"Double Par" is not a "rule" it's a suggestion to help speed up play.

I realize you jest, but proper shorts/trousers are required too, so speedos wouldn't be allowed...the flip-flops would. :-)

I'm so new to golf that I just pray I actually Hit the ball! I don't intend to ever hold anyone up, so please feel free to ask me if you want to play through! Some of us are just learning this game at this late age, so we can also enjoy some of the most beautiful land in the world --on golf courses!

And we are very glad you are. None on this is meant to discourage anyone. Enjoy yourself, it is wonderful to have all of these courses for a pittance. We live like Kings here. Don't we?

I like your attitude, but unfortunately playing through is not a solution in most cases. In the villages the courses are generally booked solid, so if you let someone play through, the next group is likely to be right on top of you. The best advice is to just keep moving, don't spend a lot of time looking for wayward balls, pick up out of the sand after one failed attempt, and pick up at double par. Score or strict interpretation of the rules of golf don't matter in a recreational round, especially for a beginner. Keep moving, enjoy the round, go to the range occasionally, and pretty soon you will begin to hit the ball more consistently.

I don't know about that meaning a newbie. I have been golfing for a lot of years and some of that list applies to me now and again LOL ;)

They're not exactly tennis shoes, but Freddie Couples and a few other guys on the tours have been wearing sneaker type shoes with no spikes.

Not sure if this is just a new golfer, but I've come to notice when a group of ladies are playing in front of us they never give a putt.
They're all up huddled around the hole marking their ball and deciding who putts next. Holy cow, give a putt now and then that's over 2 inches. :pray:

i suppose you started out with a brand new set of calloways

The difference is you will get up and down with the wedge, they won't even get close to the pin.

If they're constantly saying "don't count that, don't count that, don't count that" LOL

Saw the ad on the tv...
 

not necessarily new to golf though. I've played with folks that've played for decades who don't count their poor shots.

Or concede their own six footers.

two tips for new golfers
 

ok, so I've been observing Sweetgum (Exec course) players for a few months now. Aside from all the tips noted above, here's my two cents worth to immediately improve every newbie golfer out there:

A. Tuck your golf shirt in your pants. (some of you guys look like you just got off the train)

B. Take a (real) practice stroke. (no fakes)

You may not score any better, but you will look better trying :-)

No charge.:icon_wink:

Brand new golfer: someone who addresses the ball twice: once before swinging and once again after swinging.

When their foot is stuck in the hole and they can't get up!!!!!!!!!!

SOME new golfers don't fix ball marks or rake sand traps. But some DO.

i am not a new golfer and i do not fix ball marks because there are none on the hard packed greens as for the sand traps i do not rake because nobody does, dont want to go against the norm --- some people love the courses the way they are and i do not want to change that

Now now.

Sorry but that really bothers me. When I am playing for money, I hate when my ball goes in the sand and lands in some giant foot print made by someone who doesn't rake !!

Hopefully, not everyone feels that way!!!?

I think you're kidding, right? :confused:

I'm hopeful they are joking. Speaking only of the executive courses I've played, there are some who apparently don't care how they leave the course behind them for others to play on. My guess is it happens on the championship courses as well. I'm not at the level yet I would feel comfortable playing them. I believe how you conduct yourself on a golf course is just as important as anywhere else you tread.

I generally fix five or six ball marks on every green and rake out my own, and other peoples footprints in the bunker. I have never played anywhere with as many unrepaired ball marks and un raked bunkers as the executive corses in TV.

I'm about a 6 month golfer....really enjoying it. A few weeks back I said "OMG, I forgot to rake the sand on the last hole." NOBODY in my foursome say "Don't worry about it." I felt horrible. I think most people comply.

It is amazing how quickly new golfers become seasoned golfers. I hope all of you just starting out enjoy golf for years and years. We have the most wonderful opportunity here without the usual expense. Hit 'em straight.

Everyone has to learn. Instead of finding fault offer polite suggestions.

Nobody I know fix their ball marks. They don't hit the tennis ball hard enough to cause a divot on the hard court.

This was supposedly for fun. But helpful nonetheless in a non critical way.

Requirement for beginners:

Classic Honeymooners Golf Scene - YouTube

You know you are an "old" golfer when your shirt is tucked in and your pants are hiked up to your armpits.
Black knee socks with shorts anyone?

Gracie Girl love ya! I happen to work as both a starter and ambassador on Executive Courses and really LOVE IT!. I most times meet the nicest people in the world. I say sometimes because there are some trying times.

The idea of executive courses is in my opinion is to have a place for many retired people who have worked very hard in their life to get to a point where they can now enjoy life!

Many of the people who play executive golf courses are newbies. They probable have taken a lesson or two or maybe not. The point is when one plays these courses they should be prepared for what is in front of them.

Great people out to have a good time with friends and neighbors. If there are golfers out there that are unhappy about this............Spend the money and play the Championship Courses!

We are retired and somewhat oldish but not dead and we deserve to have fun without anyone thinking that we should all be pro golfers.

It is true that clothes do not make a golfer but if they feel they look the part that is all that should matter.

As far as hitting a driver on a 75 yard hole, as they say it is now how but how may in the hole

I agree

I agree. I have met many starters and ambassadors with great attitudes towards their jobs on all the executive courses I've been able to play so far. I wear the clothes required to be on these courses and don't really care how some " pro" golfers think I should look. I'm there to have fun.:jester:

I agree with everything in your post except what I have made bold. If I am misreading your meaning in the comments in bold, I apologize ahead of time.

I read your post as meaning slow play is OK on executive course and if folks are delayed because of it get over it and go play a championship course. It really surprised me that an ambassador would make such a statement. I can understand a "golfer" with an 'entitled' attitude making such a statement but not an ambassador.



Am I reading your intent incorrectly?

I agree AJ, slow golf should not be considered acceptable. I find it is less about experience and skill, and more about awareness and courtesy.

If you're playing for money you should try to hit the green instead of the sand with your approach shot, you'll probably have a better chance to win more money.:smiley:

Good idea !! I'll try to work on that. :D

First, I have not read this entire thread because I find it insulting. We have not played a round of golf yet, but would like to. We went to golf school @ Palmer and know just the basics. We will not be very good at it and now worry that others will redicule us because of it. Golf is new to us and we want to enjoy it, but I don't want to slow other players down by our lack of experience. So I'm sorry if I look foolish playing in front of you, I'd just like to enjoy it like everyone else.

This thread was just for fun. We have all been new to the game of golf. Like Tiger, one day you win the tournament and the next day, it's like you've never picked up a club in your life. There are some good days and some pretty bad ones. ;) Okay, so I'm talking about me. LOL Trust me, most people have no problem with newbies. I'm always getting my friends that never golfed to start golfing. It's fun just being out with friends and enjoying life. You'll be just fine. Enjoy !!

LOL!!! Great post and very true. You are going about it the right way, good for you. Enjoy the game it is much fun.