Taking up Golf

[CarGuys]

Anxiety as the arrival date gets closer!

Were there any of you new Villagers out there like myself and my wife.

Althetic but not super Jocks

No were near as felxible at age 60 as age 26. A board comes to mind!

Never ever played Golf but watched it on TV!

Tell everyone you don't like Golf when in fact you would like to but are to embarassed to try.

Where did you start? Or with the above mentioned do we stay off the course and just stay in the Gym?

:gc:

[rp001]

find a good instructor, stick with him, and practice..You'll love it...Palmer has a great "new to golf " program that is a week long and mostly has new residents...Plus of course you have to go to the "good golf" seminar put on by the villages..Also,mostly new residents..Welcome and enjoy the ride...hang on..

[George Bieniaszek]

My wife and I were in your shoes recently!! We bought a villa in Pennecamp 2 years ago and this past winter decided that taking up golf bubbled up to the top of our "Bucket List".

Definately take some lessons first, that way you have no bad habits to break :)

We took lessons at Tree Top Golf with their Get Golf Ready with Mike Girard. Tree Tops is located just outside the Villages on Rolling Acres Road, phone number 352-259-2313. The Villages also have a similar program and we thought that we got more bang for the buck going with Tree Tops.

Played a couple of games with friends and we are really enjoying the game and learning new things. We bought men's and lady's starter sets of clubs from Dick's Sporting Goods. They had a great sale when we were in the market.

Here is Tree Tops web site to look at: Tree Tops Golf (http://www.golftreetops.com)

Good luck and enjoy!!!

[CarGuys]

Thanks so much!

[LatDoc]

I started late in life...so to speak.
Got involved with "natural golf" and loved the system.
You may want to look at it online...now run by the Graves brothers.
They are in Oklahoma but have a place in Orlando.
I am still doing it after 13 years....they have a website...check it out.
Good luck....it is a wonderful game.

[liere]

Prior to buying my house last year, I stayed with friends from Calumet Grove for a week. They started golfing a few years ago, so they took me to the driving range to hit balls. Two days before I left, they took me out on one of the nearby golf courses, late in the day so there was noone ahead of or behind us. Not being athletically inclined, I thought I would never be able to hit the ball very far....boy was I surprised!!! Had a great time.....and yes, after 6 strokes I moved on to the next hole...haha. Went to the driving range a few times after returning home, took a few lessons, and when I visited again, they took me to one of the "beginner" courses.....when I teed off the first hole I was very nervous as the group who were going to be behind us were sitting on benches watching us....I just hoped to hit the ball !!! When we were done I was happy to say that I had gotten one over par on 5 of the holes!!! Had a good time, and that is all that mattered. Once I move to TV permanently, I will take more lessons and play more regularly.
And yes, I also said I never liked golf thinking I would never be able to hit the ball far enough from the tee!

[getdul981]

My wife and I were very adament that we would not take up golf when we moved to TV. Who in their right mind would hit a ball with a stick and then go chase it and try to get it in a little hole somewhere way out there? Well, after we moved, we soon changed our minds. We heard of an instructor over at Water Oaks named Bud Dickson and went to see him. We didn't even have clubs. We took lessons for a few weeks, bought some clubs and now we really enjoy playing. We play once or twice a week with the folks in our neighborhood and occasionally, we play with just the two of us. You can just walk up to the starter's shack late in the afternoon and usually walk (or drive) right on the course. Try it, You'll like it!

[clod]

New to Golf lessons are a great idea. The Villages "good golf" seminar is free every few weeks and should be mandatory to learn how the local system works & what golf etiquette is. Then, have fun!

:coolsmiley:

[Posh 08]

I'm coming back to the game after 20 years away from it. I have a set of irons that "will do" but looking at drivers has me stifled. Pricey and big, when did that happen. Any recommendations for a good driver that is not $300?

[jimbo2012]

Try shopping used at 3ballsgolf (http://www.3balls.com), they give U 30 days to return, great prices and the used quality as stated is correct.

I picked up nice R9 driver a few months for $90

[Posh 08]

Try shopping used at 3ballsgolf (http://www.3balls.com), they give U 30 days to return, great prices and the used quality as stated is correct.

I picked up nice R9 driver a few months for $90

Thanks! :smiley:

[asianthree]

keep your head down and let people play thru you will enjoy some days and others not so much

[jimbo2012]

Another place to buy "experienced clubs" is Callaway (http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/?vehicle=email&ecid=cgolf.4657AH&gcid=2012-06-26-CGPO-Buy-More-Save-More&ssoid=A1F2651A-A043-4877-85C2-26D6E20CC6F7)

upto $125 off

[Bogie Shooter]

There is a used club sale, once a month, at Palmer CC Golf Academy.

[Posh 08]

Another place to buy "experienced clubs" is Callaway (http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/?vehicle=email&ecid=cgolf.4657AH&gcid=2012-06-26-CGPO-Buy-More-Save-More&ssoid=A1F2651A-A043-4877-85C2-26D6E20CC6F7)

upto $125 off

Thanks again!

[Posh 08]

There is a used club sale, once a month, at Palmer CC Golf Academy.

Thank you, good to know.

[ajbrown]

Try shopping used at 3ballsgolf (http://www.3balls.com), they give U 30 days to return, great prices and the used quality as stated is correct.

I picked up nice R9 driver a few months for $90

The warehouse is close to my northern seasonal home. Great site, have used without issue many times.

In fact, I just received a 'new to me' TaylorMade Rescue R9 22 degree. I need the new weapon where I play as they have let the rough go to 4 inches and FAT chance I can hit a long iron out of it :D

[eweissenbach]

I have purchased both used and new clubs and other accessories from globalgolf.com and have been very satisfied with both price and quality.

When new to golf, you shouldn't worry about embarrassing yourself or making more experienced partners and others feel you are getting in their way. One of the truly great things about golf is that people of different abilities can play and enjoy the game together. When we are in TV, we (my friend James and I - our wives don't play) sign up for tee times online and play with whomever we are paired with. It is fun and interesting as some are brand new, some experienced, some very good, and some very bad. As long as they keep moving and are congenial (which almost everyone is) we enjoy each other's company. One gentlemen we played with apologized before we started for being a beginner. I responded that I have been a beginner for fifty years -- we had a great time btw.

As to the point about keeping moving, that is the main thing to keep in mind in my opinion. No one cares if you hit a poor shot as long as you don't spend a long time looking for the ball. If you hit it into a spot where it may be lost - look for a moment and drop a new ball in the area and keep going. Also, don't take ten practice swings, get up to the ball, address it (hello ball) and take one or two swings to get into rhythm, and hit away. Once you have reached double par (six on a par three, eight on a par four), pick your ball up and move to the next tee. Being a stickler for the rules is a necessity for an experienced golfer, but for a new golfer you should just try to hit the ball solidly and enjoy your successes - don't worry about the score, other than to try and improve on it as you progress. Finally, don't get discouraged and don't constantly apologize for your bad shots or bad game, we all have those and we understand. Have fun - you'll meet a lot of great people and have a healthy diversion.

[jimbo2012]

First few times I played the folks with me suggested playing double ball, this is where you hit two shots then play the better of those. But you need to be quick about it.

It builds confidence.

[eweissenbach]

First few times I played the folks with me suggested playing double ball, this is where you hit two shots then play the better of those. But you need to be quick about it.

It builds confidence.

That wouldn't bother me, but the starters and ambassadors might not agree.

[ajbrown]

Learn etiquette, google it, read it and you are way ahead.

One couple we were paired with on an executive course was new to the game. They were taking lessons and learning. They played a two person scramble (both hit shots, select best one, both hit from there). They were having a great time.

My wife always used a tee when starting her golf journey no matter where the ball was.

You do not always have to go to the next tee after so many shots, if you dub the tee ball, dub the second and third, pick it up and drop near the green to practice chipping and putting.

You have one positive thing going for you as you start your journey. You will experience the joy of achievements and improvement at a rate that none of us will ever see again. One week you will be wondering if you will make contact with the ball and the next you will start to wonder how far each club goes. You may go from shooting 150 to 110 in your first year. My scores are headed the other way in the game but still trying :D.

One thing I wish to add about pace of play that I hear folks telling beginners. Letting a group play through because you are slow is NOT a normal practice and will slow down a course that is crowded. You will have no issue keeping up so do not worry about it.

[ajbrown]

First few times I played the folks with me suggested playing double ball, this is where you hit two shots then play the better of those. But you need to be quick about it.

It builds confidence.

Most of the course I play actually tell you NOT to do that, double the time and double the damage (divots, ball marks, etc). If I am on a wide open course with plenty of time I like to hit various shots, but I try to minimize damage. Fix extra marks on greens, do not hit shots from the exact same spot.

I do play two balls too often, but the second ball is called a provisional :ohdear:

[Posh 08]

Anyone have experience with the FJ casual contour shoe. The spikeless one. The lady at APL CC said they were very popular.

[Dhollingsworthus]

I'm coming back to the game after 20 years away from it. I have a set of irons that "will do" but looking at drivers has me stifled. Pricey and big, when did that happen. Any recommendations for a good driver that is not $300?

I have a relatively new Cobra that is a sweet club that is for sale (with many other clubs). Call 763-772-8947 if you want to look at it. Priced $ 150 w/head cover

[DonH57]

I never played golf until moving here. I first went to the good golf class and then attended new to golf at Palmer. Since then it's been practice, practice, practice.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Find a PGA Golf Professional and take several lessons. do not expect to be able to play after two or three lessons. Many professionals have a package of six or so lessons and most people need at least two series of six lessons before they should venture out onto a golf course.
The Villages has something called, The Good Golf Course, which I understand will give you the basics of some of the rules, etiquette and procedures that you need to know in order to get around the course, have a good time and not interfere with other people's good time. I strongly suggest a course of this type.

[rockyisle]

Go see Sandra Chester at the Oxford Driving Range - or go out to Golf Your Best, Inc. (GYBI) (352) 446-2255 cell (352) 751-5122 office - Home (http://www.golfyourbest.com) and see her videos and pricing. She is THE BEST golf teacher money can buy. She's funny, she's serious, she will teach you to play the game in a way you will learn quickly and effectively. She is an LPGA Golf Pro and a top notch trainer. You won't be sorry...
And, Welcome to the Villages

[bandsdavis]

I'm coming back to the game after 20 years away from it. I have a set of irons that "will do" but looking at drivers has me stifled. Pricey and big, when did that happen. Any recommendations for a good driver that is not $300?

There are many, many options for buying drivers and other clubs that are 1 or 2 years "old" in terms of being "the latest thing" for $100 or less. Go to some of the discount golf places, or to some of the bigger retailers like Dick's and look around. No need to buy the latest thing when you are just starting out. As far as drivers go, TaylorMade is the most popular, just buy one that is not pre-owned but is a couple years old in terms of technology. It will work very well for you.

[jimbo2012]

You can get very good lightly used clubs at callawaygolfpreowned.com and 3balls.com.

Both have ez return policies

[DonH57]

I found my starter set at a garage sale at a great price, a proper fit and a decently built set . As a new golfer I don't see buying more and more expensive clubs until I'm playing good enough to pay our mortgage. I really don't think that will happen anytime soon. LOL.