advice where to get some lessons, who to call, where to rent some clubs, etc? I'm not in the shape I was 20 years ago, but still want to give it a try and see what I can do.
I went to Arnold Palmer for $50a year you can’t rent new clubs. I did this until I decided which clubs I liked. Every 3 Days you can try a different set. If you buy from them the $50 is deducted from the price. Then shop around for the best price

[John_W]

I went to Arnold Palmer for $50a year you can’t rent new clubs. I did this until I decided which clubs I liked. Every 3 Days you can try a different set. If you buy from them the $50 is deducted from the price. Then shop around for the best price

Previously they would let you take clubs out on the course for the day, I think you had to leave a driver's license with them. Just like when they let your use a GPS they're demoing. However, even better for golfers on a budget like myself. Go to the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy and down the hall to the right, just go right by the receptionist desk, the last room on the left is full of sets of all the latest mens clubs. You can pick out anyone you want and they give you balls to hit and walk right out the back door about 10' and hit balls all day. The only negative is you have to hit off the fake grass.

About a year and half ago after reading online reviews I went to the shop and picked out 7 irons from about 5 different sets. After about an hour of hitting balls I decided on Taylormade PSI 1's with graphite shafts. They've got slots on each side of the face which makes the entire area a sweet spot. You can hit it on the toe and still almost get full carry. Also, from 8 iron on down are speed slots on the bottom of each iron. Later I went to the Sarasota pro shop and found the clubs for $850 for a set of irons 4 thru pw. I came home, went on eBay and found them brand new in the box with free shipping and no tax for $399 from a seller who had 100% feedback from over 20,000 customers.

http://www.golfalot.com/Portals/0/imagesblogs/taylormade/psiirons/reviewhero.jpg

[GorgeousGrandma]

You are right! Sandra is the best (but her last name is Chester...not Chessney)
She is the owner/pro at Golf Your Best on Rt. 44 (Continental CC)
352-751-5122

[Barefoot]

You are right! Sandra is the best (but her last name is Chester...not Chessney)
She is the owner/pro at Golf Your Best on Rt. 44 (Continental CC) 352-751-5122
Happinow posted a few years back about an Instructor at Continental CC offering a free lesson.
I guess Sandra Chester is the new owner/pro?

[Paddygirl]

I live north of 466 and am very new to golf. I would love to play with some gals who wanna have fun. I have my own clubs, it's time I started using them!

[eweissenbach]

I have always told people who are contemplating taking up golf that it is a game you have to be willing to be bad at. Some people can't stand to do anything at which they can't excel, and if that's you, stay away from golf. Take a few lessons, and don't get discouraged when you flub a shot - just keep hacking. I still flub an occasional shot after more tan fifty years of playing. In fact I sawPhil Mickelson flub a couple shots today at Torrey Pines, so just keep going and enjoy. Take pleasure in the decent shots you hit and rejoice in the twelve foot putt you drop occasionally. Keep moving, don't sulk, play the correct tees, don't take five practice strokes, pick up after double par, throw the ball out of the bunker after two tries, and have fun - so will your playing partners no matter their skill level. The game isn't for everyone, but with the right attitude it can provide tremendous fun and comeraderie no matter how skilled you become. See you on the first tee box.

[CFrance]

I have always told people who are contemplating taking up golf that it is a game you have to be willing to be bad at. Some people can't stand to do anything at which they can't excel, and if that's you, stay away from golf. Take a few lessons, and don't get discouraged when you flub a shot - just keep hacking. I still flub an occasional shot after more tan fifty years of playing. In fact I sawPhil Mickelson flub a couple shots today at Torrey Pines, so just keep going and enjoy. Take pleasure in the decent shots you hit and rejoice in the twelve foot putt you drop occasionally. Keep moving, don't sulk, play the correct tees, don't take five practice strokes, pick up after double par, throw the ball out of the bunker after two tries, and have fun - so will your playing partners no matter their skill level. The game isn't for everyone, but with the right attitude it can provide tremendous fun and comeraderie no matter how skilled you become. See you on the first tee box.
eweissen... welcome bach!

I'm very good at court sports, very bad at golf. I enjoy being outside on the beautiful courts, and spending time with three good friends. So I'm terrible at golf but so what. It's fun. I care about my court sports play but am lucky to just enjoy golf without needing to excel.

Good to hear from you again. Hope you are doing well.

[Maddie2009]

I am a new kid on the block and will be returning to TV, hopefully in Oct. I have said that I would like to learn how to play golf too. Why not, so many golf courses here. My knowledge of golf is zero. I can play other sports, but not golf. I too would like to try and join you, Barefoot, for the game and have fun. I am in Polo Ridge. Hope you have another space then. Thank you.

Ratana

[CFrance]

Please keep Bare in mind, Maddie. We are always looking for newbies. We are really baaaaaaaaaaaaaad golfers but have a lot of fun.

[mtdjed]

You will not learn to play good golf on the executive courses with Villagers, where people say That's my Mulligan, Did anyone see where it went?, Let me get my clubs and I'll walk to my ball, let's play a scramble. lessons and practice are needed.

My wife told me tonight after 11 years here that she needs a new set of clubs because her clubs do no have a sweet spot. Mine don't either that I can find and I am sure they are bent and the heads are loose. How else could the ball that I hit do what it just did. So I guess we both should get a new set. Also she says that she has been told that sets from Target and Walmart do no have sweet spots.

Sweet spots insure that when you hit the ball , it will fly high , long and straight

[Barefoot]

Please keep Bare in mind, Maddie. We are really baaaaaaaaaaaaaad golfers but have a lot of fun.Speak for yourself, wench. :girlneener:
Yes, we are really bad golfers! Please keep us in mind Ratana and Paddygirl.

[John_W]

You will not learn to play good golf on the executive courses with Villagers, where people say That's my Mulligan, Did anyone see where it went?, Let me get my clubs and I'll walk to my ball, let's play a scramble. lessons and practice are needed...



Everytime I'm on the championship courses, I say thank heaven they have the executives. Can you imagine if all those same people were out on Cane Garden or Havana, etc. An 18 hole round would take 5 to 6 hours. Everytime I have lunch at Bob Evans I realize that the executive golf groups real objective is the restaurant get-togethers afterwards.

[Maddie2009]

Thank you all for your advice and invitation to join your group. Fun and friendships are the top main reasons I am at TV! Will be in touch again in Oct or Nov. Until then, enjoy and stay well.

Ratana